As you plan to attend the Texas State Genealogy Conference, leave room for site seeing on the western side of the Greater Houston Metroplex. Enhance your classroom learning with one of these fun destinations.
Katy, Texas is situated
30 miles northwest of downtown Houston, home of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
40 miles west of the Bush Intercontinental and the Hobby Airport.
Check out this quick list of nearby attractions that saves you from driving all over Houston. Your genealogy conference experience will be more like a Texas history vacation.
The Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum
6002 George Bush Drive 281-391-4884
An old-fashioned broad-ax slashed binder-twine was used to open the 9,600-square foot Katy Heritage Museum in 2002 officially. Vintage farming equipment and artifacts from Katy’s agricultural and pioneering history are on display, along with scores of old photographs and fascinating antiques. Schools, clubs, and groups can make arrangements for special tours. (Admission is free.)
6206 George Bush Drive 281-391-8387
“The G.I. Joe Museum” is a first-class military exhibit of historical significance encompassing every foreign conflict involving the United States. Special group tours are available on request. Memberships available, and contributions appreciated. (Admission is free.)
Katy Heritage Park & Historical Homes
5990 George Bush Drive 281-391-2550
Established in 2003 as a joint project between the City of Katy and the Katy Heritage Society, Katy Heritage Park is best known for its restored historic buildings, beautiful landscape, and heritage-rich activities year-round.
Homes are open for tours the first weekend of each month from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sunday. (You’ll miss the tours during the conference by one weekend).
5616 First Street 281-391-8400
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Depot, which has been restored to serve at the Visitors Center. It is a central location for tourists and visitors to obtain information, brochures, and maps for the City of Katy and Katy businesses. The Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum inside the Depot displays many original elements and explains how the Depot operated as a passenger rail service in Katy until 1957. The Heritage Society’s red caboose is also located on the beautifully landscaped site with benches and a town clock.
Photo by Bill Oswald
It’s a short drive from Katy to Hockley, but it’s worth it. Admission is just $5 per person, and you get to enjoy current, blockbuster movies in old-fashioned, drive-in style. Bring a blanket and chairs.
Stop by the taproom to get a pint of the seasonal blend or a year-round brew like the light and refreshing El Hefe Weizen. Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm; Saturday noon to 10 pm; Sunday noon to 6 pm.
Dine on chef-inspired modern eats at Dish Society; go for a big, sloppy burger at Bernie’s Burger Bus; share a pancake flight at Snooze; slurp noodles at Agu Ramen, and savor South African flavors at Peli Peli.
Wines produced with local grapes go from the cellar straight to your table at this sophisticated wine bar and restaurant. And with Texas-born Chef Raul Carrillo helming the kitchen, there’s excellent, globally-inspired food to match.
Old Town Katy Shopping District
Old Town Katy Shopping
Shop the quaint local businesses that line historic Katy. There’s Junk Street Market, a vintage boutique with unique furniture finds; The Cottage Door, a gift shop with plenty of jewelry and home décor; and KT Antiques, with everything from shabby chic furniture to old school toys, for starters.
Make the Texas State Genealogy Conference More Than Just a Classroom Experience
As you make plans to attend the largest genealogical conference in the Lone Star state, make plans to tour, shop, or explore Katy, Texas. We can’t wait to join you at the Texas State Genealogical Society Family History Conference on October 11-13 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside in Katy, Texas.