Exploring Art & Culture in Beaumont, TX
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Just east of Houston, TX you’ll find the oil epicenter of the United States in Beaumont, Texas. It is so much more than an oil town though.
Things to do in Beaumont, Texas range from culture to fishing to public art, things to do inside and outside and everything in between.
Beaumont makes a perfect weekend getaway and I promise you won’t go hungry. There are so many great restaurants!
Use this complete guide to plan your next adventure.
Things to Do in Beaumont Texas – Outside –> Complete list here.
Where to Eat in Beaumont Texas –> Complete list here.
Why Celebrate Mardi Gras In Beaumont–> Story here.
Things to Do in Beaumont Texas – Inside
Art Museum of SE TX
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is a small, but well-curated museum in downtown Beaumont. With the mission to “provide education, inspiration and creative vision” to Southeast Texas, the Art Museum offers unique collections and exhibits as well as public programs.
Traveling exhibitions as well as their permanent collection celebrate Texas and its history and creativity. Admission is free with donations accepted.
Texas Energy Museum
Learn about the history of energy and oil in the Texas Energy Museum, as well as the processes involved in the refinery of petroleum. There are a surprising amount of products today that include oil byproducts.
Check out the interactive displays that showcase the evolution of the oil industry including an oil drill display and robotic characters who share the story of the great 1901 Spindletop gusher.
Tyrrell Historical Library
The Tyrrell Historical Library is not your average library. The focus of Tyrrell is to gather and preserve the history of the Beaumont area.
It is located in a beautiful hundred year old building and holds a treasure trove of historical and genealogical information all about Beaumont and the surrounding area.
Jefferson Theater
The Jefferson Theater in Beaumont is a beautifully restored theater that offers weekly classic movie showings. In addition, the Jefferson Theater has regular live shows and events including the symphony, ballets, junior league Dancing with the Stars, and so much more.
McFadden-Ward House
This stunning Texan home was built in 1906 and contains its original furnishings. The McFadden-Ward House is currently offering free self-guided tours of a portion of the house.
Throughout the year, you’ll find the McFadden-Ward House busy with community events, live music, summer camps, and more.
Chambers House Museum
The Chambers House Museum is another breathtaking oil boom home open for tours. The Beaumont Heritage Society inherited the house in 2004 when the last of the original owners passed away. T
hey found the home beautifully preserved with all of its early 1900s items and artifacts. Stepping into the Chambers House is stepping back in time.
Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Take a walk through Gladys City as it was in the early 20th century during the first Spindletop oil boom. 15 replica buildings grace this museum, complete with a saloon, post office, and a livery stable.
The most fascinating display is the reenactment of the Lucas Gusher. In 1901, oil was discovered on Spindletop Hill shooting high into the air and continuing to gush for 9 entire days.
The Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum replicates the awesome sight with water.
