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Historic District
& Local Museums

Discover the Historic District

League City’s Historic District showcases the city’s authentically Texan roots, distinct southern flair, and iconic live oak trees. Historic homes and buildings are scattered throughout the district, along with museums, gardens, parks, boutiques, and restaurants.

League Park

This local park is one of League City’s crowning jewels, and historically important to the city. The park was gifted to the city by its namesake, J.C. League, along with a two-story bandstand gazebo. A band would perform on the second story of the gazebo, while vendors sold refreshments like ice cream on the ground level.

The original gazebo was destroyed in the infamous 1900 hurricane, rebuilt, then destroyed again by a fire a few years later. A new gazebo was constructed in 1976 in celebration of America’s bicentennial, and that gazebo still stands today.

The park has been a local gathering place for events like concerts, festivals, parties, and more for over 100 years. League Park recently underwent renovations to restore it to its 19th-century look, and remains a beautiful place to visit. A Boundless playground is also on site for children of all abilities to enjoy.

Image of a white gazebo in the middle of a park
Grab our Must-Do Guide to the Historic District—your passport to hidden gems, local eats, and timeless treasures in downtown League City.
 
From the quaint One Room Schoolhouse and Barn Museum to the serene Helen’s Garden and tasty bites at Main St Bistro, this easy-to-follow brochure has it all! Swing by the Visitor Center at League Park (512 2nd St.) to pick one up before your next adventure. Pro tip: Beat the heat with a summer sip from Soulfreak Railroad Cafe! Try the Paradise on Earth (an iced latte with vanilla, coconut & cinnamon) or the Peachy Keen (a dreamy peach matcha with lemonade). Trust us—your taste buds will thank you.
Hand holding a brochure for League City historic district list of must see things to see and do
Red brick building with a sign hanging over it that says "Butler's Courtyard"

Butler's Courtyard

First built in 1909 and located in the heart of the historic district, this property was once the location of League City’s first bank, and was the city’s first brick building. Since then, the building has seen many businesses come and go including a post office, café, hardware store, drug store, and residential apartments.

In fact, you can still step inside the original vault from its days as a bank. Only recently in the building’s long history has its antique appeal served as a stunning backdrop for momentous occasions, private events, and nuptial celebrations. Learn more about this historic building on the Butler’s Courtyard website.

Helen's Garden

One of the most photographed places in League City, this beautiful garden was established in 1994 to honor the memory of League City philanthropist, Helen Hall. Helen Hall was born Helen Lewis in League City in 1907. After marrying her High School sweetheart, Walter Hall, Helen went on to become the city’s first female postmaster and helped establish League City’s first library, which is also named after her. Helen passed away in 1981, and the garden was created by her husband, through the League City Garden Club—of which Helen was a charter member.

Take a seat on one of the park benches and listen to the gentle sound of the waterfall while breathing in the floral fragrance in the air. This park is a hot spot for photographers, so make sure to take a few pictures when you visit. 

a landscape view of a garden heavy with greenery and flowers
Historic District

The Shoppes at Founder's Square

While most of the houses in the Historic District are privately owned and not open for tours, the Shoppes at Founder’s Square offer a peek inside some of League City’s historic homes. Founder’s Square is made up of four locally-owned boutiques, a tea room, and a Pilates studio, all located within century-old homes.

Browse unique gift items, gourmet treats and coffees, jewelry, clothing, and more. Sip tea and enjoy finger foods at the tea room or renew and restore the body at the Pilates studio. Each shop has its own charm—from gorgeous Victorian architecture on the outside to whimsical assortments of treasures on the inside—and the shop owners are friendly and hospitable.

Founder’s Square is located within walking distance from League Park, Helen’s Garden, and several eateries within the League City Historic District.

League City Historical Society

Experience a day in the life of an 1890s student at the West Bay Common School Children’s Museum. The 1898 One Room Schoolhouse sits on the site of League City’s original school built in 1894 on the land J.C. League donated for the school. 

Next door to the schoolhouse is the Barn Museum, which once housed League City’s first fire station. Inside you will find an eclectic collection of artifacts that tell the story of League City’s history. 

League City Historical Society grounds also feature a restored 1920s Icehouse/Barbershop, along with other historic structures and artifacts to explore. Museums are open three days a week: Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

A girl and her mother looking at artifacts inside League City's preserved one room schoolhouse
White picket fence lines the front of the property while a two story home with a balcony on the second floor can be seen from the distance.

TJ & Mary Lelia Dick House

In 1904, Galveston County Commissioner T. J. Dick built this residence primarily of cypress timbers. ​The steps and foundation blocks are made of the same granite used for the Galveston Seawall. At the front of the house, the hitching post was also used by the ladies for easy horse dismounting. The Texas Historical Commission officially recognized it as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1993. 

Today, the home is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Peterson who restored the property. The home now operates as Lelia Southern Settings, and is a gorgeous bridal and baby shower venue. Brides and moms-to-be can enjoy a vintage-themed shower in a beautiful home, decorated with the theme of their choice.

See the T.J. & Mary Lelia Dick House at 720 2nd St.

Station Master's House

Now repurposed as the League City Visitor Center and Soulfreak Railroad Cafe, this building was once the home of the Railroad Station Master of the GH&H (Galveston, Houston, & Henderson) Railroad Company. The home was built between 1887 and 1897 and is a beautiful example of Folk Victorian architecture. The historic house resides in League Park, a stone’s throw from the historic railroad that was the first rail line to connect Galveston to the Texas mainland. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details, including the jigsaw trim along the porch and the sunburst design in the gables. Inside, guests can place their orders at the cafe and enjoy the atmosphere while they shop for souvenirs, browse brochures, or participate in scheduled activities.

Visit the new Visitor Center & Cafe at 512 2nd St.

LeagueParkVisitorCenterSoulfreakCafe

nearby must-see museums

Kids looking at exhibits at the Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston boasts over 400 space artifacts, and a variety of must-see, family-friendly exhibits. Marvel at the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, tour the inside of the Independence shuttle replica and NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft, and see historic Mission Control.

Overlooking the hanger bay that has nine different planes and aircrafts on display.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Whether you're a history buff, a plane enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of flight technology. See meticulously restored historic aircraft, each with a unique story to tell.

The San Jacinto Monument stands tall against the backdrop of the setting sun, the silhouette making it seem even taller than it already is at 567 feet.

San Jacinto Museum

Visit where Texas won its independence. Step onto the hallowed grounds where soldiers fought for freedom and explore the museum's fascinating collection of artifacts and historical displays. Discover the stories of bravery and sacrifice that define Texas' legacy.