48 Hours in Fort Bend

48 HOURS in Fort Bend

ABOUT A DECADE AGO, THE NEW YORK TIMES WROTE THAT FORT BEND COUNTY WAS THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY. WE’VE TAKEN THAT TO HEART AND ENCOURAGE IT WITH A BIG TEXAS WELCOME.

Visitors come to Fort Bend for many reasons. We’re the perfect day trip for families in the Houston area; job candidates come to explore the many opportunities the area offers both from an employment perspective and a residential one; and business professionals are fond of visits that take them out of the hustle of Houston without leaving them feeling stranded. Our proximity to major highways means you can spend more time exploring and less time getting here. We’re a unique area that balances history and innovation. No matter your interests, you’ll find exploration-worthy attractions here. Whether you have four hours in Fort Bend or 48, we offer big city fun without the hassles and headaches of parking, navigating transportation, and the like. First time visitors are surprised at the level of entertainment we offer including major concert venues, sporting events, cultural hotspots and first-class museums, dining and beverage options. Fort Bend’s line up compares to that of major metropolitan areas. But the beauty of “The Bend” means residents never have to leave it to enjoy the finest in facilities and offerings.

Businesses love Fort Bend because we provide an exciting environment for new and existing companies of all sizes, a diversified workforce, and a pleasant lifestyle, making it easy to recruit as well.

No matter if it’s work, opportunity, or leisure that brings you here, it’s time for you to find your Fort Bend.

For the Outdoor Explorer

Get your walking shoes on and check out a couple of our favorites:

BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK – NEEDVILLE

Some jokingly refer to it as “Alligator Park” because of the many gators seemingly waiting to make your acquaintance. This lush park offers a diverse eco system, including marshlands and forests. Meander through the park trails and you’ll have the opportunity to view over 300 species of creatures. The park also offers classes, programs, and special events for all ages including children’s programs.

GEORGE OBSERVATORY – NEEDVILLE

In the Brazos Bend State Park, lies the George Observatory, where you can enjoy the park at night from a different perspective. The Observatory offers a variety of special programs including Saturday Stargazing and Moon Madness events. They also have one of the largest research telescopes in the US.

One of the things that makes this observatory so special is that it was a labor of love for the community as they campaigned for and funded its recent renovations.

CULLINAN PARK CONSERVANCY –SUGAR LAND

Joseph S. and Lucie H. Cullinan Park, is situated on Hwy 6, just north of Hwy. 90A in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County. The expansive 754-acre park is a testament to visionary conservation efforts.

Cullinan Park offers frontage along Oyster Creek and Red Gully, as well as White Lake and Pumpkin Lake. With over four miles of shaded trails weaving through vast prairie and woodland acreage, the park has become a renowned destination for birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

SEABOURNE CREEK NATURE PARK –ROSENBERG

Seabourne Creek Nature Park is Rosenberg’s largest park, encompassing 208.9 acres of parkland along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, where over 212 species have been documented. The park features a 4-acre lake, a 6-acre wetland, and 20 acres of natural prairie, creating a diverse and vibrant natural environment.

This park is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a hub for community events. The FISH-tastic Kid’s Fishing Tournament, Easter Egg Hunt, and the Family 4th Independence Day Celebration attract crowds of residents and visitors alike. The park is equipped with shelters and picnic tables, a shade structure, benches, a gazebo, 3 fishing piers, a 4-acre fishing lake, a 9-hole disc golf course, and 3.1 miles of granite walking trails.

For the Foodie and Culturally Curious

Of course, we have Texas BBQ, but visitors are often surprised by the variety and unusual pairings they can find in Fort Bend County. We love our diverse restaurants (see a complete list of options in our Directory section). Each invites you on a culinary exploration. Check out these unique spots:

• Mimi’s New Orleans Café & Oyster Bar

• Karahi Boys

• Alings Chinese Bistro

• Rock N Roll Sushi – Stafford

While our food is amazing and eclectic, there are more cultural opportunities to appeal to your senses than mere taste including…

BAPS SHRI MANDIR –HINDU TEMPLE – STAFFORD

This idyllic spot looks like a castle built out of sugar, with its towering spires, intricate detailing, and pristine white surfaces. But its marble and limestone architecture was carved in India by over 3,000 craftsmen then shipped to Stafford, where 150 volunteers put it together. The Temple is 11,000 square feet and 73 feet tall at its highest point. Visiting it transports you to an exotic locale, but it is a house of worship. Please check online for the best times to visit.

FORT BEND COUNTY FAIR & RODEO –ROSENBERG

If you’re fortunate enough to be in Rosenberg, Texas at the end of September or the first week of October, you can experience the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo in all its fried food deliciousness. Whether you come for the BBQ cook-off, rodeo, carnival, or livestock competitions, you’ll be able to experience another side of our county’s multi-faceted personality.

For the Art & Music Lover

In the Bend, we offer big city entertainment and culture with room to grow and enjoy.

THE FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR AND THE FORT BEND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - STAFFORD

The Fort Bend Boys Choir was founded in 1982 and has traveled the world performing for U.S. Presidents, Grammy-award winning artists –even the Pope. Their choir of young men (which has grown from its initial 45 into today’s five performing ensembles with 200 choristers) has produced nationally recognized talent, including John Thomas Holiday, a Season 19 finalist on The Voice and a world-renowned opera performer. The Fort Bend Boys Choir hosts performances throughout the year. Their Christmas Musicale is an annual community favorite.

Founded in 1992, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and Chorus provides a diverse array of musical performances to the community. Comprised of musicians and 50 dedicated singers, the organization hosts concerts throughout the year, donates their talent to community events and serves the community through their programming, artistic partners, and arts education initiatives.

SUGAR LAND CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION – SUGAR LAND

A supporter and promoter of cultural, performing, and visual arts, the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation is responsible for the restoration of the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, where community theatre is still regularly performed. Built in 1918 by the Imperial Sugar Company, the 394-seat auditorium is an iconic community venue, and the Foundation is committed to maintaining the theatre for generations to come. Each April, the Foundation hosts the two-day Sugar Land Arts Fest bringing 100 artists, live music, food and wine to the city. The Foundation aims to use “art and ideas to spark dialogue, build bridges, and foster belonging among our diverse community.” In 2022, the organization commissioned several artists to transform traffic signal control boxes in Sugar Land from functional infrastructure into colorful and inspired works of art, which are fun to spot around town.

ART MUSEUM TX – SUGAR LAND

Founded in 2020, Art Museum TX is a nonprofit institution with a mission to showcase contemporary art from the region. Devoted to fostering an exchange of visual arts from the present and recent past, the museum aims to introduce new artistic directions, engage the public, and enhance understanding of contemporary art through educational programs. Art Museum TX strategically located its art in frequented areas to bring museum art to the community, making art more accessible.

In addition to these arts and entertainment ideas, there are plenty of things to do with the kids and grandkids.

For FunFamily-friendly for People of all Ages

Fort Bend is family-focused, as are many of our entertainment options including the parks and entertainment complexes already mentioned, but we didn’t want to forget these fun attractions too.

TOWN CENTER – SUGAR LAND

Town Center offers outdoor shopping and dining experiences for everyone. Children love the whimsical space in front of City Hall complete with fountain, green space, and Instagrammable sculptures including a few floral ones that look like they were plucked right out of Alice in Wonderland.

CONSTELLATION FIELD, HOME OF THE SPACE COWBOYS – SUGAR LAND

As if the name of the park and home team weren’t out of this world, Constellation Field offers affordable and family-friendly entertainment everyone loves, even those who “don’t do sports.” Built as a joint venture with the City of Sugar Land, Constellation Field is a $35 million multi-purpose facility built to Triple-A baseball standards. It’s home to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys’ minor league baseball team (part of the Houston Astros organization). Sugar Land is the only Houston suburb with a minor league sports team.

The stadium was built with families in mind, with a desire to create a space (get, it?) that could be enjoyed year-round. Even when America’s pastime isn’t the game in town, there’s plenty to enjoy at Constellation Field. The field is also host to the annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights and multiple community events making it a fan favorite. If you have littles, don’t miss the Kiddie Corral (children’s play area), with a carousel and a splash pad.

For Museum Mavens & History Buffs

History comes alive in Fort Bend with worldclass museums and attractions for all ages. From pre-historic eras to proud Texas history, the Bend presents it all in a way that feels alive and riveting, providing insights into how we became the innovative community we are today. See where we’ve been to know where we’re going.

THE GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK RICHMOND

History comes alive at the George Ranch Historical Park where you can tour four generations of homes: the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion, and the 1930s George Ranch Home and Cattle Yard. This TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Winner invites guests to sit around the campfire with cowboys, see costumed interpreters, and enjoy hands-on activities. Explore firsthand how cowboys work the cattle, including the magnificent Texas Longhorns. Smell the smoldering fire and hear the unmistakable clanging of blacksmithing demonstrations. This 20,000-acre working ranch has been teaching Texas school children about life in the 1800s through field trips and special events. The Ranch is open to the public on Saturdays.

THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE – SUGAR LAND

From prehistoric beasts to modern life science, The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land brings learning to life for all audiences. Through a mixture of permanent displays, rotating exhibits, and educational nature series, the museum teaches guests about the wonders of nature, instilling in visitors a curiosity that makes learning fun. Guests’ favorites include the Halls of Paleontology and Technology, an Augmented Reality exhibit showcasing Sugar Land’s first residents – dinosaurs – and a Dig Pit for hands-on, experiential learning.

As part of its desire to make learning enjoyable for everyone, The Museum also hosts free sensory-friendly events three times a year where exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment for those with autism and sensory sensitivities. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out at the Museum’s Box Office. Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore are also available throughout the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls. Registration for the sensory friendly events is required.

2024 Event Dates are:

Saturday, January 27th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 11th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 12th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

FORT BEND MUSEUM – RICHMOND

The Fort Bend Museum features exhibits highlighting the history of the county. There, visitors can tour one of the oldest buildings in Fort Bend, the Long-Smith building built in 1855. The adjacent 1883 Historic Moore Home is a Texas Historic Landmark, and tours of the home are available throughout the year. The Museum hosts periodic lectures and several unique events throughout the year, including a Night in the Garden in April, Bites and Brews in November, and December’s Candlelight Christmas Tours, where guests can get a taste of a delightful Christmas celebration from the 1800s, including a sampling of wassail and cookies.

ROSENBERG RAILROAD MUSEUM – ROSENBERG

Situated adjacent to four active train lines in downtown Historic Rosenberg, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRM) is a little-known treasure. With its park-like grounds, seven model train layouts, historical railroad artifacts, 1800s Bath House, Tower 17, MoPac Caboose, and the meticulously restored 1879 business railcar “Quebec,” RRM offers a rich glimpse into railway history. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is the perfect place to better understand the legacy of railroad history and its influence on the development of Fort Bend County.

FREEDOM TREE PARK – MISSOURI CITY

Freedom Tree Park, situated along Misty Hollow Drive between Glenn Lakes and Lake Olympia Boulevard, is home to the Historic Freedom Tree. On June 19, 1865, under the branches of the Freedom Tree, the white overseer and Ed Gibbs, declared freedom for Palmer Plantation slaves, marking a historic moment beneath the spreading boughs of the Freedom Tree.

With so much to see and do here, we invite you to take our Fort Bend County challenge— come for a day (or two) and see if you don’t end up wanting to make a life here.

GO APE! ZIPLINE

This exciting adrenaline rush of an adventure in Brazos Park offers three levels of ziplining courses. The unparalleled outdoor recreation adventure and thrilling high ropes courses, feature suspended obstacles, rope ladders, Tarzan swings, and breathtaking ziplines. Set against the backdrop of mature trees near the banks of the Brazos River, these courses offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

Beyond a typical canopy tour, the Treetop Adventure unfolds over 2-3 hours, incorporating ziplines spanning almost 1,000 feet. For a more accessible introduction to aerial adventure, the Treetop Journey is a 1-hour activity suitable for all ages. Enjoy stunning views from the ground and the treetops. Go Ape! will soon be offering outdoor axe throwing as well.

SMART FINANCIAL CENTER

The 200,000 square foot Smart Financial Centre is a state-of-the-art, indoor performance venue that brings the best in live entertainment to Sugar Land. The venue’s movable walls can yield four different seating capacities from an intimate 1,900 seats to an open 6,400. The Centre hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway stars to popular musical acts in all genres to family-friendly performances.

FORT BEND COUNTY EPICENTER

Opened in 2023, The Epicenter provides a sophisticated but welcoming space for small to mid-size community activities, sports tournaments, corporate meetings, conferences, banquets, trade shows, concerts, and blacktie events. At 230,000 sq. ft, the arena boasts over 8,600 fixed seats with a capacity of over 10,000. It can be scaled to fit so every guest has an incredible view. Additionally, its 38,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion is the perfect spot for livestock shows, equestrian competitions, and agricultural events. Like the indoor space, it can be customized for events.