Beaumont, Texas Travel Guide

First a trading post, this town boomed in 1901 with the discovery of oil at Spindletop.

Today the city, located at the edge of the Big Thicket forest, is a port city and also home to Lamar University. The city is the gateway to Big Thicket National Preserve.

Attractions:

Art Museum of Southeast Texas. A variety of media including paintings, sculpture, mixed media, and folk art, are showcased at this museum. Traveling exhibits on display periodically. Located at 500 Main St.

Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum. Beaumont’s most famous resident was “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, an athlete who won three Olympic gold medals, was a three-time basketball All-American, and was one of the first women golfers. Her life is remembered in displays at the center which also serves as an information office for the region and a good place to pick up maps and brochures. Located at 1750 I-10 and MLK Parkway.

Big Thicket Preserve

Clifton Steamboat Museum. Both military and civilian heroes are spotlighted in this expansive museum with displays ranging from the Battle of San Jacinto the the Gulf War. Located at 8727 Fannett Road.

Edison Plaza Museum. This museum houses the largest collection of Thomas A. Edison material west of the Mississippi River. Located at 350 Pine St.

Fire Museum of Texas. Housed in a former fire station, this museum includes information on fire prevention and firefighting. In true Texas fashion, the museum is also home to the world's largest fire hydrant, a 24-foot hydrant made by Walt Disney Studios for the 101 Dalmations movie. Located at 400 Walnut.

Jefferson Theater. This theater, which dates back to 1927, hosts plays, musical performances, and variety shows. Located at 345 Fannin St.

John Jay French Museum. Built in 1845, this is the oldest house in Beaumont. One-hour guided tours of the interior furnished with period furniture are available. Located at 2985 French Rd.

McFaddin-Ward House. This colonial mansion is decorated in the lavish style favored by its owners in the early 20th century. Located at 1906 Calder Ave.

Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum. his is a recreation of the world’s first oil boomtown. Spindletop was the name of the gusher that brought oil wealth to the state. The boomtown village includes a blacksmith shop, photo studio, post office, and wooden oil derricks. Also on view is the Lucas Gusher Monument, which commemmorates Anthony F. Lucas, who drilled the Spindletop gusher in 1901. From Beaumont, located 3 miles south of I-10, on U.S. 69/96/287 (on the Lamar University campus, at U.S. 69 and University Dr.)

Texas Energy Museum. The petroleum industry and its history are explored at this museum through exhibits tracing the formation of petroleum, the petroleum industry and petroleum use. Located at 600 Main St.

Tyrrell Historical Library. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1903 former church is filled with exhibits on Texas and Beaumont history. Located at 695 Pearl.

Nearby:

Alabama-Coushatta Reservation. A museum contains dioramas about the history of these Native Americans and during peak season your family can take a train ride through the woodlands and watch traditional dances. The reservation is open to visitors March through November. Located near Livingston.

Camping: Camping Facilities near Big Thicket Preserve

Map

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For More Information:

• visit Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau

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