George Ranch Historical Park

George Ranch Historical Park

George Ranch Historical Park
4.5
Historic SitesEducational sitesRanches
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Ranch! Founded in 1824, the George Ranch Historical Park brings Texas and Fort Bend County history to life through interactive school programming, group tours, special events and Saturday programs for the general public.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles208 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
50
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
1

Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA766 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We visited here one afternoon during our recent trip to explore the Houston, TX, area. We wanted to learn about the history and development of Texas and thought this site would educate us on early ranching and settlement inroads. This was our final place to visit before we flew back home to PA the next day. Fortunately, we visited on a day (the Friday after Thanksgiving weekend) with no class trips (a docent mentioned the previous day was packed with school groups). We (2 senior adults with no children along) were the only people walking the grounds that afternoon and had the house docents all to ourselves. We spent almost four hours here and visited 4 homesteads of related family members living here during different time periods. The docents at the houses were great at explaining the significance of the house and outbuildings. We enjoyed visiting with the blacksmith and seeing his work. A tram circled around the grounds all day transporting visitors from one homestead to another, as sites are spread out quite a bit on the spacious grounds. Unfortunately, we missed the cowboy demonstration due to needing to time a house tour at the opposite side, so we didn’t learn much about ranching at all. We saw a few “living history” activities but probably not the amount they offer during special events or for school groups. Also, we did not see the homesteads in order by age, and that was a bit disorienting.

All in all, we enjoyed this attraction, but I felt the pace to visit here was a bit too leisurely for what we saw. We seemed to spend as much time awaiting trams between homesteads as we spent at each stop (benches at each tram stop would be a nice addition). I was left wishing there was more to see at each site to flesh out the house and its furnishings and residents a bit more. We would have enjoyed a museum with exhibits on Texas history, cattle ranching, the effect of the Civil War on this region, etc. I think that this would nicely supplement the displays they have now and create a more substantive and educational historical park. I understand the former visitor’s center, where they showed an orientation video at least (I might be wrong), was recently damaged by flooding. Hopefully they will get that repaired and reopened ASAP and perhaps include an interpretive exhibit of some sort. Also, a café would be a nice addition here.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

THC1996
39 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Family
We have a high risk member of our family. We practice COVID measures very diligently. I was disappointed that only 60-70% of the staff did a good job wearing masks. And maybe 40% of the visitors wore masks. There were many people that obviously never wore masks and some only pretended. I know this is a hard place for their business to be in. But I would not recommend going until after COVID. I would also expect to see more hand sanitizer at different locations. I think it is a great place and very impressed with what they have done. But wearing masks and practicing social distancing is not apparent here. And we have gone to many other places in Houston (Zoo, MFAH, Arboretum, Parks) and it was much better.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hd452016
Tulsa, OK4,035 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is a 20,00-acre working ranch which is divided into four time periods of the 1830s, 1860s, 1890s, and 1930s. You will see the Jones Stock Farm, the Ryon Prairie Home, the Davis Victorian Complex and the George Cattle Complex. It would be a good idea to call ahead to see if there are any events being planned on the day of your visit, especially if you want to avoid busloads of school children. YOu can also call ahead for a private tour.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SC_76820
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
George Ranch Historical Park is first rate venue for an event or to visit. The staff is very professional and knows how to take care of any size group. The activities such as the Jones Stock Yard and herd care was great and memorable. I look forward to going to back.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alexa R
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
We recently had a company event (2nd time with them) and it was as incredible as expected! The venue was clean and ready to go at our arrival time. David was very attentive and responsive throughout the planning process and the day of the event. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The weather was PERFECT, and everyone really enjoyed what the park had to offer, overall an amazing experience!
Written April 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

globeseeker007
globeseeker0073,295 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a great way for the entire family to spend a day. Admission is $9.00 for adults and is worth the price. This ranch dates back to the early 19th century and there is a lot to see. There's even a snack bar on the grounds where one can have lunch. Among the things to see are a Victorian mansion, prairie house, blacksmith shop, and treehouse, the latter being a paradise for kids who like to climb. There's even a demonstration given by cowboys on how to herd cattle in and out of a pen. This place contains a lot of western history and is a great way to spend a day. Everyone will enjoy it.
Written December 19, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelNazi126
Houston, TX223 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Couples
About 30 miles outside of downtown Houston, sits the George Ranch Historical Park - there are several homes on the tour, starting with a replica dog-trot cabin. Chronicling the lives of Mamie and Albert George each house tells a portion of their legacy. A tractor pulled trailer with seating is available between each location, but the walking is pleasant if you are able. The doscent's knowledge and period costume dressing varies widely between sites. Cowboys and cowgirls give roping and other demonstrations. Picnic tables are available for picnics and there is a small gift shop.
Written January 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DelawareLA
Houston, TX30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Friends
If you like history and/or if you're curious about life styles and habits of a bygone era, you will enjoy the ranch. There are four homes on the ranch, representing lifestyles of different generations; there is also an actual blacksmith who is very knowledgeable about his craft. Some of the "workers" are in period costumes to authenticate their roles. The homes are a display of generational artifacts of the original owners, the George family.

There is some walking involved and/or you can take the tractor/trolley around the ranch; the trolley periodically stops at each home.

There are some animals on the ranch and some of the homes have tour guides who were well versed.

There is a fee to enter; senior rates do apply. Group pricing is available if you book in advance.
Written November 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jon L A
Sugar Land, TX56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Family
I just love this park. The owners have preserved four different settings from four time periods in local Texas history and they present them to visitors in ultra-realistic reenactment format. The houses themselves are beautifully restored. Then, the cowboy features are authentic and hands on. The grounds of the current residents' house are free for you to roam, and they're very quaint and peaceful. There's an on site gift store that also serves small snacks and ice cream. If you want a larger meal, you'll need to bring a picnic.
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevinofsurrey
Langley, Canada188 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2015 • Family
I enjoyed visiting the George Ranch. You really get a feeling of what it was like in the beginning for this family. Guides give tours of each house in character. They have a tractor with a wagon to pull you around to each house. So not too much walking for those who don't want to.
Written January 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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George Ranch Historical Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about George Ranch Historical Park

George Ranch Historical Park is open:
  • Sat - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM