Established as a trading post, this town boomed in 1901 with the discovery of oil at Spindletop. Today the city, located at the edge of the Big Thicket forest, is a port city and also home to Lamar University. The city is the gateway to Big Thicket National Preserve and boasts many museums.
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Attractions
Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
A variety of media including paintings, sculpture, mixed media, and folk art, are showcased at this museum. Traveling exhibits on display periodically. Located at 500 Main St.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum.
Beaumont’s most famous resident was “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, an athlete who won three Olympic gold medals, was a three-time basketball All-American, and was one of the first women golfers. Her life is remembered in displays at the center which also serves as an information office for the region and a good place to pick up maps and brochures. Located at 1750 I-10 and MLK Parkway.
Big Thicket National Preserve.
This huge wilderness area was established to preserve the rich natural diversity of East Texas. Covering some 108,000 acres, the preserve offers miles of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy all the trails at Big Thicket. Near the Big Thicket Information Center lies the Kirby Nature Trail, a good choice for those visiting the park for the first time. 6102 FM 420.
Both military and civilian heroes are spotlighted in this expansive museum with displays ranging from the Battle of San Jacinto the the Gulf War. Located at 8727 Fannett Road.
This museum houses the largest collection of Thomas A. Edison material west of the Mississippi River. Located at 350 Pine St.
Don’t forget to pack the camera for a visit to this museum, home of what was once the world’s largest fire hydrant! The 24-foot-tall, 4500-pound, Dalmatian-spotted hydrant that sits in front of the Fire Museum was donated by Walt Disney Studios to celebrate the rerelease of 101 Dalmatians. For special events, the fire hydrant sprays water but every day it’s available for some fun photos with your dog. Unless packed with school groups, dogs are generally permitted inside the museum as well where you’ll find a doghouse in the shape of a fire hydrant, displays on the history of fire dogs, and much more. Located at 400 Walnut St.
Jefferson Theater.
This theater, which dates back to 1927, hosts plays, musical performances, and variety shows. Located at 345 Fannin St.
Built in 1845, this is the oldest house in Beaumont. One-hour guided tours of the interior furnished with period furniture are available. Located at 2985 French Rd.
Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum.
This is a recreation of the world’s first oil boomtown. Spindletop was the name of the gusher that brought oil wealth to the state. The boomtown village includes a blacksmith shop, photo studio, post office, and wooden oil derricks. Also on view is the Lucas Gusher Monument, which commemmorates Anthony F. Lucas, who drilled the Spindletop gusher in 1901. From Beaumont, located 3 miles south of I-10, on U.S. 69/96/287 (on the Lamar University campus, at U.S. 69 and University Dr.)
The petroleum industry and its history are explored at this museum through exhibits tracing the formation of petroleum, petroleum refining and myriad uses of petroleum products. Located at 600 Main St.
Tyrrell Historical Library.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1903 former church is filled with exhibits on Texas and Beaumont history. Located at 695 Pearl St.
Alabama-Coushatta Reservation.
A museum contains dioramas about the history of these Native Americans and during peak season your family can take a train ride through the woodlands and watch traditional dances. The reservation is open to visitors March through November. Located near Livingston.
Festivals
MARCH/APRIL:
South Texas State Fair. This annual event is held each spring and is sponsored by the Beaumont Young Men’s Business League. Spanning two weeks of events the fair features arts and craft exhibits, a carnival, food concessions, concerts and a rodeo and livestock show.
OCTOBER:
Texas Rice Festival. This major festival focuses on Southeast Texas rice farming and celebrates local Cajun culture. It includes a livestock show, horse show, a barbecue cookoff, an antique car show and rice-themed cooking contests. Nighttime street dances add to the fun.