Beyond the Game: 20 Awesome Things to Do in College Station

Are you heading to College Station but don’t know yet what you’ll do when you get there?

We’ve got your back with a list of the best things to do in College Station, Texas.

You can find College Station in the heart of Brazos Valley and in a region called Texas Triangle. The triangle is an area in the state where five of the biggest cities in Texas are.

These cities are Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. College Station is halfway from Houston (1 hour and 30 minutes, 95 miles) and Austin (1 hour and 50 minutes, 106 miles). The nearest airport is Easterwood Airport, 9 minutes from the city center.

The city is known primarily for Texas A&M University. If you’re wondering why the town is called College Station, it’s because a train station was located right beside where the Texas A&M campus made its home.

But the city is more than a famous university; make sure to explore its districts and neighborhoods.

Here are 14 of the best things to do in College Station, Texas!

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

This local attraction is one of the top things to do while you’re in the city. Locals and tourists alike flock to this place regularly, and you’ll see why when you get there.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is unique in many ways. This place is where the former president was buried, alongside his wife.

The museum inside contains hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia dedicated to the 41st president. What’s more, there is a great replica of the oval office inside, and you can sit in the presidential chair and have your picture taken!

The museum is a whole experience, and there are many things to explore and discover about George Bush. Check this one out while you’re here!

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Museum of the American G.I.

The Museum of the American G.I. is dedicated to all soldiers who fought for us and the country. They’ve dedicated this space to educating people and preserving a number of military artifacts.

You’ll see World War II tanks, boats from the Vietnam era, and even planes outside the museum.

They even have an annual event called “Living History Museum,” where cannons are fired, weapons are fired, and you’ll see engines coming to life.

Inside, different exhibits have uniforms, equipment, photographs, and other memorabilia in their collection. A display you can’t miss is the Texas Vietnam Heroes exhibit. Here, you’ll see on display 3,417 dog tags of the Texan veterans who were killed or pronounced missing during the Vietnam War.

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Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley

childrens museum of brazos valley

A great indoor spot for the little ones is the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, located in the neighboring city Bryan. 

The children’s museum has an interactive and hands-on take to their exhibits and display. They encourage learning through play and have a diverse range of attractions.

You should look out for the spaceship you can climb into and the replica H-E-B store. There’s also a construction site for more pretend play where they can get creative with the tools and make something new.

Other exhibits in the museum are about animals, mother nature, and even board games. Come and spend the day here with the kids!

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Sanders Corps of Cadet Center

Photo: Texas A&M Foundation

You’ll find Sanders Corps of Cadet Center inside Texas A&M University. The museum commemorates all the past and present cadets of the university.

If you’re looking to learn more about their Corps of Cadets, this is the place to be.

They have over 60 exhibits with more than 600 photographs plus memorabilia all about the cadets. Some of the exhibits in the area also highlight classic Texas A&M traditions like 12th Man, the Silver Taps, and the Muster.

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Traveling around Texas? Check out Things to Do in San Antonio, Things to do in Austin, Things to do in Shiner

Brazos Valley Natural History Museum

This natural history museum is one of the only one of its kind in the area. They are all about natural history and our respectful interaction with nature.

It’s in the neighboring city of Bryan, and it’s a perfect destination if you’re traveling with kids.

Aside from learning more about natural history, the museum also highlights plants, minerals, and animals that you’ll only find in the Brazos Valley.

Some highlights inside include their Discovery Room, where live animals are on display. There are also taxidermy displays here that could be a hit for the kids.

They also have Natural and Cultural exhibits all about the relationship between people and nature. If you’re interested, they also have the Boonville Heritage Park just outside the museum.

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Santa’s Wonderland

santas wonderland
Photo: Michelle M.

If you find yourself on a trip to College Station between November to January, then you’re in luck. College Station has some of the best Christmas-themed destinations in the area with Santa’s Wonderland! This is one of our Top Picks for the best things to do in College Station! 

There’s a little bit of something for everyone, from families, couples, and solo travelers. 

The top thing to do for families is the Hayride tour, where you’ll see the lights and experience the live music and spectacular views. For a bit of romance, there are intimate horse and carriage tours.

You can also meet Santa, walk through the trail of lights, and go ice-skating. Santa’s Town also has several dining options, live entertainment, and stores with many Christmas-themed products and gifts.

Photo: Mary O.

There are still so many more things to explore. You can check out their website for the complete list and how to make the best out of the experience.

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Lick Creek Park

Photo: Stuart L.

Lick Creek Park is just one of the many nature parks in College Station. It’s not the most popular park, so you’re sure to get some peace and even avoid the crowds.

The highlight of the park is the Lick Creek Nature Center. The nature center has native plant displays and a monarch butterfly garden, and they offer tours if you’re interested.

The park is also an excellent place for birdwatching and nature studies if you’d rather be out in nature. There’s a lot of flora and fauna in the park, even an endangered plant.

Lick Creek also has a five-mile walking and hiking trail and a bike trail that connects to Creek View Park.

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Research Park

research park college station texas
Photo: Tadesse T.

After a tour of the Bush Library, you can take a stroll through Research Park right beside the library. The 40-acre park is popular with tourists and students as well.

Being inside Texas A&M University, you’ll see many college students taking a break here. But who could blame them? The park is scenic and relaxing.

Lay down your blanket for a picnic or take a stroll through the interconnected ponds of the park. You can also do some outdoor recreation with their 18-hole disk golf course that welcomes people of all skill levels. There are also walking and running paths here.

Just beware of the ducks and turtles in the area! There are plenty of them here.

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Messina Hof

Photo: Messina Hof

There are many cool vineyards and breweries in Texas, and College Station doesn’t disappoint on this front. This vineyard is one of the local favorites and a must-try to anyone passing by the city.

There are constant tours that’ll take you backstage from when these are still grapes until they make a fine bottle of wine. Indulge yourself as well with their wine tasting and tasting room.

Photo: Messina Hof

They have a lot of different blends, all set for different occasions, and you can take a sip while you’re there.

Wine tours last about an hour, and afterward, you can grab a bite at their on-site restaurant. 

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Northgate District

Northgate District is where the city comes alive after the sun comes down.

The district is filled with bars, pubs, restaurants, and even hotels. You’ll have your pick of whatever nightlife entertainment you want on your trip.

Just know that the crowd can be a mix of students, locals, and even tourists. There are also a number of spots for live music, entertainment, and al fresco dining.

This neighborhood is also where you’ll find some of the best College Town restaurants. Try some Tex Mex or barbecue to complete your Northgate experience.

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Bonfire Memorial

Photo: Lane T.

The Bonfire Memorial has a tragic story behind it that makes this outdoor sculpture even more meaningful.

A Texas bonfire tradition since 1909 led to an accident in 1999 where 12 people were killed. The bonfire was a ritual every time the College Station football team had a game with the University of Texas.

The 12 stone arches you see in the Bonfire Memorial today represent each one of the victims. Each of the structures faces the victim’s hometown.

It’s a sad story to hear, and you’ll learn more about its history with a tour of the memorial.

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Kyle Field

Photo: Helen M.

If you like football, there is no better place to watch a game than in Kyle Field.

It’s been renovated a couple of times, but it’s now one of the biggest stadiums in the state with over 100,000-spectator capacity. The football field is the home of the Texas A&M football team, and you’ll find it inside the campus.

It’s an impressive stadium, and definitely, somewhere you should visit if watching football is your thing.

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If you’re expecting wine and art judging by the name, then you would be right. The Benjamin Knox Gallery and Wine Depot is a huge art gallery in College Station and one of the largest in Texas.

Their collection revolves around Benjamin Knox’s works, but you can also explore other artists here.

The gallery is located in the historic College Station train depot where the city got its name. There are two buildings in the complex, the College Station train depot and the Bluebonnet Gallery.

You’ll also find the beer and other spirits on The Wine Bar on-site.

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Dixie Chicken

You can’t leave College Station without trying Dixie Chicken. It’s considered a local legend in the city and located in the Northgate District.

There are even stories about how this was the site of the most beer drank in the country. These are the feel-good stories and vibes you’ll get driving by Dixie Chicken.

They serve up American Classics, all for an affordable price; you can get fried chicken, greasy burgers, and fries. The restaurant also has the occasional live music, some games, and a pool table.

Dixie Chicken has been serving College Station since the 1930s. 

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HeliBacon

Hold on to your hats! HeliBacon, located in College Station, Texas, offers an exhilarating and unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts and bacon lovers alike.

hunting hogs with HeliBacon in College Station, texas
Photo: HeliBacon

This renowned establishment provides helicopter hog hunting adventures, combining the thrill of aerial pursuits with the satisfaction of indulging in delicious bacon.

Top Review: “Decided to surprise my fiancé with a Helibacon Hog Hunting experience and I’m so glad I did. Everyone was extremely professional and played a part in making the surprise way worth while. I was a little nervous as I’ve never been in a helicopter but this experience was BADASS. Chase was our pilot and he was an excellent pilot and guide, we had a very successful hunt and and awesome time doing it. They even upgraded us to the Full-auto machine gun experience as a wedding gift which obviously made our experience even more badass. Well worth the money, we will be back!” – McKenna W.

Brazos Glassworks

Brazos Glassworks, located in College Station, Texas, emerges as a captivating haven for glass art enthusiasts. Nestled within the vibrant Historic Downtown shopping district of Bryan, this exceptional glass art gallery first opened its doors in 2007.

The gift shop at Brazos Glassworks showcases the craftsmanship of celebrated artisans from across America, fashioning exquisite glass and jewelry pieces that are perfect for those cherished moments.

Step into the gallery and immerse yourself in a world of captivating artistry. A symphony of colors and forms dances before your eyes, as you explore a kaleidoscope of hand-crafted jewelry, stunning art glass, and unique gifts, each piece bearing its own story. Be it an anniversary, birthday, wedding, or any special occasion, Brazos Glassworks offers an array of treasures that effortlessly capture the essence of these unforgettable moments.

Top Review: “What an amazing store. The glass they sell are true works of art! They truly have works from some very, very talented artists. I was also really impressed with their prices! The lady who was running the shop was very kind, knowledgeable about the pieces, and so friendly. This is really a cool place. They are even able to special order pieces for you. I will surely be back!” – Travis P.

Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial

Honoring the brave men and women who have served our country, The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial is a 12-acre site dedicated to veterans from our nation’s major wars, located in College Station’s Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The memorial includes life-sized statues, a Wall of Honor, interpretive panels and memorial sites.

Visitors can pay their respects to the brave men and women who have served our country and learn about the history of our nation’s military conflicts. The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial is a hidden gem in College Station, Texas that is definitely worth a visit. Visit College StationBrazos Life

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is College Station a fun town?

Yes, College Station, home to Texas A&M University, offers a variety of fun activities for visitors. College Station has a vibrant college scene with lively sports events, music festivals, and unique dining experiences. Additionally, the university’s museums and beautiful campus offer cultural and educational experiences. However, “fun” can be subjective, so personal preferences may affect individual experiences!

Is College Station worth a visit?

Yes, College Station, home to Texas A&M University, offers a variety of fun activities for residents and visitors. The town has a vibrant college scene with lively sports events, music festivals, and unique dining experiences. Additionally, the university’s museums and beautiful campus offer cultural and educational experiences. However, “fun” can be subjective, so personal preferences may affect individual experiences.

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