10 Amazing Sites to Stop By Explore in East Texas

If you’re in the mood for an exciting getaway filled with nature, outdoor charm, and history, then East Texas is the place to be. This region is home to the region’s beautiful Piney Woods. Within this picturesque setting, visitors will find plenty of activities to enjoy. From a trip down history lane to exploring the outdoors to unique shopping destinations, there’s a little something for everyone here.  Let’s go over some of the 10 best sites you should visit if you’re ever in East Texas.

 

1.   Visit Big Thicket Natural Preserve

Outdoor lovers, come out to Big Thicket to enjoy the peace of the outdoors and get in tune with nature. This massive natural preserve covers over 100,000 acres and spans seven counties in East Texas. Here, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors through the many hiking, jogging, biking, kayaking, and bird-watching trails. You’ll find a range of wildlife, plant species, and natural beauty throughout the park. Fun fact, Big Thicket is the first area of land in the U.S. to be given the distinction of a National Preserve

 

 

2.   Take a Scenic Ride on the Texas State Railroad

Get a feel for the Industrial era by hopping on for a tour on the Texas State Railroad. These tracks date back to 1896 and today these magnificent steam engines take passengers on a scenic chug through the Piney Woods of East Texas. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the best time to hop aboard is during the spring months when the flowers are beginning to bloom.

 

 

3.   Venture Out Into Tyler State Park

A must in East Texas is to explore one of the nearby forests like Tyler State Park in Tyler TX. Here, visitors can explore the massive spring-fed lake, the beautiful tall trees that tower over 100 ft, and a range of historic structures. One of the best activities to enjoy is bringing along your canoe, kayak, or boat to take out on the lake. If you don’t have one, you can easily rent one from the park to go out exploring with. From camping, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, and getting lost in nature, there’s a little something for everybody out in Tyler State Park.

 

 

4.   Visit the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

Venture out into the city of Carthage and you’ll come across the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Here, visitors can take a look at some of the most popular music relics that were born in Texas. Throughout the year,  this venue alongside the nearby Tex Ritter Museum puts on a variety of events and festivals for locals and visitors to enjoy. If you’re in the area during August, then the Classic Country Music Festival and the John Ritter Tribute Showcase are two events to enjoy.

 

5.   Visit the Oldest Town in Texas

Founded in 1779, Nacogdoches is known to be the oldest town in the state. Today, the town does a beautiful job of merging history and modern living. You’ll find plenty of attractions to enjoy in Nacogdoches. From the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin to the Fortney Home Victorian shopping area to the lovely historic town center, there’s a little bit of everything for all visitors to enjoy.

 

6.   Go on Safari in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Texas, also known as the “Tomato Capital of the World,” is home to the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari.  Here, visitors can drive through the 300-acre nature preserve where beautiful creatures including zebras, black bucks (Indian antelope), and African longhorn cows roam. Pick up a bucket of animal feed so that you can stop and feed the animals as you drive thru. You don’t need a four-by-four heavy-duty truck for this safari either. But be mindful that the animals may be just as excited to see you as you are them. Don’t be surprised if you head out of the park with a couple of scratches, or love taps as I like to call them, on your vehicle.

 

 

7.   Visit the Rose Capital of the World

Tyler, Texas is regarded as the rose capital of the nation. The area picked up that nickname because of its deep-seeded (pun intended) history of rose production. At the 14-acre Tyler Rose Garden, visitors can take in the beauty of over 38,000 rose bushes that boast 500 different rose varieties. The garden is also home to the annual Texas Rose Festival in October. Here, visitors can get a front row look at the beauty and appreciation of these gorgeous flowers

 

8.   Take a Stroll Through an Azalea Trail

While East Texas is home to the rose capital of the world, there are other beautiful flowers this part of the state boasts. One such flower is the azalea.  During the blooming season, take a tour through the Tyler Azalea Trail which includes the Lindsey Trail and the Dobbs Trail. Here, you can take in the beautiful sight of thousands of blooming azaleas. Not only is it simply stunning, but it’s one of the most charming and underrated activities East Texas has to offer.

 

 

9.   Venture Into Lake Caddo and Uncertain, Texas

Ask the locals what the best-kept secret in Texas is and they’ll tell you it’s the city of Uncertain. The town with the unusual name is home to some of the most scenic wildlife you’ll find in Texas. Caddo Lake State Park and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge are the perfect places for fishermen, hunters, and water enthusiasts. The best way to experience the outdoors here is by booking a stay at one of the rustic log cabins or cozy bed and breakfasts. If you drive down in an SUV or truck, you can bring along your kayak or canoe to explore the beautiful waters that are littered with the charming and simply stunning cypress trees.

 

 

10.   Zip Through Treetops at New York Texas Zipline Adventures

The New York Texas Zipline Adventure Park is the go-to destination for outdoor lovers who are looking for a bit of adventure and thrill. Just east of Athens, this Adventure Park is the best way to get into the thick of the Piney Woods area. Visitors will have access to nine zip lines which will give you some stunning aerial views of the region.

 

Put East Texas on Your Bucket List

East Texas offers a unique geographical and environmental appeal. This region has a strong connection to nature and it’s no wonder why. With a variety of beautiful historic outdoor parks and activities for you to enjoy. There’s a little something for everyone here in East Texas.