Ultimate Guide to Waller County, Texas

1. Where is Waller County, Texas?

Waller County sits in Southeast Texas, strategically located between Houston and Austin, making it a key part of the greater Houston metropolitan area. The county is bordered by Harris County (to the east), Fort Bend County (to the south), and Washington County (to the northwest).

Major highways like Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 290, and Texas State Highway 6 make the region easily accessible, which is a big plus for visitors, commuters, and local businesses alike.

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2. A Snapshot of Waller County’s History

Founded in 1873, Waller County was named after Edwin Waller, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the first mayor of Austin. The region has deep roots in ranching, cotton farming, and railroads, and many of its communities still maintain the small-town character that defined Texas over a century ago.

Today, the county blends its historical legacy with modern development, attracting families, entrepreneurs, and visitors from all over Texas and beyond.

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3. Cities and Communities in Waller County

Waller County includes several cities, towns, and unincorporated communities, each with its own unique charm.

Main Cities & Towns:

• Hempstead – The county seat and a historic railroad town.

• Brookshire – A fast-growing area near Katy, ideal for logistics and industry.

• Prairie View – Home to Prairie View A&M University, a cornerstone of Black education and culture.

• Waller – A growing hub that blends rural charm with suburban access.

Unincorporated Areas:

• Fields Store

• Pine Island

• Monaville

• Pattison

These smaller communities are perfect for those seeking peaceful, open countryside with convenient access to larger cities.

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4. Why Visit Waller County?

Visitors to Waller County are often surprised by how much there is to see and do. The region is ideal for:

• Weekend getaways

• Outdoor recreation

• Heritage tourism

• Festivals and events

• College visits (Prairie View A&M)

If you love the Texas Hill Country feel without the crowds, Waller County is your next destination.

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5. Top Attractions in Waller County

🌾 Liendo Plantation

One of the oldest homes in Texas, Liendo Plantation dates back to 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the antebellum mansion, walk the historic grounds, and attend Civil War reenactments and craft fairs.

🚜 Dewberry Farm

Located in Brookshire, Dewberry Farm is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Southeast Texas. With over 40 attractions including corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, and a Christmas light show, it’s fun year-round.

🏞️ Katy Prairie Conservancy

A haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers, this conservation area protects thousands of acres of prairie habitat and offers public trails for exploration and education.

🎡 Waller County Fair

Held each fall, the Waller County Fair brings together rodeos, live music, food vendors, livestock shows, and carnival rides. It’s a full week of Texas-style celebration!

🧘 American Bodhi Center

This peaceful Buddhist center offers retreats, meditation classes, and cultural events across its 500+ acre campus. It’s one of the largest centers of its kind in the U.S.

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6. Outdoor Adventures and Nature Escapes

Waller County’s landscape offers rolling pastures, piney woods, wetlands, and creeks—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

🎣 Fishing & Boating

• Brazos River access in western Waller County

• Local ponds and private ranches with stocked fishing areas

🚴 Hiking & Biking

• Trails at the Katy Prairie Conservancy

• Farm roads ideal for cycling and scenic drives

🏕️ Camping & Glamping

• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Waller offers cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups with waterparks and family fun

• Private ranch stays through platforms like Hipcamp and Airbnb

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7. A Center for Education: Prairie View A&M University

Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is a proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a member of the Texas A&M system. It plays a central role in the county’s identity, economy, and cultural scene.

The university offers:

• Over 50 undergraduate programs

• Graduate and doctoral degrees

• A vibrant arts and athletics program

• Research in agriculture, engineering, and education

PVAMU also hosts annual events open to the public, including homecoming, concerts, and cultural showcases.

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8. Local Flavor: Where to Eat & Drink

You won’t go hungry in Waller County. From BBQ to Tex-Mex, here are must-try local spots:

• Waller County Line BBQ (Waller) – Smoked brisket and sausage done right

• Erik’s Mexican Restaurant (Hempstead) – Authentic Mexican plates with fresh tortillas

• Cafe at Brookwood (Brookshire) – A gourmet bistro operated by a nonprofit community for adults with disabilities

• Ranchito Taqueria (Prairie View) – A student-favorite for tacos and tortas

• Location Six Brewing (Waller) – Locally crafted beers in a modern farmhouse taproom

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9. Events & Festivals Year-Round

Waller County offers a calendar full of community-driven events:

• Waller County Fair & Rodeo – Fall

• Dewberry Farm Festivals – Spring, Fall, Winter

• Prairie View A&M Homecoming – October

• Hempstead Watermelon Festival – Summer

• Brookshire Bluegrass Jam – Monthly

These events provide a great opportunity to connect with locals and experience authentic Texas culture.

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10. Real Estate & Living in Waller County

🏠 Cost of Living

Compared to nearby counties like Harris or Travis, Waller County remains affordable, with lower property taxes, wide-open spaces, and growing home values.

🏡 Housing Options

• New subdivisions in Brookshire and Waller

• Ranch-style homes and acreage outside Hempstead

• Historic homes and fixer-uppers with character

🚜 Land & Agriculture

Waller County is popular for horse ranches, cattle operations, and hobby farms. If you’re looking for land to build on or lease for agriculture, this is one of the best counties in Texas to explore.

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11. Business and Economic Development

Thanks to its strategic location, workforce pipeline from Prairie View A&M, and business-friendly climate, Waller County is becoming a destination for entrepreneurs and investors.

Key industries include:

• Logistics and warehousing (especially near I-10 and US-290)

• Agribusiness and food production

• Light manufacturing

• Healthcare and education

Waller Economic Development Corporations are offering incentives and partnerships for new businesses, especially in Brookshire and Prairie View.

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12. Transportation & Accessibility

Getting to, from, and around Waller County is easy.

🚗 Major Routes:

• U.S. Highway 290 connects to Houston and Austin

• I-10 Corridor through Brookshire leads straight into downtown Houston

• FM and State Highways connect rural areas with regional hubs

🚆 Rail & Freight

Railroad access is available for industrial businesses, especially in Brookshire and Hempstead.

✈️ Air Travel

• Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 45 minutes

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport – 1.5 hours

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13. Chamber of Commerce and Community Resources

Waller County is supported by active Chambers of Commerce, civic organizations, and community centers, including:

• Waller Area Chamber of Commerce

• Hempstead Chamber of Commerce

• Brookshire-Katy EDC

• Prairie View A&M Small Business Development Center

These groups provide networking events, business resources, and promotional opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

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Conclusion: Why Waller County is a True Texas Treasure

From its rich history and scenic landscapes to its growing communities and thriving local culture, Waller County, Texas offers an experience that’s as authentic as it is exciting. Whether you’re here to explore the prairies, celebrate at a festival, invest in land, or launch your business, you’ll find a welcoming community full of pride, progress, and promise.

So if you’re looking for a slice of Texas that still feels like home on the range, with a forward-thinking mindset and room to grow—Waller County is calling.