HENDERSON
Welcome to Henderson, Texas, a quaint town full of southern hospitality and charm. Henderson, a Texas Main Street City, a National Main Street City and a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community, is named after the first governor of the state, James Pinckney Henderson. Our National Register Historic District is one of the most picturesque downtowns in the East Texas area. Colorful canvas awnings highlight the historic buildings and offer shade to shoppers browsing the upscale eclectic shops, antique stores, and eateries.
Officially designated as the Syrup Capital of Texas in 2025, Henderson is home of the Heritage Syrup Festival (the Sweetest Festival in Texas) the second Saturday of November. Each year, the tradition of ribbon cane syrup making is commemorated and celebrated. Folk artists demonstrate lost homesteading skills as lace makers, basket makers, wood carvers, weavers, spinners, pottery makers, and many more create their works of art at the only folklife festival in northeast Texas. Hayride shuttles provide rustic transportation between the Depot Museum and the Downtown Heritage Square where more than 300 arts & crafts, retail, and food vendors, musical entertainment, antique and classic car exhibits, cloggers, square dancers, children’s activities, pony rides, and a petting zoo will keep you entertained.
Walk through history year-round in Henderson with visits to the Howard Dickinson House and the Depot Museum (home to the only outhouse in the state with a Texas Historical marker) or indulge in one of the fine productions of Henderson Civic Theatre in the restored Opera House downtown. The Rusk County Expo Center hosts weekly events including team penning, barrel racing, cutting horse competitions, cattle sales, goat shows, rodeos, tractor events and much more. Do not miss the 2026 Rusk County PRCA Rodeo Oct 9-10.
Visit the tourism website at www.visithendersontx.com or the City of Henderson website at www.hendersontx.us. JEFFERSON History, It’s Still Made Here. Hosting Getaways Since the 1830’s!!! Imagine a historic town, hidden in the East Texas Piney Woods. A town with fine dining, award-winning inns, historic downtown shops & boutiques, and museums filled with history. Surrounded by two lakes that can be explored by kayak, canoe, or guided tours. Take a trolley tour of historic neighborhoods & tour beautiful antebellum homes. History is synonymous with Jefferson as one of the oldest towns in Texas, with four museums and a Carnegie Library. Learn about some of Jefferson’s history on the historic ghost walk tour. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the charm of this picturesque town with excellent entertainment for events yearround. Jefferson offers hours of exploring and fascinating stories, some ghostly! For more information go to VisitJeffersonTexas.com or call 903-665-3733.
CITY OF HENDERSON TOURISM DEPARTMENT
1500 Lake Forest Parkway | Henderson, TX 75652
866-650-5529 | tourism@hendersontx.us | VisitHendersonTX.com