Geocaching in Grimes County

Geocaching in Grimes County, Texas

Where the Piney Woods meet the Prairies, Grimes County offers a perfect mix of small-town history, forest trails, and scenic backroads. Established in 1846 and named for Jesse Grimes — signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence — the county’s blend of piney shade, winding rivers, and courthouse squares makes it an ideal destination for cache hunters who like a mix of adventure and heritage.

County seat: Anderson
Incorporated cities: Anderson, Navasota, Bedias, Iola, Plantersville, Todd Mission

Anderson, Texas (County Seat)

Why visit: Anderson may be tiny, but it’s packed with Texas history and classic cache potential. You’ll find small-town hides tucked among century-old landmarks and shaded courthouse corners.
Don’t miss: The 1894 Grimes County Courthouse, the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, and the nearby pioneer cemeteries.
Cache ideas: Create a walking multi that connects the courthouse, Fanthorp Inn, and the early settlers’ graves — a perfect “historic downtown” route.
Pro tip: Parking is easy near the courthouse square, and the Fanthorp Inn grounds make a peaceful place to sign a logbook under tall oaks.

Navasota, Texas

Why visit: Known as the Blues Capital of Texas, Navasota’s vibrant downtown is full of murals, public art, and a growing list of urban caches. Add a few riverside hides, and you’ve got an entire caching afternoon.

Explore: The Navasota Railroad Depot Museum, August Horst Park, and the Brule Field Trail along the Navasota River.

Cache ideas: Check out the Downtown Adventure lab! and the Library Cache!
Bonus: Between Navasota and Anderson, you’ll find a few roadside caches — perfect for a scenic “county line” drive.

Bedias, Texas

Why visit: A quiet farming community in northeast Grimes County, Bedias is a relaxing stop for rural caching and country drives.
Explore: Bedias City Park, local churches, and FM 1696’s calm pull-offs.
Cache ideas: A “Railroad Remnants” trail series, a few small rural cemetery hides, or a relaxing loop along SH-90.
Pro tip: Early morning is best — the backroads here are peaceful and photogenic when the fog lifts off the fields.

Iola, Texas

Why visit: A small but friendly stop between Anderson and Madisonville, Iola offers wide-open farmland and accessible school parks.
Explore: Iola Community Center Park, and short FM 39 or FM 244 stretches for roadside hides.
Cache ideas: A “Farm-to-Market Trail” micro series, or an easy beginner-friendly loop for new cachers learning the ropes.

Plantersville, Texas

Why visit: On the east side of the county, Plantersville blends rolling pine hills with history and local culture. It’s home to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, one of Texas’s most beautiful Gothic Revival landmarks, and the famous Texas Renaissance Festival grounds.
Cache ideas: A “Renaissance Trail” set of themed caches outside the festival property, forest-edge micros, or cemetery history hides around St. Mary’s.
Pro tip: Visit in late October or early November to catch the fair atmosphere — but plan parking and permissions ahead of time.

Todd Mission, Texas

Why visit: Best known for hosting the Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission transforms every fall into a medieval village — and when the festival ends, the area becomes quiet, wooded, and perfect for creative hides. Here you will also find the Todd Mission Ranch Rescue, Specializing in donkeys and equine! 

Pro tip: Explore off-season for peaceful logging and less traffic on FM 1774.

Other Grimes County Communities

Anderson Prairie / Shiro – former rail and stagecoach stops with historic roots.
Singleton – north-central farm loops ideal for rural micros.
Roans Prairie – a key intersection connecting Anderson, Iola, and Bedias.
Richards – eastern edge of the county with Sam Houston National Forest access and multiple hiking-trail caches.
Carlos – near Gibbons Creek Reservoir, a great lake for kayak or picnic caching.
Keith & Planter’s Point – old settlements, scenic detours for completionists chasing the county grid.

County-Wide Highlights

• Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site – preserved 1834 stagecoach inn; classic stop for a historic virtual or puzzle.
  
  

• Texas Renaissance Festival – the nation’s largest themed fair, great backdrop for event caches.
  
  

• Navasota Railroad Depot Museum – restored 1902 depot with classic rail-line hiding spots nearby.
  
  

• Gibbons Creek Reservoir – 2,770 acres of water and woodlands perfect for day trips.
  
  

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Plantersville) – stunning 1917 architecture, perfect for an “earthy tones” photo cache.
  
  

• Navasota River Corridor – birding, boating, and plenty of quiet cache-worthy nooks.
  
  

Getting Started

Head to Geocaching.com/map and search “Grimes County, TX.”
Sort by Difficulty/Terrain or Favorite Points to find the local gems.
Join the Brazos Valley Geocachers Facebook Group to connect with other local players and event hosts.
For a full-day adventure, try the route: Anderson → Navasota → Plantersville → Todd Mission, looping back through the pine forests before sunset.