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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Gulf Coast Region
Brazos Bend State Park
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Brazos Bend State Park © Dk69 at English Wikipedia / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance Sign to Brazos Bend State Park. Photo taken by me.
Brazos Bend State Park © BFS Man from Webster, TX, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alligators at Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park © euthman / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park © BFS Man from Webster, TX, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Old-time windmill at the visitor center at Brazos Bend State Park. The visitor center was originally a ranch house that the state acquired when it bought the land for the park in the early 1980s. The windmill, which still works, supplied water for the ranch house.
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BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
21901 Farm to Market Road 762
Needville, Texas   77461
(lat:29.3706 lon:-95.6272) map location

Phone: 979-553-5101
A former hunting ranch, Brazos Bend State Park is about 28 miles southwest of Houston and covers roughly 5,000 acres. Its 3.2-mile eastern boundary fronts the Brazos River on the southeast border of Fort Bend County. The state purchased the park land in 1976-77. Brazos Bend opened in 1984.
Nature of the Area
Thousands of species, ranging from grasses and wildflowers to trees and aquatic plant life, grow in the park. Animal life is just as diverse.

The white-tailed deer is the largest of more than 25 different species of mammals. Other mammals here include feral pigs, raccoons, squirrels, river otters, bobcats, foxes and more.

About 21 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the American alligator, live in the park. Mild days in the spring and fall or any mild winter day are the best time to view reptiles or amphibians.

Always use caution around alligators Stay at least 30 feet away from alligators, never feed or annoy them, and keep yourself and your pet out of the water. Read through our alligator safety tips before your visit.
History of the Area
In the early 19th century, this area of Texas was the site of Stephen F. Austin's first colonial land grant from Mexico. Present park land was included in a grant to Abner Harris and partner William Barrett in 1827.

During the Texas Revolution, the Steamboat Yellowstone passed the park more than once on its route up the Brazos River to aid the Texian cause. Learn more at an exhibit on the Yellowstone Landing Trail.

Most of the riverfront was sold shortly after the revolution ended.

Cotton brokers from Brazoria held part of the park and 2,400 feet of river frontage in 1845, according to early records. The Brazos River was one of the principal routes of commerce at the time. The brokers may have used the area for a riverboat landing.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in the park's lakes and ponds. Species include catfish, crappie, bass and sunfish. No license is needed to fish from shore or pier within a state park.

The 40-acre Lake offers excellent opportunities for anglers of all ages with accessible piers available.

For those interested in fly-fishing, Elm Lake provides ample space along its shores without any obstructions.

Big Creek meanders through the area providing additional freshwater angling options where you might catch largemouth bass or bluegill.

Remember that while there are no bag limits on most species here; respect nature by practicing catch-and-release whenever possible.


Location
Brazos Bend State Park is located near Angleton, Fresno and Houston

Picnicking
1. Brazos Bend State Park offers numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park.
2. Picnic sites are available near lakes and trails for scenic views while eating.
3. The park provides barbecue pits at some picnic areas, perfect for grilling food outdoors.
4. Covered pavilions can be rented out in advance for larger group picnics or events.
5. Visitors may also enjoy a blanket-picnic on open grassy spaces within the park boundaries.

Bicycling
Cycling is permitted on all trails, but caution should be exercised due to the presence of wildlife.

The park offers over 35 miles of multi-use paths suitable for biking.

Remember that some routes may have rough terrain and require a mountain bike or similar equipment.

Bikers must yield to pedestrians and horseback riders; safety first!

Always wear helmets while cycling in this area as it's mandatory by law.

Be aware: flooding can occasionally close certain pathways - check conditions before your visit.

Nighttime bicycling isn't allowed so plan accordingly within daylight hours only.

Please note, you need to bring your own bikes since rentals are not available here.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot over 300 species including the American Alligator, White-tailed Deer and Nine-banded Armadillo. The park is home to a variety of waterfowl like ducks, herons and egrets. Raptors such as hawks, eagles and owls are also common sightings. Songbirds migrate through in spring and fall seasons while summer brings nesting birds like Prothonotary Warblers.

Visitors may use six lakes for birding along with several trails that traverse different habitats within the area.
The Creekfield Lake Nature Trail offers interpretive signs about local wildlife making it ideal for beginners.
For more experienced watchers there's Elm Lake Loop or Big Creek Scenic Area which offer diverse ecosystems attracting various bird types.

There are three Bird Watching Stations equipped with benches providing comfortable spots from where enthusiasts can observe avian activities undisturbed.
Park staff often organize guided tours focusing on ornithology offering insights into habits of resident & migratory species alike.



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