2008
east texas attractions

ARBORETUMS

Blue Moon Gardens. Edom. Oasis of beauty and tranquility. Two acres of display gardens filled with fragrant herbs and blooming flowers, the herb and gift shop is housed in an 85-year-old farmhouse. This setting creates an enchanting atmosphere to shop for a wide selection of herbs, cottage garden flowers and unusual gifts. Open daily all year. FM 279, between Edom and Tyler. 903.852.3897, www.bluemoongardens.com
 

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society. Athens. 100 acres of native Texas land to learn about the beauty and ecological importance of native flora. Site ranges from dry hills to large, permanent wetlands impounded by beaver dams to intermittent seasonal marshes. Two miles of naturalistic hiking trails, live (enclosed) honeybees, and the Wofford House Museum. 1601 Patterson. 903.675-5630, www.eastexasarboretum.org.

Garden of Peace. Greenville. Ten-foot by 30-foot relief sculpture depicting “Peace in the World” and five free-standing doves, “Peace in the Soul,” by Santa Fe artist Kirk Tatom in landscaped meditation garden. Daylight hours. Forest Park Cemetery, US 69S.

Heritage Garden of Hunt County. Greenville. Showcases plant varieties recommended for this area by the Texas A&M University Extension Service, including Earth Kind roses, Texas Superstar flowers, and vegetables in a setting inspired by Victorian garden designs. Adjacent to Hunt County Extension Office, 2217 Washington. 903-455-9885, http://hunt-tx.tamu.edu

J.R. Curtis Memorial Garden for the Blind. Longview. Unique hands-on learning environment with pond, fountain, ADA sidewalks, gazebo, wooden bridge, and butterfly garden. 100 Grand at Maude Cobb Activity Complex. 903.237.1230

Kavanaugh United Methodist Church Biblical Garden. Greenville. Filled with plants mentioned in the Bible. In the heart of Greenville at the corner of Johnson and Park Streets, just east of the church, 2516 Park. 903.455.2869, www.kavumc.com/bible-gard.htm

Stephen F. Austin State University Mast Arboretum. Nacogdoches. Covering 10 acres on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus, this public park is highlighted by an azalea garden containing more than 300 varieties of plants, a children’s butterfly garden, and many rare and endangered plants. 13000 SFA Station, 936.468.3705, http://arboretum.sfasu.edu.

Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. Tyler. Fourteen acres and 400 rose varieties testify to Tyler’s standing as the “Rose Capital of the World.” 1900 W. Front, 903.531.1212, www.texasrosefestival.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Athens Scuba Park. Athens. Recreational park with underwater visibility from 30-70 feet, features 12 dive platforms, camping sites, volleyball court, barbecue pits, and more. Open spring and summer. Wednesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. spring and summer, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. fall and winter. 500 N. Murchison. 903.675.5762.

Eiffel Tower of Paris, Texas. Paris.  Modeled after the famous Eiffel Tower in the city’s French namesake, this recreation stands 65 feet tall and is topped off in typical Texan style by a red cowboy hat. Jefferson and Collegiate, 903.784.2501, www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/TXPAReiffel.html

First Monday Trade Days. Canton. Oldest and largest flea market in the world, and the ultimate shopping experience the Thursday-Sunday prior to the first Monday of each month. Wander 300 acres of antiques, arts and crafts, and handmade articles. Entertainment throughout the days and nights includes music, demonstrating artists, and western gunfights. Includes the Original grounds, Dixie House section, East Gate Marketplace, The Arbors, Old Mill Marketplace, The Mountain, The Villages, Dog Alley, and more. More than 6,000 vendors. Free admission. Open sun up ’til sundown. 903.567.2991, 903.567.5445, www.cantontx.com  or oldmillmarketplace.com

Lookout Mountain. Jacksonville. First Monday trade days with wares, antiques, collectibles, camping with hookups, hiking trails. Four miles north of Jacksonville on US 69. 903.586.2217

FUN & GAMES

Fire Mountain Amusements. Tyler. Four-acre and growing park. Two go-kart tracks, bumper boating, miniature golf, arcade. Party packages available. 14722 Hwy. 155S, 903.561.2670, www.tyler-tx.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/AmusementThemeParks 

Splash Kingdom. Canton. Outdoor area with wave pool, a slide tower with four slides, a lazy river, and a large children’s area with a castle and a pool for smaller children open May-Sept. Indoor area open year round with glow-in-the-dark miniature golf and arcade. Interstate 20 at FM 859. 903.567.0044, www.splashkingdomwaterpark.com 

Tyler Skateplex. Tyler.  Largest skating floor in the country. More than 22,000 square feet of maple and an additional 6,000-square-foot skate park. 7922 S. Broadway, 903.939.3330, www.tylerskateplex.com

GOLF COURSES AND COUNTRY CLUBS

Alpine Golf Course. Longview. 18-hole public. Rt 9 Alpine Rd. 903.753-4515.

Arrowhead Golf Course. Tyler. 18-hole public. Bascom Road. 903.509.3555.

Athens Country Club. Athens. 18-hole private. 500 Park Dr. 903.677.3844.

Beaver Brook Country Club. Daingerfield. 9-hole semi-private. Hwy. 49. 903.645.2976.

Birmingham Golf Course. Rusk. 9-hole public. Hwy. 69. 903.683.9518.

Carthage Country Club. Carthage. 9-hole private. Hwy. 79 North. 903.693.4975.

Cascade Golf Club. Tyler. 18-hole semi-private. 4511 Briarwood. 903.593.7345.

CharacterLinks Golf Course. Big Sandy. 9-hole public. 8404 White Oak. 903.636.9890.

Cherokee Country Club. Jacksonville. 18-hole semi-private.903.586.2141.

Crepe Myrtle Creek Golf Course. Henderson. 9-hole public. 514 W. Fondall. 903.657.3325.

Cross Creek Golf Club. Tyler. 18-hole public. 800 Bellwood Golf Club Rd. 903.597.0850.

Cypress Valley Golf Course. Marshall. 18-hole semi-private. I-20 East Exit 628. 903.938.4941.

Eagle’s Bluff Country Club. Bullard. 99 Eagle’s Bluff Blvd. 903.825.2999.

Echo Creek Country Club. Murchison. 18-hole semi-private. 903.852.7094.

Emerald Bay Club. Bullard. 18-hole private. 208 S. Bay. 903.825.3444.

Garden Valley Golf Resort. 18-hole public. Garden Valley. 22049 FM 1995. 903.882.6107.

Garden Valley Golf Resort Hummingbird Course. Garden Valley.18-hole public. 22049 FM 1995. 903.882.6107.

Gilmer Country Club. Gilmer. 9-hole private. Hwy. 155. 903.734.4125.

Gladewater Country Club. Gladewater. 9-hole public. 24345 CR 3107. 903.845.4566.

Henderson Country Club. Henderson. 9-hole private. Hwy. 43. 903.657.6443.

Hide-A-Way Lake Golf Course. Lindale. 18-hole private. 903.882.8511.

Hilltop Country Club. Troup. 9-hole public. 135 East. 903.842.3516.

Hollytree Country Club. Tyler. 18-hole private. 1400 Royal Oak. 903.581.4952.

Lake Fork Golf Club. Emory. 18-hole public. 252 PR 5937. 903.473.3112.

The Links at Lands End. Yantis. 18-hole public. 285 PR 5980. 903.383.3290.

Meadowbrook Country Club. Palestine. 9-hole private. 2130 Country Club. 903.729.5954.

Peach Tree Golf Course & Oak Hearst Course. Bullard. 6212 CR152 W. 903.894.7079.

Woods at Jacksonville. Jacksonville. 18-hole public. 14881 Hwy. 79 East. 903.589.1706.

Elk Hollow Golf Course. Paris. 9-hole public. 2200 Elk Hollow. 903.785.6585.

Indian Hills Country Club. Atlanta. 9-hole semi-private. Off Hwy. 77. 903.796.4146.

Mount Pleasant Country Club. Mount Pleasant. 9-hole public. 1000 Country Club. 903.572.1804.

Paris Golf and Country Club. Paris. 18-hole private. Rt 6. 903.785.6512.

Pine Ridge Golf Course. Paris. 18-hole semi-private. Pine Mill Rd. 903.785.8076.

Shadow Lakes Golf Course. Mount Pleasant. 9-hole public. Hwy. 67W. 903.572.1288.

Sulphur Springs Country Club. Sulphur Springs. 18-hole semi-private. Rt 1. 903.885.4861.

Tawakoni Golf Course. Quinlan. 18-hole semi-private. Rt 1. 903.447.2981.

Twin Lakes Golf Course. 18-hole public. Hwy. 19 between Canton and Athens. 903.567.1112,

Van Zandt Country Club. Canton. 18-hole semi-private. I-20 between Hwy. 19 and FM 859. 903.567,
Webb Hill Country Club. Greenville. 18-hole private. FM 2358. 903.455.4471.
Wright Park. Greenville. 9-hole public. Hwy 69 S. 903.457.2996

LAKES & PARKS

Atlanta State Park. Atlanta. Walking, nature study, hiking, camping, picnicking, and jogging along roads, trails, and shorelines. Along the shores, visitors can fish, water ski, boat. RR 1, 903.796.6476,

Big Thicket National Preserve. Kountze. Three different ecosystems meet in this unique park, which covers 97,000 acres of swamp, pine forest, and prairie covered by countless streams. Numerous wildlife species can be seen in close proximity, and bird watching and wildflower spotting are popular. Hiking and canoe trails. 6102 FM 420, 409.951.6725, .

Caddo Lake State Park. Karnack. Centered around Caddo Lake, more than 26,000 acre series of open water, marsh, and swamp. Popular fishing destination; more than 70 species of fish have been caught in the lake. Hiking, camping, and bird watching. 245 Park Road 2, 903.679.3351,

Camp Ford. Tyler. Largest Confederate prisoner of war camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. Now a public park managed by the Smith County Historical Society, features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. Open daily dawn to dusk. Hwy 271, 903.592.5993,

Canton City Lake. Fishing. City license required. 903.567.2826.

Cedar Creek Lake. 20-mile-long lake, a 33,750-acre impoundment operated for recreation. Nestled among post oaks and pines, the lake offers numerous campsites, picnicking areas, excellent fishing, swimming and boating. Texas State Route 31 and FM 90.

Cooper Lake State Park Doctor’s Creek Unit & South Sulphur Unit. Sulphur Springs. Park activities include fishing and boating, swimming, birding, horse back riding, hiking, nature study, nature programs and tours. Route 3. 903.945.5256, http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/cooper_lake

Daingerfield State Park. Daingerfield. Space to camp, hike, boat. Pine, oak, maple, and sweetgum trees known for striking fall colors. 455 Park Road 17, 903.645.2921,

Davy Crockett National Forest. Crockett. Named after the legendary Texas pioneer Davy Crockett, this national forest features more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands. Various recreational activities are available including hiking and biking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, an amphitheater and restrooms. Texas Hwy. 7 East, 936.639.8501,

Jim Hogg Historic Site. Rusk. Covers 178 acres near Rusk and contains replicas of former Gov. Jim Hogg’s birthplace and homestead, along with a museum. Extensive natural trails lead through the forested area. RR 5, 903.683.4850,

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Whitesboro. 11,300-acre refuge for 300 species of migrating and wintering waterfowl, plus native animals year-round. Interpretive displays, information, and bird lists. FM 901 off US 82

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. Pittsburg. North side of Lake Bob Sandlin, this park is 640 acres of heavily forested wilderness and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming. Nature watching opportunities are plentiful. Rental cabins available. 341 State Park Road 2117, 903.572.5531,

Lake Fork. 27,690 acres lake with fishing, boat rentals, fuel, boat ramps. Excellent bass fishing.

Lake Hawkins. Hawkins. 776-acre lake with largemouth bass, black and white crappie as predominant species. On Little Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County 4 miles northwest of Hawkins. 903.857.2311,

Lake Holbrook. Mineola. 653-acre lake with largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish as predominant species. On Lankford Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County three miles northwest of Mineola. 903.569.6351,

Lake Palestine. Fishing, boat ramps. Off Texas State Route 31.

Lake Quitman. Quitman. 814-acre lake with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish as predominant species. On Dry Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County 5 miles north of Quitman. 903.878.2238,

Lake Tawakoni. Fishing, marinas, campsites with and without electricity hookups, golf, fuel. 

Lake Winnsboro. Winnsboro. 806-acre lake on Big Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River. Largemouth bass is a popular sport fish in this lake.

Lear Park. Longview. 150-acre complex includes outdoor sports facility with basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer areas along with hiking trails and picnic areas. Kidsview playground is a large jungle gym area with elaborate setups. E Harrison at W. Cotton,  

Martin Creek Lake State Park. Tatum. 287 acre park provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and hiking. Campsites and small rental cabins (no facilities) available. 9515 County Road, 903.836.4336,

Purtis Creek State Park. Caters to fishing enthusiasts of all ages. Campsites with water and electricity and primitive sites available. Picnic areas with tables and playground. Swimming permitted. Boat ramp and dock. Lighted fishing piers. Three-mile hike to primitive camping area. Off highway 198 near Eustace. 903.425.2332,

Tyler State Park. Tyler. Camping, boating, swimming, hiking, canoe and paddleboat rental. 985-acre park around a spring-fed lake. 789 Park Road 16, 903.597.5338,

Van City Lake. Fishing. City license required. $2 per day or $25 per year. 903.963.7216.

MUSEUMS: ART

Franklin County Arts Alliance. Mount Vernon. Permanent and changing exhibits. Old Jail Arts Center on the square and arts center 204 W. Main. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment other times. 903.537.4034.
Longview Museum of Fine Art. Longview. Host to a permanent collection of approximately 300 pieces of art, including works from Pablo Picasso and Georges Rouault. Also features displays of local artists and traveling exhibits. 215 E. Tyler, 903.753.8103,

Michelson Museum of Art. Marshall. Highlights the work of Leo Michelson, and features more than 1,000 of his paintings, drawings, and sketches. Other collections feature a display of African masks, and a general collection of paintings, lithographs, and sculptures. 216 N. Bolivar, 903.935.9480,  
Music Box Gallery. Sulphur Springs. More than 150 music boxes. Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. 611 N. Davis in library. 903.885.4926.

Northeast Texas Center for the Arts. Athens. Visual arts center with a 4,000-square-foot gallery and a fully equipped pottery/ceramic lab and painting and drawing studio. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. 415 N. Prairieville St. 903.677.1010,

Tyler Museum of Art. Tyler. Contains more than 600 pieces in its permanent collection, concentrating on local artists from the 19th and 20th century. Also works from Dutch painters from the 16th and 17th centuries, and a regularly changing series of traveling exhibits. 1300 S. Mahon, 903.595.1001,
William and Elizabeth Hayden Museum of American Art. Paris. The four galleries of this museum are geared towards art education. Exhibits include local works, American art covering American history, and a special focus on Louisianan and Native American art. Appointment required. 930 Cardinal, 903.785.1925,

MUSEUMS: HISTORY & CULTURE

Wills Point Caboose. Wills Point. Red caboose restored and operated by the Wills Point Historical Society now serves as a hospitality center for visitors. Hwy. 80. 903.873.8626, 
A.C. McMillan African American Museum. Emory. Named for the longtime Rains County educator, the museum includes rotating and permanent exhibits to educate future generations and serve as a bridge that links the past, present, and future. Thursday-Saturday 1 a.m.-4 p.m. 418 Texas, 903.474.0083.

Atlanta Historical Museum. Atlanta. Features exhibits from the 1850s through the 20th century and covers the development of the Atlanta area. Featured displays include railroad equipment, military artifacts, and an exhibit about Bessie Coleman, the world’s first licensed black pilot. 101 N. East, 903.796.1892
Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum. Greenville. Artifacts and memorabilia of the cotton industry and county celebrities including White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton, Voyager copilot Jean Yeager, and World War II most-decorated soldier Audie Murphy. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 600 I30E. 903.450.4502.

Blackwell Museum. Canton. The oldest home in Canton, the Blackwell houses mementos and photographs from the early years in Canton’s history. The original furnishings have been restored. Open for civic and private groups by reservation. 315 First Monday Lane, 903.567.4550.

Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store. More than 250 mounted examples of wildlife and a replica 1920s grocery store. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. 1600 WSW Loop 323, 903.534.2169,  

Bruce Park. Wills Point. Restored 1848 pioneer Wills family home site. Working smithy shop, smoke house, barn, corral, outhouse, landscaping, lighting, and fencing. Party pavilion available for private functions. 903.873.8626. .

Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site. Alto. Archaeological site from the Caddo mound-building culture, residents of the area in approximately 800-1300 BC. Attractions include reconstructed buildings, walking trails, and an interpretive center with exhibits, audio-visual program. Texas Hwy 21, 936.858.3218,

Canton Plaza Museum. Canton. Collections include The Virginia Bell Brewer bell collection, the Kennedy First Monday collection, and Indian artifacts, Civil War items, pictures, and memorabilia of Canton movie theaters and a grand melodeon piano. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 119 N. Buffalo, 903.567.5800.  

Carnegie History Center. Tyler. The 1904 Carnegie Library building houses the museum and archives of the Smith County Historical Society. Museum hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Archive hours 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays. 125 S. College, 903.592.5993, .

Cherokee Chief Bowles Battle of the Neches. Site of the last battle between the Cherokee Indians and the Texas military. Chief Bowles was killed along with hundreds of others in the Battle of the Neches in 1839. Marker 3 miles north of Redland off SH 64.

Dewberry Plantation. Bullard. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, and is the oldest two-story structure in Smith County. Guided tours take visitors back to the era of an 1850s Southern plantation. Myrtle-Vale and the surrounding gardens can be rented for receptions, private parties or general meetings.14007 FM 346W, 903.825.9000, .

East Texas Oil Museum. Kilgore. Authentic re-creation of oil discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries. Relive the East Texas oil boom days in the life-size Boom Town USA exhibit.. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 2-5 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 259 at Ross St. at Kilgore College. 903.983.8295,  info@easttexasoilmuseum.com

Edgewood Heritage Park Historical Village. Edgewood. Outdoor museum encompasses 14 authentically restored and furnished structures representing rural life in East Texas in 1900. Used as setting for scenes in several television productions. Structures include log cabins, band stand, blacksmith shop, cottages, gift shop, barber shop, public bath, school, railroad depot, gas station, church, and carriage house. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special group tours available every day with advance reservations. Adults $4, students, $3, children under six, free. N. Houston and Elm. 903.896.1940 or 903.896.4326, .

Edom Historical Museum. Edom. Pictures of early 1900s Edom homes; memorabilia from C.W. Morris, who had a general merchandise and drugstore from about 1912 to the late 1950s; Civil War-era letters; WWII roster of many Van Zandt County veterans. Open by appointment and on First Monday Saturdays. FM 279, downtown Edom. 903.833.5597, 903.852.3990.
Franklin County Museum. Mount Vernon. Displays of butterflies, bird eggs, violins, wood carvings, arrowheads, celebrity Don Meredith, and changing exhibits. Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 1-3 p.m., other times by appointment. 111 S. Kaufman. 903.537.7012

Goodman Museum. Tyler. Brings the past to life with original furnishings, photographs, and memorabilia dating from the mid 1800s. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 1-4 p.m. 624 N. Broadway, 903.597.5304,

Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site. Quitman. 26.7 acre estate covers the life of James Stephen Hogg, the first Texas-born governor of Texas. Includes three museums, a large picnic area, and nature trails. 101 Governor Hogg Pkwy, 903.763.4045,

Gregg County Historical Museum. Longview. Built in the old Citizens National Bank building and features a variety of displays about the development of Longview and area. A portion of the museum recreates early 1900s room and store settings. Other exhibits include military hardware and a feature on Texas architecture. 214 N. Fredonia, 903.753.3281,

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum. Tyler. Dedicated to the preservation of aviation history dating from the early 1800's to today's jet age. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Outside the museum on the airport ramp, one can walk around 10 airplanes that have been restored for static display. Four additional airplanes are under restoration at the hanger facilities on Dixie Dr. The museum is run by volunteers and donations from supporters. Visitors will be delighted with the history within the museum and the knowledge of the volunteer docents. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for active military, $3 for teens 13-17 years, and children 12 and under are free. Groups are welcome, but will need to call for reservations. Located in the old north airport terminal building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, 150 Airport Dr. 903-526-1945, www.tylerhamm.org
Henderson County Historical Museum. Athens. Vintage memorabilia and reproductions for turn-of-the-century drygoods store, early law office, parlor, bedroom, bath, kitchen, schoolroom. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Downtown.
Heritage Plaza. Longview. Park’s etched walls portray Longview’s first 100 years. Downtown.
Historic Upshur Museum. Gilmer. Caddo artifacts, model drilling rig, industrial artifacts, Yamboree exhibits, etc. Downtown square, 903.843.5483, hum-lite@juno.com.
Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park. Sulphur Springs. Eleven-acre site includes original historic homes, shops, and mills. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. 416 N. Jackson.
Howard House Museum. Palestine. Greek Revival home built in 1880s with period furnishings and exhibits. 1011 N. Perry. 903.723.3014.
Jefferson Historical Museum. Jefferson. Exhibits include Civil War artifacts, rare china, a gun and weapon collection, and personal papers from Sam Houston. Open daily from 9:30 to 5 except holidays. 223 W. Austin, .

Leila B. LaGrone Family History Center. Carthage. Built in a restored 1891 jail, this building houses the Panola Family History Center, a law enforcement and pioneer museum, and an East Texas oral history archive. as well as a Veterans’ Memorial. Open Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. 211 N. Shelby, 903.693.3388,  

Light Crust Doughboys Hall of Fame and Museum. Quitman. The history of the Light Crust Doughboys (and Bob Wills) spans more than 70 years of American music and, from the outset, their story was an integral part of Texas culture, particularly in the rural towns of East Texas. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed noon-1 p.m. for lunch. Hwy. 37 south of downtown, 903.763.2701,
Majors-Parchman Farmstead. Mount Vernon. 1883 Victorian farmhouse with original outbuildings, small barn, smokehouse, chicken coop, outhouse, and log cabin. Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m., and by appointment other times. Kaufman and Tolbert streets. 903.537.4760.

Moore Farms. Bullard. Goal is to educate the public about agriculture and farm life as well as market organic produce and homemade Texas goods. On 300 acres, fall hay rides, full farm pass, corny maze craze, the pumpkin package, farm camp. 22142 County Road 181, Hwy 344 W, 903.894.1030,

Museum for East Texas Culture. Palestine. Old Palestine High School is now the depository for historical treasures of Palestine and Anderson County. Among the exhibits are an authentic vintage classroom, a railroad memorabilia room and a refurbished caboose. The museum is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. 400 Micheaux at Regan Park. 903.723.1914
Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center & Musem. Pittsburg. Artifacts, photos, and documents from 1854 when Pittsburg was established, plus antique farm equipment, other memorabilia, and a reproduction of the Ezekiel Airship originally built in 1901 by a preacher-inventor from a description in the biblical book of Ezekiel. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Train depot on Marshall St. 903.856.0463.

Old Stone Fort Museum. Nacogdoches. Learn about the history of East Texas and Nacogdoches at this museum, reconstructed from the stones of a Mexican fort from the 1790s. The museum focuses on the time period from the area’s discovery by Spanish missionaries to the independence of the Texas Republic in the 1830s. Stephen F Austin State University, 936.468.2408,
R.G. LeTourneau Museum. Longview. Houses many of the industrialist’s patents and business artifacts including early earth-moving equipment. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. LeTourneau University Memorial Student Building, 2100 S. Mobberly. 903.233.3675

Rose Museum. Tyler. Tyler is known to many as the “Rose Capital of America.” This museum covers the history of how that came to be. Exhibits include artifacts from the Tyler Rose Festival back to 1935 and a look at the rose industry and its continued growth in the area. More than 500 varieties of roses bloom in season. 420 Rose Park, 903.597.3130,

Roseland Plantation. Ben Wheeler. Registered Texas State Historical Landmark includes chapel, ballroom, and bed and breakfast made available for weddings and parties. Grand antebellum home built in 1854 for a cotton plantation. Tours, available daily by reservation, include five plantation buildings and takes approximately one hour. 2601 Hwy 64, 903.849.5553,

St. Clair Museum of Gladewater. Gladewater. Mementos and artifacts of city’s early history. 817 N. Main
Salt Palace. Grand Saline. The only building in North America made of pure rock salt. Grand Saline is the home of one of the largest, purest salt domes in the nation with a supply estimated to last 20,000 years. The Salt Palace museum features photos and memorabilia of the salt industry dating back to 1845 and the history of Grand Saline. The history of native son pioneer aviator Wiley Post is displayed with photographs and a small model of his famous plane the “Winnie Mae” in which he set two world records by circling the globe in 1931 and 1933. Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 100 W. Garland, 903.962.5631,  

Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site. Paris. Former home of Confederate Gen. Samuel Bell Maxey has been restored and furnished to reflect the style of an 1860s Victorian home. Open for tours Friday through Sunday; available to rent for weddings and other receptions. 812 S. Church, 903.785.5716,

Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum. Jefferson. A shrine to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the Academy Award-winning movie Gone With the Wind. Contains 1,700 square feet of displays, reproduction of costumes, memorabilia, posters from the movie, and collectables. Open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 408 Taylor, 903.665.1939,

Smith County Historical Society’s Museum & Archives. Tyler. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, the 1904 Carnegie Library building today serves as the society’s museum and archives. Exhibits feature artifacts reflecting Smith County’s historic, social, and economic culture including the Indian, Republic of Texas, Civil War, and 20th Century eras. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Archives open 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday. 125 S. College, 903.592.5993,
Southwest Dairy Center. Sulphur Springs. Exhibits recall early-day milk production and manufacturing, old-time soda fountain, and general store gift shop. Also has a traveling dairy classroom complete with cow and calf. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Civic Center complex, 1210 Houston. 903.439.MILK.
Starr Family Home State Historic Site (Maplecroft). Marshall. Restored Italianate style home of the prominent Texas family. Thursday-Saturday, Monday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. 407 W. Travis. 903.935.3044.
Terrell Heritage Museum. Terrell. Local historical items including 1912 Esty pipe organ and original Frank Reaugh painting. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1:30-4 p.m. 207 N. Frances. 972.524.6082, www.terrellheritagesociety.org
Texarkana Museum of Regional History. Texarkana. Tells the story of this unique city situated on the Texas-Arkansas border. Exhibits include local agriculture, World War II, and famous citizens such as Scott Joplin, father of ragtime music. Also contains the Wilbur Smith Research Library with a collection of old photos, periodicals, and historical documents. 219 N. State Line, 903 793-4831,

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Carthage. Honoring the best of Texas country music, inductees to this museum include Willie Nelson, Tex Ritter, Gene Autry and many more. Annual talent showcase searches out new music talent, and every Saturday has a country and gospel music hayride. Open Monday through Saturday. 300 W. Panola, 903.693.6634,

Texas Forestry Museum. Lufkin. One of the largest museums of its kind. Featured exhibits include a paper mill room, sawmill town exhibit, logging locomotive and depot, forest fire lookout tower, modern management practices, and urban wildscape trail. 1905 Atkinson, 936.632.9535,

Van Oil & Historical Museum. Van. Step back in time on the bed of a 1917 truck as you enter the oil boom of the 1930s. Working miniature oil pump, 1800 cotton mill, blacksmith shop, general store, tools and equipment, 1930 working kitchen with gas refrigerator and kerosene stove, and many more interesting exhibits of the times. Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4p.m. Special-request tours available. VZCR 1501 off Hwy. 16/Main. 903.963.5435,
Van Alstyne Historical Museum. Van Alstyne. Circa 1880s horse-drawn buggy, equipment used by early undertakers, historical material from local families. Monday-Friday 1-4 p.m. March through September. 216 E. Jefferson. 903.482.6066, www.vanalstynetx.com
Van Zandt County Pioneer Monument. Canton. Isaac & Frances Van Zandt. Bas-relief sculpture by Pompeo Coppini’s “adopted” daughter Waldine Tauch. Courthouse grounds, Canton.
Vanishing Texana. Jacksonville. Cherokee County historical items. Monday and Thursday noon-8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jacksonville Public Library, US 69 at Nacogdoches. 

Veterans Memorial Park. Grand Saline. Pays tribute to veterans of all branches of the United States military. Located on the one-acre landscaped lot are a genuine M60 US Army tank, a M105 Howitzer gun, and an anchor and propeller from a US Navy ship. The centerpiece of the memorial is a six-foot granite wall in three wings inscribed with the contributed names of veterans who have served in any branch the US military at any time in the nation’s history to present day. Corner of US 80 and FM 857 on the west end of Grand Saline. 903.962.7794.

Veterans Memorial Wall. Wills Point. American Legion Post #303 salutes veterans with a commemorative granite wall displaying the names of those who served in WW II. Veterans of other wars are also honored with separate additions to the wall. Hwy. 80 east of downtown. 

MUSEUMS: SCIENCE

Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. Palestine. NASA facility managed by the Physical Science Lab of New Mexico State University launches large unmanned, high altitude research balloons and tracks and recovers the scientific experiments suspended beneath them for NASA centers and universities from all over the world. Call 903.729.0271 to arrange private group tours;

Discovery Place Children’s Museum. Texarkana. Interactive museum for children from kindergarten to 6th grade. Hands-on exhibits related to science and history. Highlights include a 12-foot sound wall and a biology laboratory. Birthday parties arranged for as many as 20 children. 215 Pine, 903.793.4831,

Discovery Science Place. Tyler. Explore, touch, and learn. Hands-on fun for the whole family, including an earthquake simulator, physics demonstrations, a working TV studio, a limestone cavern, and dinosaur models. Permanent installations also include math and science concepts, medical exhibits, Home Town USA, and a do-it-yourself art gallery. Open every day except holidays. 308 N. Broadway, 903.533.8011,

Hudnall Planetarium. Tyler. Multimedia presentations and “star parties.” Open by appointment. 1200 S. Mahon, 903.510.2312,

MUSEUMS: TRANSPORTATION

British Flying Training School Museum. Terrell. Commemorates joint British-US effort to train more than 2,200 pilots during World War II. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., other times by appointment. 972.524.1714
Cotton Belt Depot. Tyler. Built in 1905 and began serving passengers on the Cotton Belt Line in 1907. In addition to touring this historic building, visitors can see The Bragg Model Train Collection on permanent display at the depot. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 210 E. Oakwood, 903.533.8057,

Depot Museum. Wills Point. Step back in time with a unique collection of city, county, and railroad history awaits. Vintage clothing, agricultural artifacts and railroad memorabilia. Monday & Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday & Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hwy. 80. For group tours call 903.873.8626.  

Depot Museum and Children’s Discovery Center. Henderson. Built around a restored 1901 railroad depot, this museum features buildings and artifacts from the region dating back to the 1840s. Hands-on learning center for children ages 3 to 11. Open Monday through Saturday. 514 N. High, 903.657.4303,  

Flight of the Phoenix Aviation Museum. Gilmer. Covering more than 6,000 square feet, features exhibits of commercial and military aircraft. Displays include a recreation of the Piper Cub that flew Smokey the Bear to Washington D.C. and WW II-era training aircraft. 903.843.2457,

Greenville Railroad Museum. Greenville. In the historic MKT Railroad depot downtown, exhibits artifacts from the early days of railroading and extensive model train displays. Open Thursdays & Fridays 11:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission, donations appreciated. 3102 Lee. 903.455.4935 www.greenvillerailroadmuseum.com
Historic Aviation Memorial Museum. Tyler. Home to 17,000 square feet of display space including numerous military aircraft, memorabilia, photographs, and flight equipment. Included among the aircraft are World War II trainers and late 20th Century jet fighters. Open Monday to Saturday. 2198 Dixie (CR 1143), 903.526.1945, .

Midland Rail Car. Terrell. Private railroad car and memorabilia of Col. E.H.R. Green. Bel Gill Park, W. Moore.
Mount Vernon Railroad Depot. Mount Vernon. Restored 1894 Cotton Belt Depot features working telegraph and railroad exhibits, model train exhibit, 1902 Studebaker covered wagon, syrup press, mill, blacksmith shop, log cabin, and more. Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 1-3 p.m., by appointment other days. 202 S. Kaufman. 903.537.4760.
Railroad Museum. Mineola. Railroad and cotton industry memorabilia and restored caboose. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Front St
Texas & Pacific Railway Museum. Marshall. Built in a reconstructed railway depot, this museum covers the history of the region's rail network. In addition to a restored caboose, a replica of a railroad agent’s office and equipment are on display. Model trains recreate the old Texas & Pacific route. 800 N. Washington, 903.938.9495,

Texas State Railroad. Rusk to Palestine, and back. One of the nation’s largest and most unique steam train operations. The TSRR is one of the only steam railroads in the United States that runs two steam trains simultaneously on days of operation. The park’s 50-mile, round-trip steam engine excursions take four hours. 903-683-2561,

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Jacksonville Public Library. Jacksonville. Monday and Thursday noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 502 S. Jackson, 903.586.7664,

Family History Center. Wills Point. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A favorite stop for genealogy buffs. The center includes microfiche of the main library’s catalog and indexes, along with more than 200 reference books. Open Tuesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hwy 47 north of downtown.

Grand Saline Public Library. Grand Saline. Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-Noon. 201 E. Pacific. 903.962.5516.

Kaufman County Library. Kaufman. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 3790 S. Houston, 972.932.6222,

Longview Public Library. Longview. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 222 W. Cotton, 903.237.1350,

Mount Pleasant Public Library. Mount Pleasant. Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 213 N. Madison. 903.575.4180,

Palestine Public Library. Monday noon-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday noon-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1101 N. Cedar. 903.729.4121,

Rusk County Library System. Henderson, Mount Enterprise, Overton, Tatum. Monday and Thursday9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Main location 106 E. Main, Henderson. 903.657.8557,

Texarkana Public Library. Texarkana. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 600 W. Third. 903.794.2149,

Tyler Public Library. Tyler. Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.08 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. 201 S. College, 903-593-7323,

Mineola Memorial Library. Mineola. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 301 N. Pacific. 903.569.2448,  

Van Community Library. Van. Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-Noon and Tuesday & Thursday 4-7 p.m. Van Community Center, 310 Chestnut. 903.963.5450. vancommunitylibrary@texascellnet.com.

Van Zandt County Library. Canton. Library contains more than 45,000 items. Internet access. Meeting room. Cards free to residents with valid ID. Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 317 First Monday Lane, 903.567.4276.

Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History. An outstanding collection for the county, includes microfilm, society quarterlies, and memorabilia. Canton Courthouse Annex. 903.567.5012. .
Walworth Harrison Public Library. Greenville. Researchers from across the country seek out keys to their ancestry in the genealogy collection and local history references are geared to finding that elusive branch on the family tree. Ja-Lu Park, 4807 Stonewall. 903.457.2992. www.youseemore.com/harrison/about.asp

Wingo Public Library. Wills Point. Anyone living in the Wills Point School District may obtain a library card for $2.  Open Monday & Wednesday. 2-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wills Point High School, Hwy. 80, 873.2371.

ZOOS, AQUARIUMS, WILDLIFE PRESERVES.

Black Beauty Ranch. Murchison. Founded as a home for abandoned and abused pets and exotic animals. Now includes dozens of species, including various monkeys, deer, ponies, ostriches, pot-bellied pigs, and an elephant, among others. Daily walking and bus tours. 903.469.3811,

Caldwell Zoo. Tyler. More than 2,000 animals from 250 species. Exhibits include a wild bird walkabout and African, North American and South American habitats. 2203 Martin Luther King, 903.593.0121,

Caruth C. Byrd Wildlife Foundation. Van. Formed to provide a sustained refuge for exotic animals gathered from around the world, many of which are listed as endangered species. The facility accommodates educational tours for local schools and organizations. FM 16, call 903.963.3755 for appointment.

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari. Jacksonville. Home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See 20 exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat. Guests can travel at their own pace, enjoying a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannahs of this 300-acre preserve. 1200 CR 4405, 903.683.3322,

Ellen Trout Zoo. Lufkin. Home to more than 700 animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, hippos, and many more. Take the zoo railroad around the park for a special tour. 402 Zoo Circle, 936.633.0399,

Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Tennessee Colony. Wildlife management, research, and demonstration area for the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion. The area is comprised of 2,000 acres of hardwood bottomland floodplain and almost 500 acres of natural watercourse, 350 acres of wetlands: marshes and swamps and nearly 300 acres of sphagnum moss bogs. Goals include developing and managing wildlife habitats and populations of indigenous wildlife species, researching wildlife populations and habitat can be conducted under controlled conditions, demonstrating habitat development and wildlife management practices to landowners and other interested groups, and much more. 16149 N. Hwy 287. 903.928.2251,
Mathews Prairie Nature Preserve. Greenville. Hundred-acre native prairie meadow that has never been plowed. Part of the once vast (12-million-acre) Texas Blackland Prairie, it’s a little piece of wild America. Birders and wildflower enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the meadow. CR 1119 and CR 1116.
Mineola Nature Preserve. Mineola. 2,900 acres of bird watching, walking trails, wildlife observation platforms, interpretive programs, coved picnic pavilion, playground, fishing pond, canoe and kayak rest area on the Sabine River. Equestrian and bike trails coming soon. CR 2724 (Cap Ranch Road). www.mnpfriends.org
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Athens. Serving as an aquarium, hatchery, educational center and laboratory, this facility has displays on the unique aquatic life of the rivers and reservoirs of Texas. Fish, birds, gators, and amphibians are among the animals on display. Try your hand at a catch-and-release pond, filled with catfish and rainbow trout. 5550 FM 2495, 903.676.2277,

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. Tyler. Provides rescue, rehabilitation, and a home for big cats that have been abused, neglected, or displaced. 17544 Hwy. 14, 903.858.1008,

This page last updated February 04, 2008