Heritage Society
 The
mission of the Heritage Society is to preserve the complete history of the
community and region through preservation and restoration of historic
structures, exhibition of historical artifacts and presentation of
education programs which focus on Houston and Harris County's diverse past
and its relationship to the present and future. The oldest surviving brick
house in Houston was built by Nathaniel Kellum in 1847. A Virginian who
came to Houston in 1839, Kellum operated a brick kiln, a tannery and saw
mill on the property. During the 1850s Mrs. Zerviah M. Noble conducted one
of Houston's first private schools in this house. In 1954 interested
citizens organized the Heritage Society to save the house from
destruction. Kellum-Noble is the only house in the Park on its original
site. There are numerous other houses to view from several eras of
Houston's history, transported to the park and restored. See
web site for cost/hours.
Battleship Texas
In 1948, the Battleship TEXAS became
the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. That same year, on
the anniversary of  Texas
Independence, the Texas was presented to the State of Texas and
commissioned as the flagship of the Texas Navy. In 1983, the Texas was
placed under the stewardship of the Texas Parks and Wildlife and is
permanently anchored on the Buffalo Bayou and the busy Houston Ship
Channel. The Texas Parks and Wildlife's 1,200-acre San Jacinto
Battleground State Historic Site consists of the Battleground, Monument
and Battleship TEXAS. This battleship fought in both World Wars, and
has recently been extensively repaired. You can troll all over the ship at
your leisure once onboard. This wonderful monument is located within
minutes of downtown Houston and a short distance to Galveston Island.
See web site for cost and hours.
George Ranch Historical Park
 In
the last ten years, the George Ranch Historical Park has emerged as
one of the premiere heritage attractions in the Houston area. Visitors to
the Park step back in time to experience more than 100 years of Texas
history. Through innovative and interactive programs, visitors can get
their hands on the past. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of a Texas
gone by will bring your senses alive. Set amid 23,000 acres of working
ranch and farmland, the Historical Park shares the stories of Texas with
visitors in authentic historical settings. A relaxing stroll around the
Park's history circle will bring the past to life, and let the
distractions of the modern world slip away. Watch cowboys ride, rope and work cattle around the
original dipping vat, pens and horse barns. The park is operated by the
Fort Bend Museum Association. See web site for cost and hours.
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and Monument
 The
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site holds a significant
responsibility to preserve the proud history of the State of Texas and the
United States. The famous Battle of San Jacinto that brought TEXAS its
independence was fought on this site. Because of the great importance of
the Battle to the course of history, the Battleground is of state,
national and international significance, a fact that is attested to by the
site's National Historic Landmark status. The San Jacinto Monument
commemorates the battle where Texas won its freedom from Mexico. The
monument is similar to that of the Washington monument but like
everything else in Texas, it's taller. Visit the museum at the base, and
be sure to allow time to take an elevator up to the top of the tower where
there is an observation deck.
Houston
Arboretum and Nature Center
 The
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre non-profit urban
nature sanctuary located on the western edge of Memorial Park. It is
managed by the Houston Arboretum Board of Trustees and staff under an
agreement with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Visitors can enjoy over 5 miles of nature trails, including forests, pond
and prairie habitats. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is
located at 4501 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX 77024 Phone: (713) 681-8433
Space Center Houston
 Space
Center Houston is the Official Visitors Center of NASA's Johnson Space
Center, which is the home of astronaut training and Mission Control.
Exhibits and tours of the nearby NASA facility. The Award Winning
Astronaut Audio Tour will help guide you through the Space Center Houston
exhibits. The tour is narrated by John Glenn, Gene Cernan, Alan Bean, Gene
Kranz, Shannon Lucid, Eileen Collins, Barry Corbin, And more. Take a
look behind the scenes on a guided tram tour of NASA's Johnson Space
Center. You can visit Historic Mission Control Center, Hangar X and the
Space Vehicle Mockup Facility. Before returning to Space Center Houston,
you have an optional stop at Rocket Park, home of the massive rockets used
in the earliest days of the space program. Occasionally, the tram tour may
visit other facilities, such as the Jake Garn Shuttle Mission Simulators
or the Sonny Carter Training Facility. You may even get to see astronauts
training for upcoming missions. The buildings visited on the tram tour are
real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to close
without notice.
Houston Museums
If today is the today for a museum tour,
visit our list of some of the best local area museums here.
Performing
Arts, Plays, and Musicals
Houston is one of the best Theatre
Cities around. Click here
to view the many venues Houston has to offer.
Imperial Sugar (Sugar Land)
Visitors are able to observe the complete
sugar manufacturing process in one of the few remaining sugar cane
refineries in the United States. Tours are conducted daily at 10a.m. and
2p.m. Group reservations advisable. 198 Kempner, adjacent to U.S. 59/90A.
For information concerning tours, call 1-800-727-8427 and ask for tour
information. One Imperial Square.
Sam
Houston Boat Tour
 Get
ready for an unforgettably spectacular waterborne tour of one of the
busiest ports in the world aboard the Port of Houston Authority's free
public tour boat! Named
for the legendary military commander who led the fight for Texas
independence from Mexico and later statehood, the M/V Sam Houston offers
free leisurely 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston Ship
Channel. Embarking from the port's Sam Houston Pavilion, visiting
sightseers can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and
operations at the port's Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in
length and 24 feet in width, the boat carries a maximum capacity of 100
passengers with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing
room on the boat's rear deck. The tour is free; however reservations
are required in advance. Enhanced port security measures
require photo identification for passengers ages 18 and older. Register
online anytime, or call 713-670-2416, Monday through Thursday between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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