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Attractions

Ride the rails at one of the state's premier small zoos, marvel at a thoroughly modern art museum, or let a courthouse lit up for the holidays get you in the Christmas spirit. You'll never run out of things to see, do and experience in Texas Forest Country.

Angelina | Houston | Jasper | Nacogdoches | Newton | Panola | Polk | Sabine | San Augustine | San Jacinto | Shelby | Trinity | Tyler

 

Angelina County

  • ANGELINA ARTS ALLIANCE: Provides a comprehensive and diverse series of performing arts programming for the citizens of Angelina County. Season subscriptions are available at the Temple Theater box office on the Angelina College campus. Subscriber benefits include priority seating, discounts on additional single ticket purchases, and a new Diners' Discount Card. For a season brochure or more information, call the box office at (936) 633-5454.

  • DOWNTOWN LUFKIN: Downtown Lufkin is the site of many dining establishments, unique retail shops and antique collections. Also, a historic walking tour reveals the history of Lufkin. Don't miss the beautiful murals painted by Lance Hunter throughout the downtown area. There are five, each depicting historic businesses or tales of Lufkin. In our city hall, you'll find the Medford Western Art Collection, which features beautiful western art. (936) 633-0206

  • FIRST STREET ARTS CENTER: The First Street Arts Center, a project of the Pineywoods Cultural Association, is a new attraction located at 104 South First Street in the Perry Building. The center features a juried selection of area artist works, which is available for purchase. Some of the artists represented include Charlie & Corinne Jones, Vic Kopycinski, Joe Lowery, Floyd Marsellos, Jeanelle McCall, Phil Medford, Earl Mott, Dr. Michael Roach, Robbie Lacomb Roach, and Ann Phifer Reyes. (936) 639-3250

  • THE HISTORY CENTER: The History Center, a new, free-to-the-public 12,000 square foot public history and archives center, collects, preserves, and explores the history of East Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Research holdings include books, manuscripts, business and local government records, maps, newspapers, audio and video materials, and more than 70,000 photographs. (936) 829-3543

  • MUSEUM OF EAST TEXAS: The Museum of East Texas explores art and history through exhibits, lectures, performances, classes and publications. The museum was founded in 1976 and is one of the first in East Texas. The museum is located at 503 North Second Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. (936) 639-4434

  • TEXAS FORESTRY MUSEUM: The Texas Forestry Museum, the only of its kind in Texas, features the industry that made Lufkin possible - forest products. You can spend several hours in this museum looking through historic and unique collections, and learning about the forest industry. The museum is located at 1905 Atkinson Drive and is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. (936) 632-9535

  • SHOPPING IN LUFKIN: Lufkin is a Main Street City with many shopping opportunities, including a number of antique shops and specialty stores throughout the downtown area. Downtown saw many improvements in 2006, including the completion of a construction project to enhance parking, sidewalks and streets. Construction also began on a new transit terminal and parking facility for downtown Lufkin.
    Other popular shopping areas in Lufkin include stores located at the Angelina Village, Chestnut Village, Gaslight Square, Old Texas Plaza, Towne Square, and the Palms Shopping Center. We saw Rue 21, Tractor Supply, and Tuesday Morning join the ranks of an already established retail sector. With the opening of PetSmart, Marble Slab and Starplex Cinemas 12, Lufkin continues to maintain its status as a regional shopping and entertainment area. Lufkin Mall also brought new retail businesses to town, as we saw the addition of Hot Topic, Didough Pretzel Company, Kay Jewelers, and Great American Cookie Company, as well as the expansion of Lufkin Mall 9 cinema.

    Our Shopping Areas Include:

    • Downtown Lufkin
      Lufkin Mall
      Angelina Village
      Brentwood Crossing
      Chestnut Village
      Gaslight Square
      Old Texas Plaza
      South Loop Crossing
      Towne Square
      Palms Shopping Center
      Garden District Shopping Village

    There is so much to see and do in Lufkin. For more information on the various attractions and activities Lufkin offers, go to www.visitlufkin.com. You can also call the Lufkin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-409-5659.


 

Houston County

  • Camp Street Cafe and Store - 1930's juke joint atmosphere recalling by-gone days when the blues were born on Camp Street & Lightnin' Hopkins began to develop his style. Saturday and Weekly Evening Entertainment. Contact (936) 544-8656 for schedules.
  • Crockett Public Library - Extensive Genealogy section. Collection of Oil paintings of area architecture, historical people and places decorate the walls, hot spot for computer hookups, audio and video cd's available. Good selection of Children's books and special area for children to enjoy the library.
  • Forest Lawn - African American resting grounds. Many military markers that document those of African American Heritage involvement in the wars.
  • Glenn Wood Cemetery - Park like atmosphere, the resting place of many of the town's original settlers: Sam Houston's niece, founding fathers of Crockett & Houston County, friends of Davy Crockett, Founders of Mary Allen Seminary, Churches and businesses. Many Historical Markers ... over 65 that detail who came before us and now rest in Glenn Wood. Bring a picnic lunch, blanket, camera and lots of time to go through this historic cemetery, epitaphs, and architecture.
  • Pineywoods Fine Arts Association presents a variety of entertainment, including bands, musicals, comedies, plays, orchestras, and popular artists. Free Summer Nights entertainment. For a current list of events and ticket information, call (936) 544-4276.
  • Old Zion Cemetery - Tadmor Community. Originally a Slave Cemetery.
  • Texas Youth Ranch Rodeo - 4 Shows a Year. Call (936) 546-2265 for dates.

 

Jasper County

  • Jasper County is full of arts and history! The historic Jasper County Courthouse is located in the City of Jasper along with a beautiful Downtown Arts and Historic District that includes several art galleries, antique shops, and locally owned specialty shops that are all rich with history.

    Part of the attraction of Jasper County is the abundance of outdoor activities. From fishing to hiking, bird watching to golfing, Jasper County has it all. Make sure to read up in the "Recreation" section of this site to get ideas for your next vacation!

 

Nacogdoches County

  • Get away for the weekend or a lifetime to beautiful Nacogdoches. From antiquing to nature walks, Nacogdoches has many ways to charm you. Stroll the red brick streets of historic downtown and experience the hospitality and spirit of the Oldest Town in Texas. Don't forget to check the Convention and Visitors Bureau's calendar for a listing of upcoming events. To receive monthly updates on special events and offers, join the CVB's mailing list. Check out this map to guide you from place to place during your visit, and if you have any questions, call our visitor center at 888-OLDEST-TOWN.
  • Shopping & Antiques: One of the most unique aspects of Nacogdoches is the large number of locally-owned specialty and antique stores you'll find here. When you visit Nacogdoches, you'll find countless family-owned shops and restaurants that still do business the old-fashioned way, including a 100-year-old hardware store that still sells nails by the pound, the only professional stained glassed studio in East Texas, and an old-style barber shop like your dad used to visit. There's no other place in Texas like it!
  • A wonderful mid-century department store is located in the heart of downtown, near dozens of antique stores, art galleries and eateries. Besides the picturesque downtown, other areas beckon such as University Mall, Southgate Center, University Park Plaza, Northview Plaza, and Market Place I and II. Nacogdoches also has mega-retailers that many rely on for hardware, lumber, grocery and sundry needs.
    • Search the Chamber of Commerce website for a selection of retailers and service providers of all descriptions.
    • Millard's Flea Market - Hunt for treasures from dawn to dusk every second weekend of the month. 6020 North St. Located on the east side of U.S. 59 just north of Nacogdoches. 936-564-4490.
    • Nacogdoches Trade Days - Where shoppers gather for unique experiences every third weekend of the month. West Loop 224, 936-564-2150.
  • Audio Driving Tour: Listen to the story of the Oldest Town in Texas as written by Texas Historian Dr. Archie McDonald. This tour guides visitors to various points of interest. Available on CD at the Visitors' Center, 200 E. Main Street, downtown Nacogdoches. Listen or download it here.
  • Self Guided Walking Tour: Visit 15 points of interest in the downtown historic district on our self-guided tour. Brochures available at the Visitors' Center, 200 E. Main Street in historic downtown. Guided tours are offered each Saturday during the months of April and October from the Visitors' Center located on the square in historic downtown. Call 888-OLDEST-TOWN.
  • Diedrich Rulfs Architectural Driving Tour: (pdf) An immigrant from Germany, Diedrich Rulfs reshaped the architectural landscape of Nacogdoches. From the 1880s until the 1920s, Rulfs designed more than 50 homes, churches and buildings in Nacogdoches. Today, a number of the buildings are Texas Historical Landmarks or National Register Landmarks. This tour will guide you to some of Rulfs most notable works.
  • Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden: Strolling through the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden is like walking through a kaleidoscope. Your senses are bombarded by brilliant hues of purple, orange, yellow, red, pink and white blooms. As the largest azalea garden in Texas, the locale boasts one of the most diverse azalea collections in the United States. It's the centerpiece of the annual Nacogdoches Azalea Trail. E-mail to request a copy of the garden's brochure or view it here using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • SFA Mast Arboretum: The first arboretum at a university in Texas, this on-campus garden spills over 19 acres and lies on a portion of the Lanana Creek Trail.
  • SFA Interpretive Trail: Two trails spanning three miles take visitors into some of the most dynamic and scenic areas of the Angelina National Forest. More than 150 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies may be seen. Travel west on State Highway 7 to FM 2782 (about 6-7 miles from Loop 224 in Nacogdoches); turn south (left) and drive about 2.5 miles to entrance of the Experimental Forest. View a brochure using Acrobat Reader.
  • Bird Watching: The impressive variety of birds that call the surrounding forests, lakes and pasturelands home make the oldest town in Texas a bird-watcher's delight. Among the favorite sightings for visiting birders are the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Bachman's Sparrow which within the state are found exclusively in this region known as the Texas Forest Country, or locally as the Pineywoods of Eastern Texas. Click here for popular birding sites in Nacogdoches.
  • Pineywoods Native Plant Center: These lovely gardens are a wonderful place for wildlife viewing. The Lady Bird Johnson Demonstration Gardens are a unique collection of native East Texas plants that are especially useful for yards, gardens, and public spaces. The Center contains hundreds of species from families of conifers, ferns and flowering plants.
  • A main trail takes visitors through Tucker Woods to join the Lanana Creek Trail. Look for resident birds such as the Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Tufted Titmouse or listen for the calls of summer residents such as the Summer Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo. More than105 species of birds have been spotted in Tucker Woods and around the Center. During spring and fall migration, the trees and shrubs are alive with colorful songbirds. While the fall migration brings less color in birds, it is a great time to check out the colors of fall foliage.
  • During winter, look for mixed-flocks of birds in the tree canopy. Be sure to stop along the wooden boardwalk to admire the bald cypress, American elder, willow, buttonbush, smartweed, and ash. Several snags and woody debris along the trail provide excellent places to look and listen for woodpeckers. The trail joins the LaNana Creek Trail, where visitors can hike another 3.5 miles along the creek. (936) 468-4104
  • The Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center 106 S. Pecan Street, Nacogdoches
    The Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center, established in 2005, is the national model for a growing network of regional centers, delivering the most up-to-date geospatial information and tools for regional support with
    • - emergency planning and response
    • - economic development
    • - natural resource management
  • In addition to scientific research, the center will soon open a museum dedicated to the memory of the seven astronauts who lost their lives in February, 2003, during the disintegration of the Space Shuttle Columbia over East Texas.

 

Newton County


 

Panola County

  • Panola College - Established in 1947, Panola College has greatly expanded its services to meet community needs and to provide a wide range of educational and training opportunities to citizens of all ages.
  • George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation - Covering more than 600 thickly wooded acres, Camp Pirtle is nestled in the tall pines surrounding Lake Murvaul and is one of the best equipped reservations in the country. Located near Gary, Texas, in Panola County, Camp Pirtle has 4.5 miles of shoreline and provides some of the finest nature on earth. It also has one of the best C.O.P.E. courses in the nation. The F.M. Arnold Family Camping Area was completed in 1981 to offer eight campsites and RV hookups for Scout families. Address: Rt. 1, Box 95A, Gary, TX 75643; 903 693-3286
  • Country Music Hayride - Held at the historic Esquire Theatre in downtown Carthage. Every Saturday night live country and gospel music begins at 7:00 pm. Admission is $6.00. For more information, contact Rick Dison at 903 693-4264 or 903 693-6117.

 

Polk County

  • Alabama Coushatta Indian Reservation, 571 State Park Road 56, Located off US Hwy 190 east of Livingston - Nestled deep in the Big Thicket of East Texas lies Texas' oldest Indian Reservation, home of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Approximately 500 tribal members call these 4,600 acres of timberland near Livingston their home. A covered pavilion houses the annual Pow Wow and other events. The Lake Tombigbee Campgrounds have complete camping facilities with Primitive sites to RV stations with full hook-ups, picnic tables, fire rings, Swimming areas and hiking and nature trails centered around Lake Tombigbee. The reservation is located 17 miles east of Livingston on US 190. (936) 563-1100
  • Lake Livingston State Park, Located on FM 3126 - Fishing, picnicking, camping facilities, walking trails, swimming pool and horse back riding area are available. - (936) 365-2201; Info Only (800) 792-1112; Reservations (512) 389-8900
  • Pedigo Park Trade Days held the Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to the 3rd Monday of each month. Soccer and softball fields also available. (936) 327-3656
  • Matthews Street Park, 709 Matthews Street, off of Business 59, in Livingston. Picnic areas, two covered pavilions, restroom facilities, tennis courts, 1/2 mile paved walking trail, exercise stations, Olympic swimming pool and three playground areas for children. Numerous summer activities and programs for youth. (936) 327-3656
  • Polk County Youth Rodeo, 1635 State Hwy 146 @ Fair St, Livingston Annual event held in July. One of the largest Youth Rodeos in the state, bringing contestants from all over Texas and many neighboring states. (936) 365-2258
  • Polk County Memorial Museum, 514 W Mill St., Livingston Historical exhibits of the area. Open 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. (936) 327-8192 - Email
  • Polk County is home to shopping for apparel, gifts, and antiques, all kinds of hardware, machinery and home building supplies. For more information, see the Livingston Specialty Merchant's Guild

 

Sabine County

  • None currently listed.
 

San Augustine County

  • Ezekiel Cullen House - Built in 1839 by noted architect Augustus Phelps, it eventually became the home of Judge Ezekiel Cullen, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas, and a member of the 3rd Congress. The house was presented to the Ezekiel Cullen Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1953 by Hugh Roy Cullen, a grandson of Ezekiel Cullen.

    The Cullen House is now used as a Community House and Museum. It houses a collection of paintings by the renowned artist, S. Seymour Thomas, a native of San Augustine. Thomas was the grandson of the well-known Republic of Texas figure and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Stephen W. Blount. After Thomas' death in 1956, his daughter Jean Haskell donated a large portion of his works, awards, and other memorabilia to the DRT, who established the Seymour Thomas Art Gallery in a prominent location in the Cullen Home.

    The Cullen House, located at 205 South Congress in San Augustine, is open to the public. For more information, call (936) 275-5110.

  • Santa Fe Park - Santa Fe Park (Caboose / Walkway / Walking Trail) is located on west Columbia behind the Log Cabin on the Bayou. The Log Cabin houses both the San Augustine Civic and Tourism Center and the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce. The raised walkway off the back porch of the Log Cabin leads to the Champion Pavilion then through Santa Fe Park to the Caboose, ending at the trailhead for the nature trail that connects to Mission Dolores.
  • San Augustine County Courthouse - The San Augustine County Courthouse is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark listed on the National Register. A statue of James Pickney Henderson, the first Governor of Texas, was erected in 1936 on the north side of the Courthouse to commemorate 100 years of Texas Independence.
  • Bogard's On Broadway Emporium 106 S. Broadway Street, 936-288-3755. Open Wednesday through Friday 10 am - 5 pm
  • David Bruce Photography is located in the Stripling Drug Store (by appointment only).
  • Mary Kay's Country Diner 806 N. El Camino Crossing (Hwy. 96 North), 936-275-0121. Open Sunday through Wednesday 11 am - 3 pm and Thursday through Saturday 11 am - 9 pm
  • Red Dirt & Roses Antiques & Tea Room 106 West Columbia Street, 936-288-3150. Open Wednesday through Friday 10 am - 5 pm
  • The El Camino Real Visitors Center 705 S. Broadway. Open Monday through Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
  • East Texas Jamboree (the Branson in Broaddus Show) Hwy. 147 South, Broaddus, Texas 75929. Live performances each Friday and Saturday nights. (936) 872-3353

 

San Jacinto County

  • Old Jail Museum and Old Town Coldspring - 1870's collection of historic buildings and memorabilia of yesteryear. The old Jail Museum is housed in a handsome restored jail which was built in 1887. Museum artifacts interpret the life of early settlers with farm and forest implements, household articles, historic photos, and much more. The jail is noted for a rare but never used hangman's trip. Another point of interest is the 1870 Old Town Coldspring - the site of a two-story wooden courthouse destroyed by fire in 1915 along with numerous other historic buildings housing collectibles, crafts, quilts, etc.
  • San Jacinto County Courthouse & Square - Most store structures around the square were built between 1916 and 1923 and continue with the familiar architectural design from the old town which was destroyed by fire in 1915. The current courthouse was completed in 1918 and has been remodeled twice.
  • Coldspring United Methodist Church - The sanctuary was built in 1858 and moved to its present location on Highway 150 at Cemetery Street in 1916. It was restored to the 1870 period in 1973. It is believed to be the oldest Methodist Church in continuous used in Texas today. The outside of the building is its original appearance and architectural structure of the interior is authentic except for a complete reversal of the entry and transept.
  • Courthouse Square - 10am-5pm, Thursday-Saturday, Mary Hughes, (936) 653-4098. A quaint setting of 1916 to 1923 structures which house numerous retail shops with antiques, one-of-a-kind items, and many other unique items, is worth a visit.
  • Lake Livingston Dam & Bridge - (FM 3278) The dam is operated by the Trinity River Authority of Texas. The bridge, which connects San Jacinto and Polk Counties, crosses the Trinity River.
  • Shepherd Caboose - (Highway 150, Shepherd) The historic HE&WT Railway caboose, located in Centennial Park and Gardens, contains the original seats, block ice chests and desk which made up the living quarters of the engineer.

 

Shelby County

  • The Daylily Farm, 7725 Highway 7 West, Center, Texas 75935 - (936) 598-7556 (ph) or (936) 598-5262 (fx)
  • Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse - (936) 598-6888, Downtown Center Square
  • Historic Shelby County Jail, houses the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce - (936) 598-3682 | email
  • Rio Theatre - Restored state of the art theatre over 80 years old, Downtown historic Center square. (936) 598-3864
  • Lakes Area Art League Center, 305 Nacogdoches Street, P.O. Box 308, Center, Texas 75935 - (936) 598-9340
    A non-profit organization established to promote interests and knowledge of all areas of the visual and performing fine arts through education and appreciation while enhancing the culture and tourism of the community and surrounding areas.
  • Shelby County Museum, 230 Pecan Street, Center, Texas 75935 - (936) 598-3613
  • Shelby County Historical Society, John Tomlin, 230 Pecan Street, Center, Texas 75935 - (936) 598-3613 | email

 

Trinity County


 

Tyler County

  • ANTIQUES
  • Art Emporium - 212 W. Bluff, Woodville, TX 75979 (409) 283-3832
  • Bluebonnet Antiques - 204 S. Wheeler St, Colmesneil, TX 75938 (409) 837-2876
  • Old Tyme Country Antiques - 1301 W. Bluff Woodville, TX 75979 (409) 283-3071
  • One Unique Place - 408 W. Bluff, Woodville, TX 75979 (409) 283-3161
  • Payton's Place - 10720 US Hwy 69 N, Colmesneil, TX 75938 (409) 837-9955
  • Warren Antiques - 11580 Hwy 69 S. Warren, TX (409) 547-3736
  • ART GALLERIES
  • Another Time Antiques - 112 S. Charlton, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-2119
  • June Reid's Fine Art Gallery - Rt. 4 Box 1565, Colmesneil, TX 75938
    (409) 837-2300 - Email
  • Tyler County Art League Artistic Expressions/Art Lessons - 210 W. Bluff, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-2788
  • HERITAGE SOCIETY
  • Heritage Society Tyler County Heritage Society - Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-2272
  • LAKES
  • Lake Tejas, Colmesneil Independent School District, P.O. Box 37, Colmesneil, TX 75938
    Phone: (406) 837-5757 ext.100 | Fax: (409) 837-5759 - Email
  • MUSEUMS
  • Allan Shivers Library & Museum - 302 N Charlton, Woodville, TX 75979 -
    Phone: (409) 283-3709 | Fax: (409) 283-5258
  • Heritage Village Museum - 157 PR 6000, P.O. Box 888, Woodville, TX 75979 -
    (409) 283-2272
  • W. T. Colmesneil House - 106 S. Pitzer, P.O. Box 443, Colmesneil, TX 85039 -
    Phone: (409) 837-2386 | Cell: (409) 283-1332
  • RESTAURANTS
  • Elijah's Cafe, Robert Lovett, 810 S. Magnolia, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 489-9984 | (409) 383-0481 - Email
  • Lonestar Road House Cafe, Felicia Williams, 2133 US Hwy 69 S, Woodville, Texas 75979 - (409) 283-2863
  • McDonald's, Gerald S. Eveland, 1100 S. Magnolia, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-5855 - Email
  • Pickett House, Ofiera Gazzaway, 157 PR 6000, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-3371
  • Sonic Drive In, GH (Bubba) Ebarb, 708 S. Magnolia, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-2851
  • Texas Star Cafe, Patrick Lam, RT 1 Box 330, Colmesneil, TX 75938 - (409) 837-4444
  • Z's Fillin Station - An East Texas Eatery, Pete, Jr. & Cezila Zinnante, 307 N. Magnolia, Woodville, TX 75979 - Phone: (409) 283-5300 | Fax: (409) 283-5303 - Email