Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites
Things to Do
The activities at this park include picnicking, nature study, and historical study. Arrangements can be made with the park staff to have weddings, family reunions, or other group functions in the picnic area and/or the historical facilities. Group tours by staff and volunteer docents are available with advanced scheduling, and regularly scheduled tours of the brewery are available on the weekends.
- Trail of Lights is held during the first half of December on selected evenings, where visitors can experience a trail, beautifully-decorated with Christmas lights, that overlooks the lighted town of La Grange. It follows along a 200-foot bluff and through the Kreische home, decorated more traditionally with Christmas trees, wreaths, lamps and candles, entertainment, and refreshments.
- Texas Heroes Day: Annual event on the Saturday closest to September 18. Enjoy a day of honoring Texas Heroes including those who fought and died for the Republic of Texas. The event specially commemorates the men of the Dawson Massacre and the Mier Expedition. Enjoy pioneer craft demonstrations, re-enactors, cannon and musket salutes, dulcimer music, historic flag display, a special presentation, and guided tours.
The Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery Docent Organization sponsors these events, with assistance from the park staff.
Ranger Programs
Guided brewery tours are conducted by trained docents, from October through May, every Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; June through September, every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Guided Kreische house tours are scheduled on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Special weekday group tours of Monument Hill, the Brewery, or the Kreische house can be arranged in advance through the park headquarters. Larger groups enjoy a special overview of the park on a historical, scenic guided tour along the park's interpretive trail.
Group History Tours: Guided walking tours of the historic and scenic, Monument Hill, are available to groups of 10 or more, by reservation. Hear the history of Monument Hill and the Texas heroes interred here, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Texas free in the 1840s. Learn about German immigrant H. L. Kreische, his home and brewery, on the longer Historic and Scenic tour. Learn about the history of Monument Hill only in the shorter Monument Hill tour, accessible for the mobility impaired. Tours last approximately forty-five minutes to 1-1/2 hours; no fees required; reservations required, deadline 14 days prior to tour.
- Check the calendar for upcoming events and special programs.
- Interpretive Guide to Monument Hill / Kriesche Brewery State Historic Sites
Area Attractions
Bastrop State Park, Buescher State Park, Palmetto State Park, Lake Somerville State Park and Stephen F. Austin State Park are all nearby overnight parks within easy driving distance for a day-trip visit.
A unique Painted Churches Tour is available to the south of the park, featuring authentic 19th-century European style churches from German, Czech, and other similar cultures in the countryside toward Schulenberg and Flatonia. Printed information is available from the park office or from the Schulenberg Chamber of Commerce.
The town of La Grange has many fine old buildings (including some that Mr. Kreische built) available for tour, and a real courthouse square, featuring an 1890s architecturally significant courthouse building. A large monument to the heroes of the Dawson and Mier expeditions is located on the courthouse lawn, and in one corner of the square is the Muster Oak, where Captain Nicholas Dawson and the men of his expedition gathered to ride to their fates at the battle at Salado Creek at San Antonio in 1842. Fayette County men during eight wars and conflicts have joined military service since that time under this tree. An impressive and historical old stone jail building at 171 South Main St., one block south of the square, houses the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce. Additional information can be obtained on amenities, overnight lodging, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities at their office. Their telephone is (979) 968-5756. Ask about the old historical cemetery or countywide tours that are being developed through the Chamber's office. Do not miss La Grange's bakeries and restaurants, serving traditional and ethnic foods and pastries, as well as plain, good food. The park has standing partnerships through the Chamber of Commerce office with many businesses, and will be pleased to work with you or your group to contribute information for package tours both at the park and in the surrounding communities.
The communities of Round Top and Winedale are nearby, with German and English 19th century museums and buildings available for viewing. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is within driving distance, with a common theme of Texas Independence.
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