East Texas is home to an area known as the Piney Woods. With more than 15 state parks and historic sites and 30 fresh water lakes, this area is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors. From Alto to Winona, this forested, historic portion of the state has a great variety of areas to explore.
Huntsville has more to offer than just a stopping point on a scenic East Texas drive. Tourists can take in the statue of General Sam Houston, the 66-foot tall memorial that can be seen from over 5 miles away.
Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center
P.O. Box 1230
Huntsville, TX 77342
936-291-9726
Another popular stop is the Texas Berry Farm, where visitors pick their own berries, veggies, herbs or flowers depending on the season. You pay by the pound for what you pick, and it's always advisable to call ahead to get an idea of what's available.
Texas Berry Farm
F.M. 980
Huntsville, Texas 77320
409-294-0416
If you enjoy scuba diving, you'll love the Blue Lagoon. Whether you're in training or a seasoned recreational diver, you'll love the clear water of the lagoon. Day and night dives are available.
Blue Lagoon Scuba
649 Pinedale Rd
Huntsville, TX 77320
936-438-8888
www.bluelagoonscuba.net
Tyler bills itself as America's Rose Capital. In addition to roses, visitors will find campgrounds, lakes, historic parks and even a safari park. The Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari Park is a 300-acre facility with more than two dozen exotic species living in a natural habitat.
Cherokee Trace Drive Thru Safari Park
1200 CR 4405
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
903-683-3322
http://www.cherokeetrace.org/
Another local attraction is Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store. The museum was established to entertain and educate, and it includes more than 400 examples of wildlife in its collection and a replica of a 1920s grocery store.
Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store.
1600 S.W. Loop 323, at Old Jacksonville Hwy
Tyler, TX
903-534-2169
www.brookshiresmuseum.com
A trip to Palestine isn't complete without a ride on the Texas State Railroad. This former lumber line was converted to carry passengers through the East Texas forests from Palestine to Rusk in 1976. The old steam engine and refurbished cars are beautifully restored.
Texas State Railroad
PO Box 166
Rusk, TX 75785
888-987-2461
www.texasstaterr.com
Nasa's Columbia Scientific Balloon Base may be managed by New Mexico State University, but the launch location is in Palestine. Here you can watch as balloons that travel as high as 120,000 feet are launched.
Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility
1510 E FM 3224
Palestine, Texas 75803
903-729-0271
http://www.csbf.nasa.gov/
