Schulenburg
SCHULENBURG
SCHULENBURG
With a motto of “Halfway to Everywhere,” Schulenburg is not only 1.5 hours from downtown Houston City but the same distance from Austin and San Antonio too.
As a result, Schulenburg is a popular stopping point on Texas road trips. But we think it’s a destination in its own right!
You’ll be greeted by a picturesque main street, rich Czech and German heritage, and lots of Southern comfort food.
To make the most of the latter, hit City Meat Market for BBQ and Potter Country Store for all kinds of pecan treats.
The main attraction, however, is the Painted Churches, a series of 15 small cathedrals scattered around the area, of which 4 can be visited throughout the week. The others are either no longer functioning or open only on Sundays.
CULTURE
THE PAINTED CHURCHES
This area of Texas is best know of its rich German and Czech heritage. When these settlers immigrated to Fayette County in the 1800’s, they brought their culture, food and faith. Following the deep traditions of the motherland, they built amazing churches that rival the cathedrals of Europe – known today as the “Painted Churches.” From the outside, they look like ordinary country churches, but inside you’ll find ornate altars, intricately painted frescoes and details that make you feel as if you’re standing in Old World Europe. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of High Hill is considered the “Queen of the Painted Churches.” One step inside and you’ll understand why. St. John the Baptist Church in Ammansville is known as the “pink one” (at least inside.) And Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church gives visitors a quaint view of religious life, but still in painted church glory.
TEXAS POLKA MUSIC MUSEUM
Another important part of German and Czech heritage is indeed music, specifically POLKA! Downtown on Schulenberg’s Main Street you’ll find the Texas Polka Music Museum. It’s full of instruments, pictures, outfits and a map showing every polka band in the Lone Star State. If your feet aren’t tapping by the time you leave, “czech” your pulse. For some real dancing, head to Sengelmann Hall on Wednesday nights or other special occasions. Find more on this venue down in the “food” section.
STANZEL MODEL AIRCRAFT MUSEUM
Another museum not to be missed is the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum honoring the Stanzel family and their rise to becoming one of the top model aircraft brands in the world. They were even inducted into the model aircraft hall of fame for their iconic “Tiger Shark” model. This well-done museum is full of models, maps and information on how “control-line” model airplanes work. I highly recommend it.