Fredericksburg Texas Attractions- Nimitz Museum and More

Fredericksburg, Texas was settled in 1846 by a second wave of German immigrants sponsored by the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, led by Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach. The first group of immigrants, led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, established the town of New Braunfels, Texas.

Fredericksburg has a beautifully preserved historic downtown area, with dozens of shops and restaurants. Visit one of my favorite shops, der Küchen Laden (kitchen and cooking items), which is in the old Keidel Memorial Hospital building. Fredericksburg is also the home of the National Museum of the Pacific War, or “Nimitz Museum”, which is also in the historic downtown area. A few blocks from Main Street is the Herb Farm. Seven miles east of Fredericksburg is Wildseed Farms.

If you want to take in as much of Fredericksburg as possible, consider staying overnight in one of several hundred Bed & Breakfast rooms and suites available. I have stayed at the lovely Inn on the Creek, on the side street across from the old Nimitz hotel. The rooms are beautiful, and there is an nice side yard for breakfast and relaxing.

Another great option is to stay in one of Fredericksburg’s Sunday Houses. Sunday Houses were built by the farmers and ranchers to stay in when they came into town for supplies on Saturday and church on Sunday. I stayed with my mom and aunt in a Sunday House that had a small kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and two bedrooms. It was beautifully and simply furnished and decorated.

The Nimitz Museum is named for Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, born in Fredericksburg, Texas in 1885 to a widowed mother.  They lived in the Nimitz Hotel with Grandfather Nimitz.  When Chester was six years old, his mother married her deceased husband’s younger brother, and the family moved to Kerrville, Texas. 

Chester Nimitz had aspirations to go to West Point (Army), but was offered the opportunity to sit for the 3-day Annapolis (Naval Academy) entrance exam.  He was accepted at age 15 before finishing high school!  Chester Nimitz graduated the Naval Academy in 1905. 

Nimitz was one of only four five-star generals appointed during World War II, the others being Leahy, King, and Halsey.  At the pinnacle of the Pacific Theater war, Fleet Admiral Nimitz commanded over two million troops, five thousand ships, and twenty thousand planes.  He died at his home in San Francisco Bay in February 1966, just days shy of his 81^st birthday. 

The aircraft carrier Nimitz is named for Admiral Nimitz.  My cousin served on board twice, and I’m proud to say I have toured the Nimitz and stood on the deck. 

The National Museum of the Pacific War, known by many as simply “the Nimitz Museum” began in the restored Nimitz Steamboat Hotel.  The museum “campus” has now expanded to occupy six acres!  The original building houses an exhibit on Admiral Chester Nimitz’s life and Naval career. 

A few blocks from the Nimitz Hotel, the renovated George H.W. Bush Gallery offers an astounding 33 thousand feet of exhibit space.  There are artifacts enclosed in glass cases, and 15 large scale re-enactment type displays.  If it sounds huge it is.  It’s a little disorienting not knowing how close to the end you are, therefore making it difficult to pace yourself.  The outdoor Pacific Combat Zone exhibit is a “living history” addition to the museum campus, added in 2001.  It is about a block from the Nimitz Museum. 

A memorial courtyard features over 1200 plaques honoring those that served in the Pacific Theater.  It is the site of public ceremonies on Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and Pearl Harbor Day.  A Japanese garden, a gift of the Japanese people, honors Admiral Nimitz’s respect for the Japanese people and their culture during the post-war years.  The Plaza of Presidents features 10 monuments in a circle, featuring the Presidents who served in World War II, and whose contribution shaped our country. 

The National Museum of the Pacific War is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for active duty or retired military, $6 for students, and free for children under 6 and World War II veterans.  The memorial courtyard, Japanese Garden, and Plaza of Presidents are free to all.  The Pacific Combat living history exhibit is $5 for adults. 

Check the website for the extensive events calendar. 

Seven miles east of Fredericksburg is Wildseed Farms, open seven days a week from 9:30 until 6. Enjoy 200 acres of wildflowers in various stages of growth, and be sure to visit the Butterfly Haus.  The map capsule did not like the Wildseed Farms address, 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, nor the alternate GPS address, 425 Wildflower Hills, Fredericksburg.  If you're coming up from San Antonio on Highway 87, you will see Wildseed on the right before you get into town. 

Just a few blocks from Main Street, you can visit the Fredericksburg Herb Farm and restaurant. They are open Tuesdays through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Choose from their vast selection of herbs to take home for your own herb garden. Order lunch at the restaurant, with entrées $10 to $14, or an elegant dinner with $22 to $40 entrées.

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