Texas Brazos Trail Region
Exploring the treasures of heritage and partnerships
The Texas Brazos Trail Region, located in Central Texas, spans 18 counties and is rich in history and heritage, connecting past generations to the present through historic sites, cultural traditions, and the fertile Blackland Prairie soil that supports agriculture. From ancient artifacts to cattle drives and railroad development, each chapter of its history reveals the lives and journeys that have shaped Central Texas.
Preserving the Legacy of European Migration
Among the many highlights of the Texas Brazos Trail Region are the diverse communities formed by European migration. In Salado, for instance, the legacy of Robertson’s Scottish Colony comes to life at the Salado Museum & College Park where the annual Scottish Gathering and Highland Games are held – a tradition flourishing for over 60 years. Every November, Salado’s streets resonate with the sounds of bagpipes and the sight of kilts as participants celebrate their Scottish heritage.
In Bryan, Festa Italiana honors the city’s Italian heritage, dating back to the arrival of Sicilian immigrants in the late 19th century. This lively festival showcases Italian food, music, and community spirit, creating a vibrant tribute to the city’s Italian ancestors.
Similarly, Clifton, known as the “Norwegian Capital of Texas,” celebrates its heritage with the Norwegian Country Christmas Festival every December, offering tours of historic homes and churches adorned with festive decorations. This event provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the Norwegian settlers who established roots here in 1854. The Bosque Museum, with its engaging exhibits, further brings the past to life, showcasing artifacts and stories that highlight the contributions of these early settlers to the region’s colorful cultural tapestry.
Czech heritage in Burleson County is celebrated with the Kolache Festival, bringing a piece of Czech culture to the Brazos Trail Region. Held annually in September, this festival attracts thousands to enjoy Czech music, traditional dance, and, of course, the iconic kolache—a symbol of the Czech community’s culinary legacy. The Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum and the Burleson County Historical Museum are instrumental in preserving Czech heritage, allowing for a deeper understanding of these immigrants in Central Texas.
As we explore the diverse heritage of the Texas Brazos Trail Region, it becomes evident that the stories of European migration and the development of our railway system are intricately linked, each playing a vital role in shaping the communities we celebrate today.
The Historic Train Depots of Central Texas
Railroads were instrumental in the evolution of towns throughout the region, creating a network of notable train communities, including Navasota, Bryan, Hearne, Calvert, Rockdale, Taylor, Cameron, Temple, Clifton, Waco, and McGregor. Historic train depots and museums in these communities invite visitors to explore the region’s abundant rail heritage, serving as monuments to the transformative impact of railroads on Texas’s growth and cultural identity.
Natural and Historical Wonders
Prehistoric history of not only the region but also the state is highlighted at institutions such as the Mayborn Museum, the National Mammoth Museum, and the Gault Site, where visitors can explore ancient artifacts and fossil discoveries dating back as far as 20,000 years. The Brazos River, our region’s namesake, flows through the area and has served as a lifeline for hundreds of years. From the days of cattle drives to the stagecoach era, this waterway has profoundly shaped Central Texas’s history. The Texas Rangers, pivotal in early law enforcement and protection, are honored at the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, a key stop along the trail.
The Power of Preservation and Collaboration
At the heart of the Texas Brazos Trail Region lies a commitment to preservation, underscored by the power of collaboration. We proudly work with various partners including McLennan County, the cities of Waco, Bryan, College Station, Elgin, Navasota, and Salado, along with top-tier heritage sites like the Dr Pepper Museum and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum. These partnerships enable us to protect and promote the region’s plentiful historical resources.
With eight state parks, 12 lakes, and nine rivers, there are ample opportunities to explore both natural beauty and cultural history. From hiking trails that wind through picturesque hills to the serene shores of its lakes, the Brazos Trail Region offers a chance to connect with nature while also learning about the stories of the past.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
Texas Brazos Trail Region leadership is dedicated to fostering collaboration with county and community partners, weaving together the rich threads of history that define our communities. Through ongoing education, preservation efforts, and tourism promotion, we honor our past while actively shaping our future.
From Navasota to Fairfield, Rockdale to Georgetown, Salado, Waco, and Clifton, the Texas Brazos Trail Region exemplifies the resilience, diversity, and spirit of Central Texas. With the support of community partners such as the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau, historical commissions, and heritage sites, we invite visitors to embark on a journey through time, becoming part of our ongoing story of preservation, culture, and community.
As a “time traveler and storytelling partner,” every town, festival, and historic site presents a new chapter in Texas’s rich heritage—a narrative as vast and diverse as the region itself. Join us in celebrating our shared history and cultural traditions. The Texas Brazos Trail Region promises a journey filled with discovery, adventure, and a deeper connection to Texas’s roots.
Brazos Trail Region Board of Directors
Joy Summar-Smith
Chair – Dr Pepper Museum, Waco
Marsha Hendrix
Vice Chair – State Historic Sites
Sharon Whitaker
Treasurer – Preservation Georgetown, Georgetown
Erin Shields
Secretary – Bosque Museum, Clifton
Kristina Alvarez
Elgin Main Street, Elgin
Cynthia Hernandez
Belton Economic Development Corporation, Belton
Susan Morton
Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Waco
Chris Riggins
Destination Bryan, Bryan
Counties
Bastrop
Bell
Bosque
Brazos
Burleson
Coryelle
Falls
Freestone
Grimes
Hamilton
Lee
Leon
Limestone
McClennan
Madison
Milam
Robertson
Williamson
State Parks
Bastrop State Park, Bastrop
Buescher State Park, Smithville
Fort Boggy State Park, Centerville
Fort Parker State Park, Mexia
Lake Somerville State Park, Somerville
Lake Whitney State Park, Whitney
Meridian State Park, Meridian
Mother Neff State Park, Moody
State Historic Sites
Confederate Reunion Grounds, Mexia
Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
Meet the Executive Director
Pamela Anderson
As Executive Director of the Texas Brazos Trail Region, I am committed to integrating our community’s stories into the fabric of our region. I emphasize the vital role of partnerships with local organizations and heritage sites in preserving and promoting Texas heritage.
With over 30 years of experience in tourism, community development, partner engagement, and heritage tourism, I am deeply connected to this region. My passion for preserving its history is reflected in my active participation on local boards and commissions dedicated to promoting Texas heritage. This passion for collaboration fuels my efforts to unlock and share the region’s rich stories that shape our communities today.
I am especially grateful for the support and leadership of our Board of Directors, whose guidance is invaluable as we strengthen our partnership programs and initiatives. The Texas Brazos Trail Region serves as a “time traveler and storytelling partner” for our county and community partners. Through heritage tourism and preservation initiatives, such as our “Brazos Trail Boots 2 the Ground” and a range of marketing, resources, and tourism programs, we actively promote historic sites, events, and attractions to Texans, as well as national and international audiences. Our goal is to bring history to life, inviting visitors to engage with the legacies that have defined Central Texas.
