George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
If you watch college football, then you’re no doubt familiar with the adjoining communities of Bryan-College Station. Home to Texas A&M University (and the state’s veterinary school), the region is strongly linked with the dog world.
Home of Texas A&M University, these combined communities include several attractions to interest travelers. The twin cities, as they’re often called, are located in the Brazos Valley, a fertile region where farms and vineyards, as well as fishing, hiking, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, are abundant. So, too, are museums detailing the area’s history, cute shops, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts. And though many of these attractions have cropped up to cater to Texas A&M University’s nearly 47,000 students and their visiting families, they’re increasingly attracting Houstonians and other Texans who’ve discovered that Bryan-College Station is more than a college town.
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Dog-Friendly Attractions
Canine Station – University Dog Park. Four acres of University Park are designated for the off-leash park and include swimming ponds for pooches, agility equipment, and open space to play. The fenced park contains separate small dog and large dog areas. Info: 300 Park Rd., College Station; www.cstx.gov. Free.
Graves of Reveille. The mascot of Texas A&M University is Reveille, a dog whose tradition dates back to 1931. The first Reveille was a mixed breed stray taken in by students; the dog barked whenever the bugler played “Reveille”. Each dog continues the Reveille name although the dog’s breed was changed to Rough Collie with Reveille III. Every mascot has always been buried at the college’s Kyle Field in a grave facing the south end zone and the scoreboard. An expansion of the field meant that the scoreboard was blocked so all the graves were moved to the stadium’s north entrance where a special electronic scoreboard was added so that the graves would always face the scoreboard. Look for the brick plaza by the stadium where a brass plaque recalls the faithful mascots seen at every Aggie football game: “Reveille I, and the Reveilles that follow her, will always have a special place in an Aggie’s heart and symbolize the undying spirit of Texas A&M.” Info: Joe Routt Blvd., College Station; www.tamu.edu. Free.
Lick Creek Park Off Leash Area. This unfenced park permits dogs to be off-leash as long as they’re under good voice control. Spanning 515 acres, this park features miles of trails for you and your dog to explore. Info: 13600 East Rock Prairie Road, College Station; www.cstx.gov. Free.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort. This award-winning winery, one of the best-known names in the state’s booming wine industry, welcomes dogs on property. Pop in and get some turtle food then stroll down to feed the turtles with Fido! Started in 1983, the winery includes forty-five acres of vineyards. Info: 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan; (www.messinahof.com. Free for visiting grounds.
Steeplechase Dog Park. This off-leash park (it was the first in College Station) is heavily wooded making this a favorite on hot summer days. The park, located in nine-acre Steeplechase Park, is situated along a tributary of Bee Creek. Rose bushes along the fence line provide seasonal beauty. Info: 301 Westridge Dr., College Station; www.cstx.gov. Free.
More Attractions
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. Learn about the region in which Bryan-College Station and the Brazos River make their home by checking out exhibits about old-fashioned survey and farming equipment and fossils. You’ll also find some sculptures, interactive exhibits, and more than a dozen live animal displays, one of which features a beehive with a glass front. 3232 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan.
The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. This museum packs in lots of fun, interactive exhibits for kiddos of all ages. 111 E. 27th St., Bryan.
Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History. The Carnegie Foundation funded the building of this library in 1903. Today, the restored building is the oldest Carnegie Library in the Lone Star State and home to a collection covering the Bryan fire department from 1881 to 1993. The grounds feature a Xeriscape garden.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Former president George H. W. Bush—that’s number forty-one, not forty-three—picked Texas A&M University to house his presidential library. Located on the campus’s southwest corner, the library and museum contain memorabilia from the first Bush presidency, including the former president’s personal papers and official records. The museum, which houses replicas of the former president’s offices on Air Force One and at Camp David, hosts special exhibits throughout the year. Recent exhibits have covered subjects such as human genome mapping, national elections, and cancer research. 1000 George Bush Dr. West, College Station.
Gibbons Creek Reservoir. About thirty minutes east of College Station, this park is a great place to fish, camp, Jet Ski, and participate in other water activities. The reservoir spans more than 2,700 acres and is stocked with catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegills, and sunfish.
Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University was the first public institution of higher learning in Texas and is well-known for its agricultural, veterinary, and engineering programs as well as its military Cadet Corps. In addition to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, this large campus has some other points of interest. Visit the Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center in Rudder Center to pick up a campus map and get the skinny on goings-on around one of the state’s largest universities.