Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites
The is a great Texas historic site only around 2 hours from Houston and an even shorter drive from Austin and San Antonio. It is a site where the staff works tirelessly to keep the history of the dual historic site alive. Donna and I are members of the historic site and we love stopping there any time we are heading to the Austin area which is usually multiple times a year. They are continually improving the site that has important history for the region and the entire state of Texas. The site staff also create events to teach the history of both the brewery and the saga of the Dawson Massacre and the Mier Expedition (The Black Bean”).
The Museum and the Monument
The site itself costs $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children and students. It’s a very nominal cost for all you can do at the site. Inside the visitor’s center is a great and newly renovated museum that goes over the history of the 1840s (during the Republic of Texas) Dawson Massacre and the Mier Expedition. After the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto, Texas had won its independence, but conflicts did not end there. In 1842 the Mexican Army took San Antonio back and then fought Texas troops under Nicholas Dawson fought a skirmish during the larger Battle of Salado Creek that repulsed the Mexican forces. 36 of Dawson’s men (including himself) were killed during the battle and after they surrendered. Many of the men were from La Grange/Fayette County. The later in 1842 and 1843, in retaliation Texas troops invaded the city of Mier, Mexico where the outnumbered Texans mostly from the La Grange area were captured. They were forced to draw beans with there being 17 black and the rest white. Those who drew black beans were executed. The people killed in both incidents are buried on the bluffs and have a large monument dedicated to them. The museum tells their story very well and you can draw beans as well. A short walk away is a pavilion with a mural depicting the events and a bit further is the tomb and monument overlooking La Grange and the Colorado River.
The museum also goes over the history of the bluff that was the location of local festivals like Schützenfest (a German shooting contest) and the home and Brewery of the Kreische family who owned the land around the bluffs. My Great Great Grandfather’s medal from winning of the shooting contest one year is on display at the museum (his last name is misspelled in the display case with two letters transposed which was a common mistake with the name Speckels that always irked my grandfather in his professional life). The museum goes of their life and the brewery they built on the bluffs. There is also a nice gift shop with German made items you can visit.
The Kreische House and Brewery
The home built in stages by German immigrant and stone mason Heinrich Kreische from the 1850s until his death. You can visit the home and even take guided tours with the staff and see what life was like in the region in the mid to late 1800s. While at the house you can visit some viewpoints to get beautiful views of the area. Also, down in a valley you can see the ruins of the Brewery where Heinrich and his family brewed fresh beer. He would raise a flag to let everyone know a new batch was completed. There is an overlook of the brewery, or you can hike down to it. There are a few buildings left around the main home like the smokehouse that can still be used and the horse stable/garage.
The Playground
They just recently built a great playground that is well done and a great learning experience for kids. There is a pathway that acts as the Colorado River where you can learn about the fish there. There is a lookout point with a slide. An archeological dig site full of equipment. You can act as a stonemason as build the wall of the home. The neatest part to me is the simulated ferry that you pull yourself across the river (its on tracks) and take goods across. It is a very nice historic and interactive experience for families.
Trails
There are also multiple trails you can hike on at the park. We have hiked the main trail to the home and the trail through the woods down to the brewery. There is also a second forest trail in the park.
Special Activities and Events
The park has many special activities throughout the year that are affordable or just the cost of admission. During Spring Break they held a week of historical and activities for families. They have different guided tours talking about all the different historic aspects of the site. There are two major events they have each year. We have not been to the annual Schützenfest but they have a contest using laser guns and a party similar to what happened in my Great Great Grandfather’s Day in the past. The other one we go to every year is The Trail of Lights. During the weeks before Christmas they transform the park to a winter wonderland. Inside the Kreische house they show you what Christmas was like in the late 1800s. You get to try a Wassel like drink and cake from the time period. The staff and volunteers are dressed for the time period as you walk through the home. You also can visit with Victorian era Santa that is different than our Santa. At the end of the trail, you get snacks like popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate all included in your entry price. They also have live music. For 2024 for adults the price for a great Christmas experience was only $8!
If you are looking for a great day trip, or a stopping point on the way to or from Austin head to the park as its a great place to visit!