Tours

Historic Tour Overview | Driving Tour Directions | Historic Walking Tour | Scenic Drives

Historical, Wildflower & Scenic Drives

We have two trails for your driving enjoyment. Both start on US 183 south of Gonzales and bring you back to the city. They are designed to help visitors enjoy the glorious wildflowers in season, while learning about Texas history in beautiful Gonzales County. Choose one trail or drive both for the full adventure.

Western Scenic Drive

1. The first trail goes south on US 183 to the intersection of SH 97, turning right on 97 toward Cost.
   • Near the town of Cost there will be a monument on the right, that commemorates the 'Come & Take It battle, where the first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired on Oct. 2, 1835.
2. At Cost, turn right on to FM 466, staying on this road until the intersection of SH 80.
3. Turn right on to SH 80 and go to the intersection of SH 90-A, turning right on to 90-A.
4. Proceed until you reach FM 2091, where you will have a choice to make.
   • You can turn left on to FM 2091, where you will see a number of flower fields, and drive through a unique area of the San Marcos River to Palmetto State Park. For a real treat, stop at the park and enjoy the nature trails.
   • You may go a short distance down 90-A, turning right on FM 2091, where a historical marker notes the the saga of a founding family, then you may follow the road to Lake Wood Recreation Area, a GBRA park. Or...
   • You can remain on SH 90-A, going back in to Gonzales.
5. These final two steps if you choose to drive north on FM 2091. Shortly after going through Palmetto State Park and Ottine, you will pass a scenic overlook. Be sure to stop and enjoy the view.
6. Next you will intersect US 183 and can remain on the wildflower trail by turning right to go into Gonzales.
   • A left turn at this stop will take you on to Luling, Lockhart and Austin.

Eastern Scenic Drive

1. Follow US 183 south from Gonzales, to the intersection of FM 111.
2. Turn left toward Yoakum.
3. Then turn left on County Road 443 for a scenic back-roads trip to SH 90-A.
4. Turn left toward Gonzales.

This route will take you near the famous Braches House-Sam Houston Oak location. Just before crossing Peach Creek, turn right onto County Road 361, where there is a historic marker, go one-half mile to the gate, where you can see the house and the oak. It's only 8 miles back to Gonzales.
 

For more information about Gonzales and its history, visit the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture office in the Old Jail Museum at 414 St. Lawrence St.

You can take the Walking Tour or the Driving Tour, seeing many of the historic old homes around the town; visit the Old Jail Museum, Memorial Museum and the Eggleston House, Pioneer Village Living History Center, the Confederate Fort Waul.

When you've had your fill of history, stroll around the downtown squares and enjoy a leisurely day browsing through the many shops along the way, including those with antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts.

Enjoy Gonzales!