Kountze, the county seat of Hardin County, has a population of about 2,100 and is part of the Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan area. By the beginning of the 20th century, the town was a railroad crossroads, with both north-south and east-west service. As the lumber business declined and oil production began, though, bigger towns claimed economic dominance of the region. Today, Kountze is best known as a gateway to the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Established by Congress in 1974, the Big Thicket National Preserve, under the management of the U.S. National Park Service, protects the surviving remnant of virgin pine and cypress forests containing a surprising diversity of plant and animal life. With 40 miles of hiking trails winding through the preserve, hikers have the chance to witness the coexistence of many parallel ecosystems. Alligators in the swamp may be close in proximity to roadrunners darting through the arid patches. In April and May, bird watchers are abundant here, hoping to spot many of the 186 bird species, including the rare bald eagle, who live in the Big Thicket. During specified seasons, and with the proper permit, fishing, hunting and trapping are allowed in designated areas.
Ghostly lights are sometimes spotted along this road at night. West of Kountze, the road passes through the Big Thicket near the site of Bragg, a town that once stood in Hardin County. Some think the lights are a reflection of car headlights. Scientists attribute the phenomenon to a gaseous substance. As expected, folklore of the region offers a number of explanations. Perhaps the eeriest concerns a groom who is searching for his bride, who was murdered at the Bragg Hotel during their honeymoon.
Four cabins make up this bed and breakfast three miles south of Kountze, close to the Big Thicket. Activities nearby are golfing, horseback riding, cycling, canoeing and fishing. A Texas country breakfast is served daily in the lodge. The owners ask that each party make a selection ahead of time from the breakfast options. With prior arrangement and at additional cost, dinner is also available. The wooded grounds feature a pond.
On the fourth weekend of each month, over 250 vendors arrive to sell their goods from Friday to Sunday. The event offers free parking and admission. Special children's activities include a train ride and face painting. Food is also available from 16 vendors. Accessible asphalt walkways accommodate those with disabilities, as well as guests pushing baby strollers.
This inn outside Kountze and close to the Big Thicket is the home of folk artist Ken Pelt. Antique roses and butterfly gardens bloom among large live oaks on the farm. Guests stay in a dog trot log cabin built about 1840. The family also maintains herds of Choctaw Indian horses and Texas Longhorn cattle on view to the guests.
