Industrial Country Market

I stop in every chance I get and explore. They have an interesting and large variety of products. The people there are always very friendly and appreciative of you just stopping in. Outside of the store they have aquaponic gardens and ponds, rainwater harvesting system, solar panels, you can go into a building and see the inverters and batteries with the gauges showing the power being generated, another building with a large model train track you can play with, etc. If you have any questions they will take the time and explain how they systems work or what they are doing. I highly recommend you stop in when you get a chance.

Awesome place to explore and bring the kids. Completely run off the grid. Solar, wind and water power run everything here. A dirty granola’s heaven

Fun, quirky place in the middle of nowhere. Very interesting to see how it is all self-​sustained. It gave me a few ideas to incorporate at home.

Stopped in for a quick look on our way through this area. Definitely decided we had to come back and spend some more time. Tons of cool, unique stuff. Lots of items that weould make great storage containers for an RV or camping.
Picked up a brochure on our way out and read more about this market. Pretty awesome, the whole place is off the grid. Including having composting toilets.
Finally made it back, it was a Wednesday, list in hand. Pulled in to see the gate closed and a sign saying they are only open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Boy was I bummed. We leave the area the next day, no chance to go back. Our one and only time in Texas.
Upon arriving back home, I re read the brochure, no where does it state the open dates and or times.
So be aware, you only have a small window to experience this.

We visited this place on the way back from a road trip and had the best time! Solar panels, water gardens, greenhouses, composting toilets, and neat little art sculptures everywhere… plus all kinds of fun stuff to buy.

I have seen this place many times on the trip between Houston and Austin but never stopped because of the big «Off the grid» sign, which to me signified some sort of commune or something, but after finally going one day, I’ll say it is an interesting place to stop, with really nice owners.
They let the kids feed their fish, and there are plenty of places for kids to look around, and it’s a nice 30-​minute break. It’s another option if you are sick of the kolache stops in the area. They have some outside «art» to explore and inside art gallery. Warning: there is no food aside from some German chocolate bars, and don’t expect a refrigerated section with drinks. The bathrooms are composted toilets outside. The a/​c consists of window units, which for a large place like this makes for warm quarters in the summer. We were eager to get back in the car to cool off. But overall, the overall ambiance is different, and the owners are super-​friendly and give you free bottled water as you check out.
The gift shop did include some interesting items you can’t find everywhere, such as reasonably priced musical instruments from Indonesia and other places. They also had Melissa and Doug products for kids. I’d give it more stars if there weren’t so many products from China. It kind of defeats the purpose of having solar energy, etc., if you are selling so many cheaply made industrial products that need to be shipped from across the world and ultimately end up taking up space in landfills. I’d expect handmade toys from the Amish or something. But I guess they need to make money somehow to support the operation.

If you are on 71 going between Austin and Houston — this is a must stop! I even suggest making a trip out there for fun!
Full of cool art, green living, hydroponics, this and that — you could spend hours here! I love the owners, very friendly and unique souls! You could learn so much from them! Actually they give classes on how to live «off the grid»!!
Super easy going place and great for kids! They even let our little ladies feed the fish Sometimes there are some local vendors set up as well.

This is no ordinary market. Driving down Hwy 71, you will notice many solar panels that mark Industrial Country Market. It is midway between Houston and Austin. As you pull up in the parking lot, you would think it is «hippy city» with their colorful bottle trees.
Arts, crafts, snacks, candy, ice cream, survival gears, electronic parts, solar panel, it’s a wonder world here.
This store is completely independent and off-​the-​grid. They produce their own electricity and water. They collect rain water with the intricate aqueducts that connect all the building roofs. It has its greenhouse with vegetables and herbs for sale grown through aquaponics. They have their own contained sewer system that filters their waste water.
Ever seen a decomposing toilet? Well they sell it and use it in their outhouse.
Super friendly people here. Get a group together and ask for the store tour! You won’t regret it.
They also provide educational courses for solar electricity. It is a one day course.

Last visit (Easter 2014) we found they modified there hrs to open Fri — Sun.
Loved this unique funky hardware, gift, garden, solar store, completely run on solar energy. They had all kinds of neat stuff. We purchased an exacto blade with a 360º swivel head, boxes and small plastic bags for letterboxing, a camping lantern, a manicure kit, and a few unique small gifts for less than $ 30. Stopped again a few weeks later to see the rest of the store and check out the outside areas. They have an art studio and sell solar power items. People who own/​work here are super friendly and helpful. Super fun store, plan to spend an hour… or two.

Amazing place with great people! The store is fascinating with excellent selection and prices… they have items that range from useful to specialty… it’s really something to see. The property is amazing and beautiful. They way the property was built and designed, is truly inspiring. The owners are very knowledgeable and the tours are fun. I was initially apprehensive about bringing my kids out (just because I wasn’t sure if it was «kid friendly») but I’m so glad I did… they had a blast and the trip was certainly educational. :) For any Creative Souls or passionate «Green Living Enthusiasts» this place is a must see!!! For the rest of us… :) There’s something for everyone to learn and see at Industrial Country Market. Highly recommend!