How to Tour Blue Bell in Brenham, TX

Beloved across the state, Blue Bell Creameries is a Texas institution–and what better way to enjoy the state’s favorite ice cream than by visiting the original Blue Bell Factory (and associated Country Store) in Brenham?

The original home of Blue Bell Ice Cream welcomes visitors to tour its Observation Deck, charming grounds, and–more importantly as far as I and kids across the state are concerned–gigantic scoops of ice cream served up in their on-site parlor.

Visiting Brenham and want to tour Blue Bell Creameries while you’re there?

Here’s everything you need to know before you go!

A Brief History of Blue Bell in Brenham

While Blue Bell has more than one creamery today (you can also visit one in Sylacauga, Alabama), it all started right here in Brenham, Texas, in 1907.

The Brenham Creamery Company was originally founded to produce butter, but as time wore on, the ice cream was what stole the show.

In 1930, the company was renamed Blue Bell Creameries, in 1958, butter was officially discontinued and Blue Bell became solely focused on ice cream.

Texans have known and loved Blue Bell for generations (Mooo bars, Blue Bell ice cream sandwiches, and the Blue Bell individual cups are extremely fond memories from not just my childhood, but my dad’s), but it wasn’t until the 1980s that Blue Bell expanded outside of Texas.

Today, you can find Blue Bell products–including ice cream, frozen treats, and sherbert–in 22 states around the country.

Fun Things to Do at Blue Bell Creameries

Grab an ice cream (or several).

Blue Bell’s second-floor Ice Cream Parlor is incredibly charming and features plenty of Blue Bell memorabilia.

Most importantly, though, for $1/scoop, you can sample one of 16 ice cream flavors on offer at the time, and/or a frozen treat like a Fudge Bar or Mooo Bar.

It’s a fantastic and very affordable way to have fun in Brenham, and since flavors rotate throughout the year, you never know exactly what you’re going to get.

Visit the Observation Deck.

Want to watch Blue Bell be created in real-time?

Head to the Observation Deck for a birds-eye view of how the ice cream is made!

Snap photos of the creamery.

Not only is the Ice Cream Parlor charming and the Observation Deck incredibly interesting, but the grounds of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham are also worth a peek, featuring statues, pretty corners, and even an old-fashioned ice cream truck.

Shop for souvenirs.

The Blue Bell Country Store is packed full of Blue Bell-themed products–many of which are a nostalgic throwback to decades past!

Check out the Visitor’s Center.

Here, you can learn all about the history of Blue Bell, complete with artifacts and stories from decades past.

Check out the Texas High School Baseball Museum.

As you walk in to head to the Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find a surprising sight on the first floor: a small museum dedicated to high school baseball in Texas!

Though small enough that you could almost consider it a display rather than a full museum, it’s a fun addition to visiting Blue Bell in Brenham.

Tips for Blue Bell Tours in Brenham

Come hungry!

While you don’t technically have to order a giant helping of Blue Bell at the Ice Cream Parlor, it’s one of the best things about visiting!

Understand that you can’t tour the creamery floor.

Once upon a time, people visiting Brenham could take a more detailed Blue Bell tour to see how the ice cream was made on the ground.

However, those tours have been discontinued for many years, and the Observation Deck now serves the same purpose.

… but it’s still worth visiting.

Even without a full tour, visiting Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham is well worth it!

Enjoying a scoop at the Ice Cream Parlor and checking out the Observation Deck are some of the most fun things to do in Brenham, and a Blue Bell tour makes an excellent day trip from Austin, Houston, or College Station.

Don’t forget to visit the rest of the beautiful town, too–there are many more fun things to do in Brenham!

Essential Information for Visiting Blue Bell Creameries

Blue Bell’s Ice Cream Parlor, Visitor’s Center, and Country Store are typically open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

The Country Store and Ice Cream Parlor also have opening hours on Saturdays, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

However, if you want to visit the Observation Deck, you’ll want to plan your visit during its more limited hours, which are currently Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

These hours have changed in recent years, so we recommend checking Blue Bell’s website for the most updated information, especially if you’ll be driving a long way to get there!

GPS directions will deliver you right to the front of the creamery, and the campus is well-marked.

You’ll find the entrance to the ice cream parlor directly to the right of the large white building that says “Blue Bell Creameries” at the top.