Fredericksburg is one of the most charming places in Texas Hill Country, and a visit here makes a perfect day or weekend trip. What to do in Fredericksburg? Learn about the German immigrants who settled the area in the mid-19th century after long journeys from their homeland; discover how this landlocked area played a critical role in the Pacific Theater in World War 2; and enjoy the unique and locally owned shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and inns. Fredericksburg is less than a 90-minute drive from San Antonio and Austin, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Here are 5 top places to visit and things to do in Fredericksburg.
#1 Vereins Kirche
Located in the center of town at Marktplatz, the Vereins Kirche, or “Society Church,” you see today is a recreation of an octagonal structure constructed by the original German immigrants. It’s now a small museum that’s worth a short visit. You’ll come to understand how the Germans settled the town and how important the structure was to this community in the 1840s.
The building’s design mimicked churches in the area of Germany from where the designer emigrated. Back in the mid-19th century, the Vereins Kirche was home to two denominations — Catholics and Evangelical Protestants — who alternated use of the building on Sundays. Besides being a house of worship, Vereins Kirche also served as a town hall and a school.
What I found so interesting was that each museum display had 3 informational panels describing what was happening in Texas, Fredericksburg, and the Vereins Kirche at different times. By sharing information on these 3 levels, you gain a deeper understanding of what was happening at the time for the entire area, this town, and some of the people who settled there.
The museum’s exhibits include original documents (like baptismal and marriage certificates), tools, and photographs documenting life all those years ago. Today’s museum is set in a lovely park with gardens behind the building. 325 W. Main St. 830-990-8441.
#2 Pioneer Museum
Like a visit to the Vereins Kirche, stopping at the Pioneer Museum provides a richer appreciation of life for those living in the early days of Fredericksburg and for 19th-century settlers elsewhere in America. The Pioneer Museum is actually a series of buildings to visit, including log homes, a bathhouse, a barn, a one-room schoolhouse, a smokehouse, a Sunday House, and a fire department museum.
As you enter each structure, a short audio interpretation plays so you can hear how that structure was used in that period. For example, at the Sunday House, you’ll learn how some settlers, living far out in the countryside, built one-room dwellings in town for weekend trips to attend church and trade for necessary provisions.
Also, at the bathhouse, you’ll hear about how it was a popular stop for travelers to get a bath, haircut, and shave as they passed through town and headed elsewhere.
Take the extra 12 minutes before beginning your self-guided walking tour to watch a video providing historical context for what you will soon see as you stroll through the museum.
Finally, the Pioneer Museum offers historic walking tours of Fredericksburg (March-October) led by a descendant of the original German settlers. 325 W. Main Street, 830-990-8441.
#3 Main Street Stroll
Fredericksburg has some great shops, art galleries, restaurants, and inns. The shops along Main Street and side streets offer quite a selection of antiques, candy, furniture, home decor, handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and much more. There are unique offerings that are a welcome change from our all too ubiquitous chain stores back home. In addition, there are several venues with live music to enjoy some relaxing downtime.
#4 Bites, Brews, and Wine
There are plenty of places to find a relaxing meal, a freshly brewed beer, a wine tasting — or even some delicious pie. Search online (TripAdvisor or Yelp) for what tickles your fancy while you’re in town: BBQ, German food, pizza, steaks, coffee shops, bistros, and more.
Consider one of the many breweries or wineries in the area for some liquid refreshments.
You can’t leave without a pie from Fredericksburg Pie Company. What did I take with me? Peach/blueberry and cherry pies. Yum! (I did share the pies with others.)
#5 National Museum of the Pacific War
Located in the heart of Fredericksburg stands the National Museum of the Pacific War — an excellent museum dedicated to the Pacific War during World War 2. Why Fredericksburg? It just so happens that the top admiral in the entire U.S. military during WW2 was born in Fredericksburg … Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
As you approach the museum entrance you will be struck by the display of a genuine WW2 United States submarine conning tower. Then you’ll notice other displays of WW2 equipment, including a torpedo launcher from a WW2 destroyer and various field artillery pieces. To history buffs, this is an enticing way to start a visit to the museum.
Once inside, you will experience the step-by-step evolution of Asia and Japan and their relationship with the United States, starting from the early 1900s to the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The Pearl Harbor attack and its immediate aftermath are chronicled. Then comes a progression of well-done displays, each describing the successive battles that led to the loss of the Philippines to the victory at Midway to Okinawa, and finally to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and ultimately, Japan’s surrender. During this entire time, Fredericksburg native Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur together were in command of the entire Pacific war for the United States.
Within the museum are many displays augmented by videos describing key events during the Pacific war together with actual weapons of war, including a Japanese mini-sub, a B-25 bomber, an F4F Wildcat fighter, a small field tank, and various artillery pieces.
Plaza of the Presidents
Outside is a display commemorating the ten U.S. presidents who served during World War 2: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.
Memorial Garden
Also outside is a Memorial Garden dedicated to the people, units, and ships who served in the Pacific Theater.
The Garden of Peace
This tranquil spot is a Japanese garden that was given as a gift from the Japanese people “with prayers for everlasting peace through the goodwill of our two nations, symbolized by the friendship and respect that existed between Admiral Togo and Admiral Nimitz.”
Another WW2 learning experience is at the Pacific Combat Zone, part of the museum complex.
This is an unexpected gem, so don’t hesitate to set aside at least a few hours to go back in time to one of the most critical periods in US history. 311 E Austin St, 830-997-8600.
Brief History of Fredericksburg
Due, in part, to poor living conditions and other struggles in Germany during the first half of the 1800s, many people were lured to the U.S. by land speculation outfits. The folks endured harsh conditions and illness crossing the Atlantic Ocean and even once they landed in Texas.
Historical accounts explain that of over 6,000 Germans who arrived in Texas at the time, many died, and only about 1,500 actually ended up at their intended destinations in the area. As it turned out, just a little over 100 hardy souls walked and rode horses to the now Fredericksburg area. Otfrid Hans Freiherr von Meusebach — later Americanized to John O. Meusebach — founded this community in 1846 and later served as a state senator. A plaque in his honor stands outside the Vereins Kirche in the center of town.
Maps
Nearby Attractions
Just 18 miles north of Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — a great place for hiking, mountain climbing, picnicking, and camping. Enchanted Rock is a massive dome-shaped rock for hiking and climbing. Also, Enchanted Rock has other spectacular scenery to explore on the well-maintained trails.
Day Trips
Not far from Fredericksburg are the big cities of Austin and San Antonio, with incredible history, culture, recreational options, and fantastic food scenes.
Final Thoughts
Fredericksburg is a lovely place to explore — a short drive away from the metropolises of Austin and San Antonio. A visit to Fredericksburg takes you to a bygone era while still providing plenty of enticing shopping, eating, and lodging options. For detailed information on all things Fredericksburg, check out the Fredericksburg Attractions & Dining Guide. If your trip to town is timed just right for live theater, check out the Fredericksburg Theater Company to find out what’s playing.
Comments
Please share your experiences and suggestions for other places to visit in the Texas Hill Country. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
Once a year I think in April there open houses of the one room school houses in this area. We really enjoyed it.
https://historicschools.org/
Oh, that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing the information on the open houses, Lauren!