Pioneer Museum
Pioneer Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Enjoy a self-guided tour of our grounds and glimpse into the daily lives of the German pioneers of the Texas Hill Country. Our 3.5 acre grounds, located in downtown Fredericksburg, feature historic homesteads and buildings donated by founding families of Gillespie County. Among the historic homesteads and buildings are: one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, Sunday house, blacksmith shop, bath house, barn, smokehouse. Each showcases artifacts and architecture which help to preserve and tell the story of these pioneers. Also, browse through our fire department museum which displays pieces of early 20th century firefighting equipment.
Duration: < 1 hour
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See what travellers are saying
- chateau57164 contributionsDefinitely visitAbsolutely excellent place. Very well presented information, the auto-start audio recording in each of the properties are excellent. So much history and information squeezed into this lovely museum. the level of preservation is very good and the artefacts carefully displayed to give a real feel for the place in its original use.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 October 2023
- EC13091Ellicott City, Maryland1,560 contributionsExcellent small museum of local historyThis is an excellent small museum to get and understanding of how the Hill Country was settled. We bought a combination ticket with the Vereins Kirche for both properties. The excellent video shows, in 12 minutes, the background of German settlement in the area and gives a good introduction. We then toured the several buildings, some original to the site, others moved here. We spent over an hour, and in November had the place almost to ourselves.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 November 2023
- K KHamburg, Germany299 contributionsA must-see in FriedrichsburgWe had a wonderful experience at the Pioneer Museum and hearing about Betty's family and history. Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience with us and answering all of our questions. Coming from Germany this museum was especially interesting for us.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
393 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
95
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
2
SherryRR
Kalamazoo, MI48 contributions
Jan 2020
The buildings that have been moved to this site are full of things from the early days of Fredericksburg and it was interesting to learn about how the city came to be. The buildings themselves show a great deal about the settlers' lives as well. We felt it was well worth our time.
Written 30 January 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.
Thank you for coming and saying it was well worth your time. We're so pleased.
Written 31 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carmen194
Bucharest, Romania86 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a lovely small museum located on the main street in Fredericksburs that tells the story of the German immigrants who settled in this area in the 1840s-1850s. The museum comprises several buildings showing how the founders and early settlers of this town lived. Several houses have AC and an audio recording that provides more details about the former dwellers starts playing when one enters the rooms. The short film that plays in the museum theater is not to be missed. The gift shop is also very nice. Overall we enjoyed our visit to the museum and strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Fredericksburg and the history of Texas.
Written 7 August 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.
Paul G
Tucson, AZ3,742 contributions
Jan 2020
Located on Main Street and very easy to find, this museum tells the story of both Fredericksburg and area.
The admission fee is very reasonable, the grounds are easy to walk and the buildings are filled with the families history of each building.
When one walks in, the audio turns on and a family member tells the story of both family and the building.
Spend some time here, you will find it very informative.
The admission fee is very reasonable, the grounds are easy to walk and the buildings are filled with the families history of each building.
When one walks in, the audio turns on and a family member tells the story of both family and the building.
Spend some time here, you will find it very informative.
Written 10 January 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.
Thank you for a review that answers questions we most frequently get. We're appreciative of your visit and grateful for your helpful words.
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GranolaSMP
Grapevine,21 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We stopped by Spring Break week and were thrilled to find many interactive stations. There were old houses to tour, rope making, axe/tomahawk throwing demonstration by Mountain Man Moses (GREAT experience!), real
Black smithing, the kids could sample homemade biscuits/butter and make corn husk dolls. Our two eleven-year-olds were enthralled for a full 90 minutes. Thank you to the Pioneer Museum staff and volunteers!!
Black smithing, the kids could sample homemade biscuits/butter and make corn husk dolls. Our two eleven-year-olds were enthralled for a full 90 minutes. Thank you to the Pioneer Museum staff and volunteers!!
Written 18 March 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.
CharlieV2011
Chicago, IL2,318 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
This museum tells the history of the great people from Germany who founded this great town! The museum starts off with a short movie that explains the hardships endured by the German people as they arrived in Texas. Although they initially endured hardships, they went on to build a town for themselves that allowed them to succeed at creating something of their own! The museum has small buildings that show how the new Americans were educated and assimilated, farming, trade, and everyday life. If you are near Fredericksburg, this museum is a great way to learn about the town for any age!
Written 4 October 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.
Thank you! You should be part of our marketing department! We appreciate your thorough review of our place.
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darrin M
Flower Mound, TX31 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We did this tour in a hurry let in the afternoon. The lady running the place this day was very helpful to make sure we got the most out of our visit and the short time we had. The displays were very good with a richness of information on life for the early settlers and townspeople. The kids really soaked it in. Probably our favorite was the one room school house. The place is a tribute to the volunteers and local people. Nicely done.
Written 1 January 2021
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.
Tonya R
Carlsbad, NM312 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
It was brutally hot today- and we wanted to check out the museums. The Pioneer did not disappoint (although there are only a couple buildings with air conditioning).
A neat trip with kiddos (as long as they know they can’t touch the exhibits). Plenty of buildings to go unto and check out, an audio comes on with a brief explanation of the history of the building. Tons to geek out on in all the right ways! I loved it!!!
There’s a 12 minute video every 15 minutes, they are open from 10 am to 5pm. I highly recommend the video it was really well done.
Everything was terrific!!!
A neat trip with kiddos (as long as they know they can’t touch the exhibits). Plenty of buildings to go unto and check out, an audio comes on with a brief explanation of the history of the building. Tons to geek out on in all the right ways! I loved it!!!
There’s a 12 minute video every 15 minutes, they are open from 10 am to 5pm. I highly recommend the video it was really well done.
Everything was terrific!!!
Written 14 August 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.
nottinghall
Weymouth, MA457 contributions
Apr 2022
Not quite sure what to expect from this small, interactive museum in the town center, but it did not disappoint. We learned about the plight of the early German settlers as we wandered from exhibit to exhibit. You could feel the love and passion in each family's home. Don't ignore this gem!
Written 18 April 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.
Texasgal1517
Waco, TX53 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
While this isn't my first historic village/museum of this nature to visit, it was definitely one of the best ones. The museum features homes and buildings from around the county c. 1800s. The buildings, artifacts, and audio reels help to tell the story of the early settlers in the region. Everything is well preserved and provides a greater understanding of what the Germans faced coming to Texas in the 1840s and how they managed to thrive. Staff is friendly and eager to answer questions. As of this posting they also have past Fredricksburg anniversary exhibits up to help celebrate Fredricksburg's 175th anniversary.
Written 15 June 2021
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.
Kathryn C
Hardin, TX115 contributions
Apr 2021
This museum is scattered through several old buildings which have been restored or moved to this site. The grounds are nice to wander as you move from building to building. A very good depiction of what life was like and some of the tools, implements and household items used in early Fredricksburg. Staff was very helpful and friendly.
Written 8 May 2021
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.
jhoover2016
Fredericksburg, Texas
Adults 7.50
Students 3.00
Under age 6 Free
Active or Veteran discount
Written 1 November 2018
How many people a year visit this museum?
Written 13 December 2017
jhoover2016
Fredericksburg, Texas
We had 15,500 visitors come through the Pioneer Museum in 2017. We also run the Vereins Kirche (German for Society Church) building on the Town Square. We had 18,900 visitors there for a grand total of 34,400 at both our sites.
Written 8 June 2018
Why isn't this museum open on Sunday? people only get Saturday and Sunday of from work, Sunday would be an ideal day to go!
Written 11 March 2017
jhoover2016
Fredericksburg, Texas
Hi, Andrea. I'm the Museum Director. We are not open on Sundays because we value the concept of a weekly "day of rest" in Fredericksburg, which is a long-held tradition passed down by our pioneers, whom we honor with this museum. Thank you for your interest, and I hope you'll be able to come on a Saturday soon.
Written 11 March 2017
About how long does it take to go through the museum and see everything?
We're trying to squeeze a visit in between lunch and a show at the Rockbox Theater and don't want to feel rushed. TIA!
Written 23 November 2016
jhoover2016
Fredericksburg, Texas
Most of our visitors find under an hour sufficient. I hope you'll squeeze us in. Love to have you. Please note we'll be closed at 3pm on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and of course closed Thanksgiving Day. Regular hours resume Friday. Thanks for your interest.
Written 23 November 2016
Lynda F
Atlanta, Texas
are pets welcome at Pioneer Museum Complex & what is the cost per person
Written 15 April 2015
jhoover2016
Fredericksburg, Texas
Several months ago someone asked about pets being welcome. I'm the Director of the Museum, and here's the answer. We allow service animals on a leash and small pets that are carried. Otherwise we do not allow animals on the grounds or in the buildings. Thank you for asking. I hope you and your appropriate pet will visit us soon.
Written 11 March 2017
Hi!
This resort looks beautiful, however my husband and self are light sleepers. Do you have any partial ocean view rooms with a king size bed located in the less trafficked quieter areas? We would like to book the end of August.
Thank you so much for your help.
Written 1 March 2015
as noted by others, it is not a resort but is a very nice museum complex and well worth visiting. If you are looking at Fredericksburg, I stayed at the Sugarberry B&B there, it is very nice and you can read my review of it.
Written 2 March 2015
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