Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a protected area with coastal prairie, bottomland forest, and wetlands in Fort Bend County, Texas, covering roughly 4,900 acres (1,980 hectares). Three interconnected lakes sit within a network of trails that wind through the different habitats.

The land along the Brazos River was home to Karankawa people before European arrival, who fished and hunted in this region. The area became a state park through a private land donation in 1984 and was opened to the public.

The George Observatory inside the reserve serves as an educational center for astronomy and hosts public viewing sessions to observe celestial objects. The facility connects the natural visit with the chance to look through telescopes at planets and distant galaxies.

The reserve offers around 37 miles (60 kilometers) of trails for hiking and biking that wind through prairie and forest sections, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Shore fishing does not require a license within the park, and several marked spots provide direct access to the lakes.

American alligators live throughout the waters of the park, and dedicated viewing platforms allow visitors to watch them from a safe distance. On warm days the reptiles often sunbathe directly beside the trail edges, close enough to make out the texture of their rough skin.

Location: Fort Bend County

Inception: 1984

Operator: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend

GPS coordinates: 29.37890,-95.59500

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30