Schulenburg, Texas Travel Guide

Region: Prairies & Lakes

The agricultural town of Schulenburg (meaning "school town" in German) was home to the Carnation milk company's first plant in 1929. Even today dairy products generate a major source of income for the area. Schulenburg is known as the "home of the painted churches" although the elaborately painted structures are actually in nearby small communities.

A group of historic churches in the countryside surrounding the town of Schulenburg are known as the Painted Churches of Texas. The churches, built by the Czech immigrants to the region, are recognized for their elaborately painted interiors and details such as faux marble columns, all reminders of the homeland they had left behind.

The church doors are usually open so it’s worth a stop to see if you might be able to take a peek at the beautiful interiors. The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers guided group tours with prior arrangements and also offers maps to the locations. You’ll also find more details about these churches on the PBS documentary “The Painted Churches of Texas” and its accompanying website, www.klru.org/paintedchurches.

Attractions

Painted Churches Tour. With a two- or three-week notice, the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce provides guides for tour groups of 10 or more. Individuals are welcome to enjoy a self-guided tour; maps of the church locations are available at the Schulenburg Chamber office at 618 Main Street.

TexasTripper Tip: If you don't get a map from the Chamber, be sure you do get a map with county roads or use the Google maps provided to get the detail you'll need. The Texas state map won't show the small Farm to Market and County Roads you'll need for this excursion!

Painted Churches:

Praha. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church is known for its spectacular painted ceiling.

Dubina. The murals of this church were uncovered by a local parishioner.

Ammannsville. The stained glass windows of this church illustrate the Czech history of the area.

Hostyn. This small community is home to a grotto, a replica of France's Grotto of Lourdes.

High Hill. Wooden columns at this church are painted to resemble marble.

Restaurants

Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant.

Festivals

August: Schulenburg Festival

Map

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For More Information

Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce
618 North Main St.
Schulenburg, TX 78956
(866) 504-5294

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