Brazos Bend State Park: A Treasure in Our Own Backyard

Brazos Bend State Park is a 5,000-acre treasure in our backyard on the southeast border of Fort Bend County.  The plethora of activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, equestrian, and fishing.  The park website is:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/brazos_bend/

However, heed the warnings to pay due respect to alligators, which are numerous in some areas of the park. Often sunning themselves on bike and hiking trails, they are completely disinterested in humans. However, dogs seem to be a delicacy; so, leave Fido at home.  

Children, of all ages, are encouraged to to take advantage of the at least three free interpretive programs and hikes that are offered every weekend.

For smaller children are air condition seekers, there the Nature Center is open Monday - Friday from 11 a.m - 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and displays a "hands-on" alligator discovery area, a tactile model of the park, freshwater aquarium, live native snake species, a touch table and an open-captioned orientation video for all visitors including those with hearing impairments.

The crowning jewel of Brazos Bend Park is The George Observatory that is located in the park and is open Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.  For information on stargazing programs/passes and other programs, call the Observatory at 979/553-3400 or at 281/242-3055 (as a satellite of the Houston Museum of Natural Science) or visit the George Observatory web site.

Karen Naumann, APR