rugged people who founded America’s western cattle empire. The museum site includes trails and picnic areas along the inlet of Clear Creek. Admission charge. 1220 Coryell St. 281/332-1393.
www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com.
DISTILLERY—Railean Distillers. See BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES listing.
NED AND FAY DUDNEY CLEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER—This 148-acre park has excellent habitat for migrating birds. Includes bird blinds, picnic areas and a covered pavilion. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. 1220 Egret Bay Blvd. On the south shore of Clear Creek. 281/554-1181.
www.leaguecity.com/ index.aspx?NID=588.
WEST BAY COMMON SCHOOL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM—Teachers in period dress conduct classes. Next door, the Barn Museum displays artifacts and offers hands-on experiences. The Icehouse Barbershop Museum depicts an early League City business with recorded “ghost” images. Admission charge. 210 N. Kansas Ave. 281/554-2994.
www.oneroomschoolhouse.org.
LOS FRESNOS POP. 6,317
ALT. 31 MAP Z-17/AA-20
LOS FRESNOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 956/233-4488.
www.losfresnoschamber.com.
Located in Cameron County, the town was named for the fresnos (ash) trees scattered in the woods and along streams. In 1912, Lon C. Hill, an early landowner, formed a company to develop a canal system. Today, the city is surrounded by farm and ranch land.
ADOLPH THOMAE, JR. COUNTY PARK—On the Laguna Madre and surrounded by the huge Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, park facilities include lighted fishing piers, picnic areas, a playground, boat ramp, nature trail and RV sites with hookups. From Rio Hondo: Take F.M. 106 east 3.1 miles to F.M. 2925; north 14.8 miles to the park entrance. 956/748-2044.
The boardwalk at the Orange Travel Information Center provides views of Blue Elbow Swamp.
LAGUNA ATASCOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE— This coastal refuge is great for winter birds, especially waterfowl; summer kayak tours on the Laguna Madre; wildlife watchers; photographers; and hunters. Enjoy more than 50 miles of hiking/bicycling trails, guided tours in the bus/open air tram, and a visitor center with exhibits. 22688 Buena Vista Blvd. 956/748-3607 x111.
www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa.
LITTLE GRACELAND—Contains large collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia, including photos, posters, and watches. The owner served in the U.S. Army with Elvis while stationed in Germany. Elvis Festival is held every January. Admission charge. 701 W. Ocean Blvd. (Texas 100) downtown. Route 1, Box 94, Los Fresnos. 78566. 956/233-5482.
MATHIS POP. 4,973
ALT. 161 MAP U-17
Established in 1885, this town is a center for an agricultural area. San Patricio County has extensive oil production and many petrochemical plants. Mathis is a gateway to Lake Corpus Christi and to its state park.
LAKE—Lake Corpus Christi—This reservoir on the Nueces River offers swimming and boating. Fishing camps and marinas, plus facilities at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. A few miles west of Mathis off Texas 359.
LAKE CORPUS CHRISTI STATE PARK—This large, placid lake offers swimming, boating, waterskiing and sailboarding. Black bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish angling are year-round activities. Admission charge. About 35 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. 361/547-2635.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ lake-corpus-christi.
LIPANTITLAN STATE HISTORIC SITE—Named for the Lipan Apache and the 1835 battle between Texian insurgents and the Mexican Army, this day-use only 5-acre site offers picnicking and nature study. Visit website or call for directions. 361/547-2635.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lipantitlan.
NEDERLAND POP. 17,483
Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau 803 West Green Avenue | Orange, TX 77630
409.883.1011 | 1.800.528.4906
ORANGETEXAS.ORG
66 ALT. 25 MAP P-23/NN-16
NEDERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 1515 Boston Ave. 409/722-0279.
www.nederlandtx.com.
In the late 1800s, Arthur Stillwell, owner of the Port Arthur Townsite Company, constructed a railroad from Kansas City to Lake Sabine and gave many of the towns along the way Dutch names because of financial
ORANGE POP. 18,911
ALT. 20 MAP P-24/LL-18
ORANGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU: 803 W. Green Ave. 800/528-4906 or 409/883-1011.
www.orangetexas.org.
Texas’ easternmost city on the Sabine River boundary with Louisiana was established in 1836. It was named for the landmark of wild orange groves on the banks of the Sabine, as cited by early French and Spanish boatmen. Today, Orange is a recreational and industrial portal to Texas. Abundant freshwater and saltwater fishing and hunting and birding opportunities are available in vast coastal marshes. Take in a performance at the Lutcher Theatre for
the Performing Arts (409/886-5535) or the Orange Community Playhouse (409/882-9137). The Farmer’s Mercantile exhibits farm, ranch and agricultural items. Sixth and Division streets (409/883-2941).
BROWN CENTER OF LAMAR STATE COLLEGE, THE— It was built as a family residence for oilman Edgar Brown, whose wife wanted a Southern plantation house like “Linden” in Natchitoches, La. Brown re- created the house. The property was given to Lamar State College, where it is now a conference center. Admission charge. 4205 Park Ave. 409/883-2939.
CHEMICAL ROW—Miles-long complex of modern plants produce various products derived from petroleum. An impressive drive, day or night. On F.M. 1006 south and southwest.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH—The modified Greek Revival architecture features an opalescent glass dome and stained-glass windows. The exterior is
PHOTO: J. GRIFFIS SMITH/TXDOT
backing from Holland. While many Dutch settled here, people also came from other parts of Texas and the United States. Growth came in earnest with discovery of the Spindletop Oil Field, just seven miles north in Beaumont, in 1901.
LA MAISON DES ACADIENS MUSEUM—Soon after settlement began, many French came to the area from South Louisiana. The museum pays tribute to those early settlers and was built as a replica of early Acadian homes. 1500 block of Boston Avenue in Tex Ritter Park. 409/722-0279.
WINDMILL MUSEUM—Built to preserve Dutch heritage, the windmill’s 25-foot blades revolve. Exhibits include artifacts from the city’s founding; mementos of famed country singer, Tex Ritter (who lived briefly in Nederland); and native son W.F. (Buddy) Davis’ 1952 Olympic Gold Medal. 1500 block of Boston Avenue in Tex Ritter Park. 409/723-1545.
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