Fredericksburg, Texas

Perched on the Llano Uplift about 17 miles from Fredericksburg, a magnificent pink granite dome named Enchanted Rock can be seen from many miles around. To protect this interesting geological and historic area, the Enchanted Rock is now part of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which includes the Rock and the land south of Llano River between Gillespie and Llano counties.

Covering about 640 acres and 425 feet high, humans have been visiting the rock for at least 10,000 years as the remains of spearheads and similar artifacts indicate. Native people tell many legends and stories about it. There are more than eight miles of trails leading to the Rock, and you can find plenty of interpretive exhibits, wildlife, picnic areas, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.

Address: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area,16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-685-3636

If you come to the trail near the entrance to the Old Tunnel State Park around sunset, you will have an opportunity to see thousands of bats flying out into the cool night air. Scary and spectacular at the same time, this event attracts many tourists visiting Fredericksburg. It is located on the Old San Antonio Road, between Fredericksburg and Comfort. The cave where the bats live is an abandoned railroad tunnel that belonged to the Fredericksburg and Northern Railway until 1942.

The tunnel, which is home to more than three million Mexican free-tailed bats and over 3000 Cave myotis bats, was designated a state park in 2012. The cave is left to the bats, and the entrance is forbidden, but the half-mile trail that leads to the cave is a great place not only to watch bats but to take a pleasant hike, watch the birds and read fascinating information along the trail about the bats and the area .

Address: Old Tunnel State Park, 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 866-978-2287

Spread across three and half acres, the Pioneer Museum Complex showcases the history and culture of a Texas Hill Country community established by German immigrants who settled in the area in the early 19th Century. The original Pioneer Museum site was on West Main Street in the Vereins Kirche, a replica of the 1935 church. In 2008, the museum moved to its current location. The Gillespie County Historical Society, which is in charge of the complex, purchased the historic Kammlah house, store, smokehouse, and barn in 1955. The Pioneer Museum has eleven buildings today.

Nine of them are of historic significance and can be visited during the tour of the museum grounds. The Society also has more than 300,000 artifacts that portray the rich German heritage of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. A few times a year, the museum organizes events that include docents dressed in period costumes, storytelling, rope and soap making, sheep shearing, and so much more.

Address: Pioneer Museum Complex, 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-990-8441

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a six-acre museum located in Fredericksburg that is the only of its kind; it is dedicated to honoring the people who fought in the Pacific War. The museum complex consists of the renovated Hotel Nimitz, which houses a museum dedicated to Fleet Admiral Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the US Pacific Fleet during the Second World War; the George H. W. Bush Gallery with the Nimitz Education and Research Center; the Japanese Garden of Peace; the outdoor Plaza of the Presidents which honors presidents who served in the World War II; and the Pacific Combat Zone, a recreated Pacific island battlefield with a boat and base, a Quonset hut hospital, palm trees, Japanese tank, and machine guns. There are regular battle re-enactments named Living History. The Memorial Courtyard is home to the Veterans' Memorial Wall and Walk of Honor.

Address: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, Phone: 830-997-8600

Elephants in Texas? Oh yes, that is exactly what you will find when you visit The Preserve, where you can meet a happy band of Asian elephants who will steal your heart. The preserve cares for these endangered animals and strives to spread the word about the importance of preserving elephants all over the world. The Elephant Experience is a bucket-list encounter that you will never forget. You will get the great privilege of getting up close to these gentle giants, pet them, feed them and even groom them. Best of all, you will be contributing to world-wide programs dedicated to saving elephants in the wild.

Address: The Preserve, 650 Doublehorn Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 830 992 0373

Fredericksburg Main Street is the city's main artery, where everything starts and ends. It has two distinctive parts - The Magic Mile central shopping district, and the historic West Main Street. Separating the two is the Marktplatz, with its pavilions, green lawns, waterwheel, the famous Maibaum (maypole), and picnic tables, is the heart of the city and the site of many big festivals and community events.

The Vereins Kirche Museum, the oldest building in Fredericksburg, is also on the Marktplatz. The Magic Mile starts at the Admiral Nimitz Museum, and it is lined on both sides with beautiful historical buildings, many of which are home to high-end shops. Visitors enjoy wide sidewalks and beautiful courtyards, and there is breathtaking architecture on every block.

Located in the heart of Fredericksburg's Marktplatz, Vereins Kirche Museum is the oldest structure in the city. It was built not long after the arrival of early German settlers in the beginning of the 19^th century, and it is a beloved symbol of the city's culture and heritage.

As the first public building in the city, it served as a church for all religious denominations and as a fort, a town hall, and a school. The original structure was demolished in 1896 and was rebuilt in 1935. The opening of the new building was celebrated with a huge party. The museum features a collection of photos and artifacts that tell the story of Fredericksburg and its pioneers.

Address: Vereins Kirche Museum, 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-997-7832

Just off Fredericksburg's historic Main Street is a modern live music venue called the Rockbox Theater. Opened in 2007 in the former warehouse, the Rockbox is today a modern entertainment venue that artfully combines its industrial origins with the historic aura of the area.

Although its original focus was on rock and the music of the 50s and 60s, Rockbox eventually evolved to serve as a venue for many diverse touring bands, artists, and young groups such as Platters, the Diamonds, the Association, and the country music trio High Valley, as well as comedy shows. The venue is also available to rent for corporate events, large parties, or conferences.

Address: Rockbox Theater, 109 N Llano St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-997-7625

Fort Martin Scott was a US Army outpost near Fredericks burg that was built in 1848 and abandoned in 1853. It was one of several frontier forts built to protect settlers and travelers from Indian attacks. The structure was located on Baron's Creek about two miles from Fredericksburg, and at one point the fort consisted of twenty-one buildings. The soldiers' job was to patrol the Fredericksburg-San Antonio road and the surrounding area.

In 1986, the Fredericksburg Heritage Federation took over the fort's care and maintenance and started extensive reconstruction. Some of the most interesting parts of the tour of the fort are the commander's quarters, officers' housing, a supply store, laundry, warehouse, bakehouse with oven, enlisted men's barracks, military hospital, a stable, barn, and a blacksmith shop. The only remaining part of the original fort is the limestone guardhouse.

Address: 1603 E Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-217-3200