Prairies and Lakes, Texas
"Prairies and Lakes." Does that title really tell the tale? Well, yes-and no. Prairies and Lakes paints merely the pastoral brush strokes in this region's richly textured panorama. The full picture emerges only when you add the dynamic cities, charming communities, and colorful history that enliven this attraction-packed section of Texas.
Explore Prairies and Lakes
Somerville Lake Water Sports
Two private floating marinas, Big Creek Marina and Lake Somerville Marina, and 11 boat ramps provide plenty of lake access for water recreation. The fee for boat launching at US Army Corps of Engineers operated parks is $3.00
, TX BoatingOld Bedford School
This beautifully restored 1915 vintage schoolhouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and features a visitors center, a gallery with changing exhibits and an authentically furnished 1915 classroom. The site also has a 149-seat auditorium for 25 performances each year.
Bedford, TX Historic SchoolhousesCooper Lake Boat Ramps
Jim Chapman Lake has five boat ramps. South Sulphur Unit has two boat ramps. One ramp with six lanes and one ramp with two lanes of concrete construction, courtesy docks for loading and unloading boats, and an adjacent asphalt parking area which hold about 60
, TX BoatingBrenham Heritage Museum
The Brenham Heritage Museum is housed in Brenham's former U.S. Post Office. The Classical Revival structure, located in downtown Brenham, was built in 1915 and is on the National Register of Historic Places
Brenham, TX MuseumsAustin County Jail
The historic Austin County Jail served the county from 1896 through 1992
Bellville, TX Historic BuildingsSomerville Lake Fishing
Somerville Lake has enjoyed a reputation of being an excellent catfish lake for many years. Fisherman also enjoy catching Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Hybrid Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish (Perch), Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead (Yellow) Catfish. White bass
, TX FishingLeon County Courthouse
When the Leon County Courthouse burned in 1885, the smoke had scarcely died away before a contract was let to erect a new one. Completed in 1887, the "new" courthouse was built of slate bricks handmade near the site. The courthouse is one of the oldest such buildings in Texas, and is listed on the <
Centerville, TX Historic CourthousesCooper Wildlife Management Area
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manage the Cooper Wildlife Management Area (WMA) under a license agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Cooper WMA is located in Delta and Hopkins Counties, and covers approximately 9500 acres of land surrounding the Jim Chapman Lake and 4700
, TX HuntingWaco Lake Parks
Waco Lake has 8 parks with RV, tent and group camping facilities, some being exclusivley for camping or day use while others have a combination of both. The parks include:
, TX Camping