Bryan started as a small-town stop along the expanding railway system in Texas. William Joel Bryan was a nephew of Stephen F. Austin, one of the first settlers to the area, and is our city’s namesake. On August 19, 1867, the first train steamed into town and since that day, life has just gotten better in Bryan.
“The Good Life, Texas Style” is more than our city’s slogan. It’s a reminder of the commitment to one another in maintaining a healthy, engaged community with access to outdoor recreation, informational programs, and organized activities. So, what does “The Good Life, Texas Style” in Bryan really mean? Well, let’s take a look around.
The Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course, one of four courses within a nine-mile radius, has been a Brazos Valley golfing tradition for over 90 years and challenges players of all ages and skill levels. Conveniently located along Villa Maria Road, our municipally-owned golf course hosts the Brazos Golf Association tournament and a number of special events ranging from the Thanksgiving Scramble and 3 Club Challenge to the Zone Shootout, Ladies Night, and the Junior Golf Program. With golf carts and rental clubs available, Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course provides an all-inclusive experience at an unbeatable value. Membership opportunities are available year-round and the pro shop offers a wide variety of gear to make your golf game that much more enjoyable.
Our parks system offers over 700 acres of outdoor recreation with over 50 parks and plans for two new green spaces. From outdoor horseshoe pits and an indoor tennis center to miles of walking and biking trails, Bryan is sure to please every park enthusiast and outdoor adventure seeker. Our Parks and Recreation Department also hosts a number of special programs to keep our community moving and engaged in important health-related topics. These range from culinary classes and informational support groups to adult pickleball and basketball. Whether you prefer a structured fitness course like water aerobics or swimming at your own pace, we’ve got you covered with four different aquatic facilities. If you find yourself in need of a pavilion, we’ve got you covered there, too. Literally! Our parks provide the perfect backdrop for your next get-together.
Lake Bryan, a cooling reservoir managed by our municipally-owned electric utility provider, Bryan Texas Utilities, boasts 125-acres of RV and tent camping, fishing, and boating. The renovated trailer-parking area and boat ramp allows quick, easy access to start catching your prize largemouth bass. After you make your big catch, you are even able to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy live music at Lakeside Icehouse, a privately-owned venue that offers a pristine view of the sunset over the water.
Named as one of the state’s Cultural Districts, historic Downtown Bryan has evolved into an arts and culture mecca bustling with art galleries, restaurants, live music venues, and boutiques. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the unique, historic charm and celebrate the continuing revitalization of Downtown Bryan each month at First Friday. As the name implies, patrons enjoy live music and extended hours at locally-owned businesses on the first Friday of each month. Every year, people travel from afar to meet local artists, try new foods, and enjoy everything our community has to offer at the Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival each fall and the Art Festival each spring.
Bryan is rich in history. Two of the three libraries in the Bryan+College Station Library System call historic Downtown Bryan home. Clara B. Mounce Public Library offers a host of activities and the Carnegie History Center serves as a premier resource for genealogical and local history research. Only thirteen of the thirty-two Carnegie libraries remain and the Carnegie History Center is the oldest Carnegie library still in use in Texas. Citizens can experience a bit of this history just a short drive away at Boonville Heritage Park. It’s a step back into time to the original county seat for Brazos County.
While our entire city is deeply rooted in history, our medical community is modern-day. The CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital is the only Level II emergency and trauma center in the Brazos Valley and has been ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for outstanding patient experience. CHI St. Joseph received the first designation as both an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center in the region. They serve our citizens with the most comprehensive availability of specialists in the Brazos Valley.
We are fortunate to have wonderful people who make up our community. From committed city employees to engaged citizens, this is what truly makes life better in Bryan. Many residents participate in our robust volunteer program that provides not only an opportunity for citizens to give back, but also facilitates a greater understanding between our employees and those they serve daily.
So, that’s why we say we get to live “The Good Life, Texas Style.” We encourage you to visit us at www.bryantx.gov to learn more about why citizens feel Bryan is just better.