Brazos Bend State Park
Oak trees and lakes are plentiful in these 4,897 acres of Brazos River bottomlands. Among the wildlife are whitetail deer, coyotes, waterfowl and alligators. Facilities include screened shelters, a recreation hall, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, fishing, nature trails and campgrounds. 979-553-5101

Challenger Center

The Fort Bend Challenger Center, located at Brazos Bend State Park, is a living memorial to the seven Challenger astronauts who lost their lives in 1986. The facility is maintained and operated by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and is linked to the George Observatory, Burke Baker Planetarium and the Challenger Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Summer programs, special events and classes are available to scouts, school children and others at the facility. For reservations call 713-639-4735.

Fort Bend County Fair and Livestock Show
Each fall a parade featuring dozens of school bands, floats and drill teams leads Fort Bend in this ten-day extravaganza of food, rides, auctions, youth and adult exhibits, bands and folk and country dancing. It is the largest county fair in Texas and draws nearly 200,000 visitors. 281-342-6171

Fort Bend County Museum
This award-winning museum chronicles the settlement of the Fort Bend County area by the "Old 300" who received Mexican land grants through Stephen F. Austin. Exhibits interpret more than 100 years of history of the area and of Texas as a whole. The early settlement history is reflected in Fort Bend community names such as "First Colony" and "New Territory." Along with the museum and its exhibits, visitors to the Fort Bend Museum can tour the 1840s Long-Smith Cottage, home of Texas heroine Jane Long, and the 1883 John M. and Dottie L. Moore Home, a restored Reconstruction-era mansion that serves as a signature property for the museum. The museum is actively involved with area partners in developing and promoting the Richmond Historic District to further preserve and share the heritage of downtown. The 1882 McFarlane House serves as the administrative offices for museum staff and is rumored to be haunted. Closed Mondays. 281-342-6478

Fort Bend Theater
Started in 1989, the Fort Bend Theater provides family entertainment on the weekends throughout the year. Located at 2815 N. Main in Stafford, the theater is organized exclusively as a non-profit group dedicated to the arts and education of the arts for public interest. The troupe also offers children's theater presentations to schools and pre-schools. 281-208-3333

George Memorial Genealogical Collections
A great place to discover the roots of Fort Bend, open daily, admission is free. 281/341-2608.

George Observatory
Located in Brazos Bend State Park, the observatory has a 36-inch wide telescope, the largest in the nation available for public use. School groups and other tours are welcome. 409-553-3400

George Ranch Historical Park
The George Ranch Historical Park shares with visitors the compelling drama of four generations of Texas ranchers. In a relaxed, rural setting, guests have the unique opportunity to interact with people portraying the families that lived on this land through the years - from pioneer settlers to genuine cowboys and many more. Visitors to the Ranch step back in time and engage the past, witnessing the hardships and triumphs of typical Texans. Interpretations include an 1830s stock farm, an 1890s era with sharecropper farm, blacksmith and cowboy chuckwagon along with the splendor of the Victorian Davis House, and a 1930s ranching and cattle working program. The George Ranch Historical Park provides fun and insightful programs that create shared memories visitors will relive again and again. Annual events include Texian Market Days each October and Campfire Christmas among others. This living history park is open daily. 281-343-0218

Morton Cemetery
Morton Cemetery whispers of history to observers, with graves of many Fort Bend early pioneers. The cemetery was founded in 1825 by William Morton and is the final resting place to William Kenchen Davis, a member of the Mier Expedition; Robert Gillespie, whose grave is marked with the oldest Masonic monument in Texas; Robert J. Calder, a valiant defender at the Battle of San Jacinto; Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Texas Republic; Jane Long; and Thomas Jefferson Smith, who fought in the battle of Texas' independence and later served as sheriff of the county.

Richmond Historical District
John M. Moore home and 1908 County Courthouse, also visit the Morton Cemetery, burial site of Jane Long, Mother of Texas and Mirabeau Lamar, President of the Republic of Texas, located in downtown Richmond. 281-342-1256

Rosenberg Antique District
Over 20 shops featured. For a free antique shopping guide, call 832-595-9600.

Rosenberg Railroad Museum
The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroads purchased two hundred acres in 1883 and laid out the town site, naming it Rosenberg. The Railroad Museum combines the history of rail in Fort Bend County, the people of the railroad, and fun all under one roof. The museum is dedicated to teaching the history and growth of railways in Rosenberg and Fort Bend County through a systematic collection and display of artifacts, memorabilia, rolling stock, equipment and exhibits. For information call 281-342-6969.