Grimes County: History and Time by the Water

The Fanthorp Inn in Anderson tells the story of historic travel routes, while Navasota’s Washington Avenue preserves early commercial buildings. Gibbons Creek Reservoir reveals another side of Grimes County. If you’re looking for a vacation rental for your stay, these specific places to visit can help guide your excursion planning.

History in Anderson and Navasota

The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site covers six acres in Anderson, the county seat of Grimes County. Historically, the Fanthorp Inn became a well-known stop for travelers and the local community. Today, it is open for public tours Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Since operating hours can change, check them before your visit. Its former role as a stop for travelers gives visitors a direct connection to the area’s travel history.

The Grimes County Courthouse also offers a distinct architectural focus: completed in 1894, the courthouse is in the Italianate style and features both brick and natural stone. The style and building materials offer two different points of interest—the architectural classification on the one hand, and the specific materials mentioned on the other. Those interested in historic buildings will find it complements the history of the Fanthorp Inn, though the two places do not tell the same story.

Historic Routes and Streetscapes

In Navasota, many early commercial buildings line Washington Avenue. Historically, the downtown street was a major section of an early route connecting Washington-on-the-Brazos and Goliad with Anderson, and from there onward to Louisiana. This makes Washington Avenue interesting not only as a streetscape, but also as part of a larger historic connection.

Another historic route probably ran northeast to Navasota: the La Bahia Trail likely followed Cedar Creek through the city. Its probable route remains part of this history. Along with the early commercial buildings and Washington Avenue, it offers a second perspective on Navasota—on both the city’s development and its role in historic routes.

Water, Golf, and Getting There

Gibbons Creek Reservoir is a 2,770-acre reservoir in Grimes County. A 2014 survey reports a five-lane boat ramp and a 750-square-foot fishing pier there. Check current access conditions before you go. The reservoir’s size and facilities make it a clear destination for water-based recreation; when planning, distinguish this focus from the historic sites in Anderson and Navasota.

In Navasota, Pecan Lakes Golf Club is a public golf community. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 30 minutes before dark. Since opening hours can change, check the current schedule before your visit. Navasota also has a municipal airport for small private aircraft and jets. If you’re considering this way of getting there, check airport operations before your trip.

Which Base Fits Your Itinerary?

Your own daily itinerary is a useful guide when choosing a vacation rental: first decide whether tours and architecture, golf, or the reservoir will be your main focus. Then compare the location of a specific rental with the places you want to visit. Visiting hours vary considerably: the Fanthorp Inn has set days and hours, the golf club has its own daily schedule, and you should check current access conditions for the reservoir.

Discover more destinations: Brown County, Gonzales, Harris, Presidio County, Navarro County, Tyler, Milam County.

For the overview of the wider region: Texas.