The top things to do in Gonzales, Texas, include Pioneer Village and the free Come And Take It Celebration.
Gonzalez, Texas, is a small town in South Texas and one of the oldest towns in the state, with much to celebrate. It’s one of the earliest Anglo-American settlements in the Lone Star State. Gonzales is known as the “Lexington of Texas” because it was the site of the first battle in the Texas Revolution and still proudly bears its nickname today. Here are the top things to do in Gonzales, Texas.
You’ll fall in love with this small town in Texas of over 7,500 people, just over an hour east of San Antonio. Some might drive by Gonzales and not know the hidden gems they pass by. Don’t be those people. It’s a fun place to learn about early Texas history.
Things To Do In Gonzales, Texas, With Kids
Follow along as I show you some fun things to do in Gonzales with kids and why you should add this town to your list of places to visit, especially if you have a child who has already studied Texas history in school.
The Pioneer Village Living History Center
Pioneer Village is an outdoor living history center on the edge of town, just a short drive from downtown. A walk through the village will take you back in time, telling the story of the settlers who came to Gonzales, Texas, in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Each structure has been donated to Pioneer Village and carefully relocated to the grounds for preservation and display. Most of the furnishings and equipment found within these structures were either loaned or donated to help represent the cultural lifestyle of the pioneers who settled in this area. They give excellent insight into life before we had so many modern conveniences.
You can explore different buildings from various eras, including the blacksmith shop, saloon, and Hamon Church, a cypress-sided building still used for special events and weddings. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to witness several demonstrations during your visit, learning how Texans lived and worked in centuries past.
Texas Travel Tip: Make plans to visit Pioneer Village on the first Saturday in October – during the famed Come and Take It Celebration weekend, where you will discover a battle reenactment. More below.
Christmastime At The Pioneer Village
Another great time to visit Pioneer Village is during holidays, when you can enjoy the Stars in the Village event. You’ll love seeing the old church decorated for Christmas. On select December nights, you can see Santa, eat cookies, roast marshmallows, pop popcorn over an open fire, and see beautiful Christmas lights.
Walk Through The Gonzales County Jail Museum
In the heart of downtown Gonzales is one of the oldest historic jails in Texas. Visit the Gonzales Old Jail Museum ($2 admission), a jail that has been working for over 90 years, where you can walk through the Sheriff’s office, jailer’s quarters, dungeon, and gallows. There were actual hangings in this jail, and you’ll see the hole in the wall used for escapees.
Texas Travel Tip: Plan your visit, as they are only open on specific days of the week and at varying times.
See The Cannon At Gonzales Memorial Museum
By the end of elementary school, any child in Texas public schools has likely studied the history of Texas. A significant portion of that occurred right here in Gonzales, Texas.
The historical cannon is inside the Gonzales Memorial Museum, not at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.. You can touch it, too (you can’t exactly do that in D.C.)
October’s Annual Come And Take It Celebration
The Annual Come and Take It Celebration commemorates the first shot fired in the Texas Revolution and is a significant reason visitors travel to Gonzales. It’s the weekend, the town comes alive, bursting with visitors from around the state, the country, and the world.
The celebration takes place on the first weekend of October, and you’ll want to book lodging well in advance, as some of the unique places to stay, such as the Dilworth Inn, fill up quickly.
The festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, filling the town square with activities such as live music, a 5K run/walk, and the famous parade, complete with a camel. There will also be a mechanical bull, a chicken flying contest, a petting zoo, carnival rides, a car show, and the battle reenactment I mentioned earlier.
For over 200 years, Gonzales has celebrated this pivotal event. The town center has food vendors, concert stands, and an old-school carnival. A parade marches alongside Civil War homes, and a reenactment plays at the Pioneer Village. It is historical fun for all ages from morning until night.
Visitors will witness a battle re-enactment, complete with gunfire and cannon fire.
Shop In Downtown Gonzales
If there’s one thing I know about visiting anywhere, walking around without a destination often leads to surprises and extra fun. Gonzales was no exception. While you’re shopping downtown, notice the incredible murals around you.
Coca-Cola Mural
Discover this cool Coca-Cola mural on a building just down the block from the Come and Take It Bar and Grill. Snap a photo for Instagram!
Laurel Ridge Antiques And Inn
Laurel Ridge Antiques and Inn—While this is a much-loved bed and breakfast, the antique store on two floors is just as much loved. You might even spy a Christmas-decorated golf cart showing you the way by appointment on Monday and Tuesday.
Come and Take It Wall Mosaic
The most beautiful large mosaic featuring the cannon is across the street from Laurel Ridge Antiques and Christmas Corner.
Main Street Marketplace
Many new vendors are constantly coming in, and they’re all gearing up for the festival in October. You can find antiques, replicas of the past, and lots of household goods.
Visit The Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library
I recommend the Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library for older kids and teenagers. There are two fascinating finds located deep within the local library.
- The DuBose Collection is one of the largest private gun collections in the United States. The collection was curated by Charles DuBose, a Gonzales native who graduated from Gonzales High School before entering the Army. His collecting began when he purchased some guns in Germany years ago.
- The Mary Elizabeth Tinsley, Texas History Center is just across the library from The DuBose Collection. History lovers will geek out over the signed letters from Sam Houston and other memorabilia hanging on the walls.
Eggleston House
It was one of the first houses built and is considered the oldest in Gonzales. The house has a fascinating history.
Hang Out By The River In Independence Park
Independence Park is located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. It offers a 2-plus-mile hiking trail and beautiful views of the river. What a perfect place to rest.
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