The new space, located inside a historic home in the city’s charming Historic District, will celebrate a Grand Opening on November 25, 2023
League City, Texas–League City’s very first Visitor Center had a soft opening in early November inside the historic Station Masters House in League Park, located in the heart of League City’s Historic District. The official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be on Saturday, November 25 at 9 a.m. to coincide with League City’s annual Nutcracker in the Park holiday market, which kicks off at the same time.
The home—which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places—has stood in the park for more than a century. The railroad-themed center will provide guests with a warm welcome and a place to grab souvenirs and brochures, along with food and coffee, courtesy of Soulfreak Railroad Café—also now located inside the home.
The house dates back to the late 1800s and was originally built as the living quarters for the Station Master of the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railroad. The GH&H Railroad (also known as the “Old Reliable Short Line”) was the first rail line to connect Galveston to the Texas mainland. Over the last 20 years, the home was used as an office space for League City Parks Department staff. Prior to that, the property was owned by the Hewitt/Burd family.
Now, it will serve a new purpose as it opens its doors to locals and visitors alike.
“The Visitor Center will provide people with a proper introduction to the Historic District and to League City,” said Stephanie Polk, Manager of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This location used to be a bustling town center where people would arrive and immediately be immersed in the heart of League City. We are excited that once again, this is where first impressions will be made,” said Polk.
At the Visitor Center, guests can place their orders at the café and enjoy the atmosphere while they shop for souvenirs, browse brochures, or participate in scheduled activities. The café plans on hosting live music nights, movie nights in the park, art classes, and more. The Visitor Center will also soon unveil a brand-new printed guide to the Historic District along with an interactive digital experience.
“These new resources will help residents and visitors explore the treasures found in this beautiful, historic area,” said Polk.
Funding for the new Visitor Center comes from League City Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), a special revenue fund. HOT fund expenditures are restricted by state law and must be used in accordance with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. League City collects a 7% HOT Tax from visitors who stay in city hotels and short-term rentals.
Address 512 2nd Street, League City
Business hours: Monday–Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.