THE Dryer - Historic J.V. Cardiff & Sons Rice Dryer, Katy

About THE Dryer - Historic J.V. Cardiff & Sons Rice Dryer

The Dryer is a historic rice-milling complex centered on concrete silos built by J.V. Cardiff & Sons in Katy, Texas. Visitors explore the first concrete rice dryer constructed in Texas, completed in 1943 and still standing along US Highway 90, which features an underground tunnel spanning the entire length of the silo. A second dryer was added in 1945 with double the capacity, followed by the tallest rice dryer in the country, built in 1966. Beyond the agricultural history, the site now hosts the Katy Farmers Market on Saturdays, featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey and baked goods. The Katy Beer Garden operates daily with a 35,000 square-foot indoor and outdoor space beneath 45-foot oak trees, alongside rotating food truck vendors offering Texas barbecue, Mexican tacos and American fare. Additional activities include Silo Sunrise Flow Yoga, cornhole tournaments and a kids market. The restored facility serves both history enthusiasts and families seeking community gathering space.