If you’re looking for a fun, budget-friendly summer day trip from Houston, it’s hard to beat the charm and chill of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, Texas. Just about 90 minutes away, the Little Creamery is a nostalgic experience packed with scoops of history, sweet treats, and Texas pride.
We visited on a hot summer day and were instantly greeted with the smell of freshly made ice cream. While they no longer offer guided tours, you can still observe the ice cream-making process from the observation deck, which is open Monday through Friday. It’s a self-guided experience, and there’s plenty to see around the main visitor center and throughout the historic building, which sits along S Blue Bell Road.
The best ice cream at an even better price
Let’s talk ice cream. At just $1 a scoop, the ice cream parlor alone is worth the trip. Our toddlers loved picking out their own cups. We went with a mix of Dutch Chocolate, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Happy Tracks, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of Blue Bell’s delightful array of ice cream flavors. For that creamy, classic taste at a great price, it really is some of the best ice cream in Texas.
We managed to snag a table inside even though it was busy. The parlor is bright and cheerful, with lots of fun photo opportunities and nods to Blue Bell’s long history, which began in 1907 with a group of local businessmen. There’s a display of vintage packaging and signs, plus plenty of spots to sit and cool off with your frozen treat.
Outside the parlor, the country store is full of Blue Bell souvenirs. We grabbed toddler t-shirts for $17 each, and the kids were obsessed with their $9 mini ice cream truck toys. It’s a great place to stock up on gifts or just browse the branded gear and Blue Bell products.
Know before you go
Hours for the ice cream parlor, country store, and visitor center are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (during June, July, and August only). The observation deck is open weekdays until 2 p.m. The facility is closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. While we visited on a weekend, weekdays are when you’ll get the most complete experience at the Blue Bell Creamery.
If you visit Monday through Friday, you can stop by the observation deck and see part of the ice cream production process in action at the main production facility. It’s a fun way to see how Blue Bell uses expert craftsmanship and the finest ingredients to make some of the best-selling ice creams in the United States.
The facility sits along S Blue Bell Road in Washington County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Blue Bell got its start as the Brenham Creamery Company, turning excess cream from local farms into butter. Over time, it grew into a renowned ice cream company known for its delicious ice creams and century of experience. Blue Bell is one of the few companies that uses direct store delivery, meaning their own team handles shipping to make sure every tub of ice cream stays fresh.
Is it worth the trip?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Blue Bell ice cream or introducing your kids to their first scoop of their famous ice cream, the Brenham Creamery Company delivers a cool mix of nostalgia and fun. The whole place feels like a step back in time with a delicious ice cream offering in hand.
On a hot day, it’s hard to think of a better escape than ice cream with a side of small-town charm. And for just a few bucks, you’ll leave with full bellies and sweet memories.
