Brazos Bend State Park—Where You Lock Eyes with a Texas Alligator

Brazos Bend popped up like a rabbit out of a hat.

One evening we were scrolling through Google Maps looking for museums in Houston when Dana spotted something outside the city limits.

One word caught her eye: Park.

Click. Zoom.

And suddenly I realized what it was.

Alligators.

That was enough.

We had to go.

45 Miles from Houston—Real Texas Wilderness

Large oak tree with hanging Spanish moss in Brazos Bend.

Just 45 miles from where we were staying, Brazos Bend State Park spreads along the Brazos River and its wetlands.

Swamps.

Marshes.

Spanish moss hanging from giant oak trees.

Frogs echoing across the water.

This is the kind of place where your eyes constantly scan the ground, the water, and the sky—because surprises are everywhere.

The First Alligator

Wild American alligator resting among swamp vegetation in Brazos Bend State Park near Houston.

We started at the park shop (good decision—it was closed when we returned).

Climbed a viewing tower.

And there it was.

Our first alligator.

Lying in the mud like it owned the place.

Which, to be fair, it does.

Warning Signs That Change Your Mood

Then we saw the signs:

“Caution—Alligators. Do not feed or approach.”

And another word that makes you walk more carefully:

“Venomous snakes.”

It was December, which gave us some confidence.

Still, from that moment on, I watched every step.

Wildlife Everywhere

White Great Egret hunting in wetlands of Brazos Bend State Park near Houston.

Alligators were floating in the water almost within reach.

Around them:

• Great Egrets
• Ibises
• Moorhens
• Muscovy Ducks

And above us, large black vultures circling in slow motion.

It felt like walking inside a live nature documentary.

From Swamps to Space—George Observatory

Entrance and stairs leading to the observatory dome.

After passing camping fields and picnic areas (Vagabonds approved), we reached the George Observatory.

A white dome rising above the green landscape.

Swamps below.

Space above.

Texas is full of contrasts.

A Full Day of Wild Texas

We arrived before noon.

Left after sunset.

Miles walked.

Memory cards full.

Mission accomplished—and then some.

If you’re near Houston and want real, untamed nature, Brazos Bend is not optional.

It’s essential.