Adventure here doesn’t look just one way.
In Northeast Texas, you can spend the morning hiking wooded trails, the afternoon shopping historic downtowns, and the evening enjoying live music or a community festival. Explore lakes and state parks, tour museums and historic homes, discover local wineries and breweries, or catch a performance at a restored theater.
However you define a great getaway, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days.
Cut down on travel time and dive straight into adventure! Atlanta, Texas offers centrally located hotels just a short drive away from three stunning state parks: Atlanta State Park (15 minutes), Caddo Lake State Park (35 minutes), and Dainger-field State Park (35 minutes). Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or an extended stay, Atlanta provides the ideal mix of convenience and small-town charm, making it the perfect base for hiking, fishing, kayaking, or simply unwinding.
The Texas State Railroad offers vintage train excursions through East Texas pine forests, seasonal themed rides, and unforgettable, family-friendly journeys filled with nostalgia and adventure.
www.texasstaterailroad.net | 855-632-7729
Step into the dazzling history of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. The Rangerette Showcase and Museum celebrates the legacy of the first precision dance team with rare photographs, iconic uniforms, international performance memorabilia, and interactive displays. Explore decades of tradition, innovation, and global impact, from CottonBowl classics to historic tours around the world. It’s an inspiring stop for anyone interested in dance, history, or Kilgore’s most iconic ambassadors
YesterLand Farm brings classic family fun to life with seasonal festivals, rides, farm attractions, and some of the most beloved holiday traditions in East Texas. In the fall, visi-tors enjoy pumpkin patches, vintage-style rides, corn mazes, and outdoor adventures. As winter arrives, the farm transforms into a Christmas wonderland with lights, treats, Santa visits, and festive activities for all ages. Whether you’re coming for Fall Festival, Christmas Playland, or a special event, YesterLand Farm delivers a full day of nostalgia, laughter, and unforgetta-ble memories.
Learn more at YesterLandFarm.com
Downtown Nacogdoches blends history, art, and small-town charm into a vibrant, walkable experience. Stroll the historic brick streets and discover eye-catching murals, public art, and statues that celebrate the stories and spirit of the Oldest Town in Texas. Boutique shops offer everything from handcrafted goods to stylish finds, while locally owned restaurants serve up flavors that range from casual comfort food to unique, chef-driven dishes. With its mix of culture, creativity, and local hospitality, Downtown Nacogdoches is the perfect place to wander, shop, dine, and explore.
Learn more at www.visitnacogdoches.org
Nestled among ten acres of land in the heart of Hunt County, Texas, the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum has explored the rich history of this region for over 20 years. Major exhibits include the
Ende-Gailliard House (built from 1857–1859), The Hunt County War Memorial, The Hall of Heroes, History of Cotton Exhibit, and Hunt County Gallery featuring a
turn-of-the-century Main Street. Visit the new Journey Through History exhibit on the museum grounds to learn fascinating additional history of Hunt County. For more information, and to discover the amazing events they host throughout the year visit www.cottonmuseum.com or call 903-450-4502.
Mineola Nature Preserve – Explore scenic walking trails, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this natural sanctuary, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and reconnecting with nature
Spanning over 85 acres of lush East Texas land-scape, Caldwell Zoo offers a captivating experience for vis-itors of all ages. With a diverse collection of over 3,000 an-imals representing various species from around the world, the zoo provides a fascinating opportunity to connect with wildlife. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped habi-tats and see creatures including lions, giraffes, tigers and exotic birds. Educational programs and interactive exhibits make it an engaging place to learn about conservation and animal behavior. The newly remodeled South America section at Caldwell Zoo is now open, featuring the Amazon River’s Edge exhibit
Experience entertainment in a historic setting at The Pines Theater in downtown Lufkin. From tribute bands and comedians to film screenings and musicals, this beautifully restored 1925 venue offers a front-row seat to local culture.
113 S First St, Lufkin, TX 75901
The No. 1 British Flying Training School
Museum in Terrell, Texas commemorates the World War II program that trained British and American cadets in North Texas. From 1941 to 1945, over 2,200 cadets earned their wings here. The museum features log books, uniforms, memorabilia and personal stories. A new addition is a flight simulator for visitors 12+.
Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Your Thursdays Just Got a Whole Lot Better!
903 Sun Sets is a free music series that takes place right on The Square in PARIS, TEXAS every summer. Four headline artists with four openers perform four weeks in a row, complete with food trucks, mobile bars, and other local delicacies. Starting at sunset every Thursday in June.
Visit 903sunsets.com or call (903) 784-2501.
Hosting Getaways Since the 1830’s! Award Winning Inns & Restaurants Historic Downtown Boutiques & Shops Trolley Tours Historic Home Tours & Ghost Walk Two Lakes & The Bayou for Canoeing and Kayaking Spas Wineries Year-round Events Two Drive-thru Safaris Four Museums History abounds in this gem hidden in The Piney Woods of East Texas.
The Ruby Mize Azalea Garden offers stunning seasonal beauty and peaceful trails year-round. Thousands of azaleas bloom mid-March to mid-April. Fall foliage glows with warm colors in late November. Learn more at www.visitnacogdoches.org.
Cool off and make a splash with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, splash pads, shaded areas, and cabanas. Details at SplashKingdomWaterpark.com
The Big Head Mountain Bike Trail offers an exciting ride for cyclists looking for adventure in the East Texas pines. This dynamic trail features drops, jumps, a wall ride, and a teeter-totter.
Explore boutique shops, local eateries, and beautifully preserved historic buildings that showcase Mineola’s storied past.
Palestine
Oxbow Bakery is a beloved local favorite known for its scratch-made pies, warm hospitality, and cozy atmosphere that feels straight out of a small-town storybook. Open Thursday–Saturday most weeks. www.oxbowpies.com
Kadee Farm is a family Christmas tree farm established in 1981. Enjoy the pumpkin patch in October with petting zoo, barrel train rides, duck races, corn pit, and more. After Thanksgiving, the farm transforms into a winter wonderland with hayrides, Christmas trees, and a Walking Trail of Lights. www.kadeefarm.com.
A Texas State Parks Pass is the best way to experience Texas. You and your vehicle of guests will get unlimited entry to 85+ state parks for a year. Your pass also includes other benefits like discounts on camping, equipment rentals, and park store purchases.
TexasStateParks.org/Passes | 512-389-8900
Enjoy year-round art, theater, and music in Longview’s Cultural Arts District at ArtsView Children’s Theatre, East Texas Symphonic Band, Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview Ballet Theatre, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Symphony Orchestra, Longview World of Wonders, and Theatre Longview. World class LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center hosts musicals, concerts, comedians, and world-class performers for audiences of all ages. Learn more at ArtsLongview.org.
Spend a wild day at Ellen Trout Zoo, home to over 500 animals. Open year-round, featuring a shaded train ride around the lake.
402 Zoo Cir, Lufkin, TX 75904
The William Becknell Cemetery is also known as Robbinsville Cemetery after the community that once thrived in this area. The cemetery is located in Red River County approximately six miles west of Clarksville, Texas on US Highway 82. On August 3, 2011, The Texas Historical Commission (THC) designated the site as a Historic Texas Cemetery, worthy of preservation. William Becknell was born in Virginia in 1787 or 1788 and is credited for establishing the Santa Fe Trail in 1821, which opened the west for trade and expansion. He is known as the “Father of the Santa Fe Trail.” For more information related to William Becknell and the Santa Fe Trail, visit the website, www.williambecknell.com.
Built in 1939, the auditorium received a major $5M technical upgrade in 2025. Hosting Collin Raye, Ambrosia, Hotel California, Bellamy Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more in 2026. Also home to Greenville Theatre Works productions. Free parking, nearby dining, and comfortable seating. Showtimes: GMALive.org
Mid America Flight Museum is based in Mt. Pleasant, Texas (KOSA). Most aircraft fly regularly, and restoration projects continue. Missions include honoring veterans, mentoring kids, community involvement, and preserving aviation history.
Mirrored exterior walls create an illusion: you can see out, but no one can see in. Featured on TLC’s Insane Bathrooms and nominated for America’s Best Restroom.
Historic Downtown Terrell is where art, history, and hometown charm come together — murals, boutiques, the Carnegie Library museum, and restaurants including Eddie Deen Barbecue, Tex-Mex, cafés, bakeries, and bistros.
Go Wild in Bonham! Experience the thrill of the North Texas Safari Park. From the comfort of your car, interact with exotic species from around the world. Want more? Feed a giraffe, meet a sloth, or walk through the “Texas Down Under” kangaroo exhibit. Located just an hour north of Dallas, adventure is closer than you think!
Address: 2920 US-82 W, Bonham, TX 75418, Phone: 903-718-0305 northtexassafaripark.com
Henderson Civic Theatre makes its home in the restored Opera House downtown at 122 E. Main St. and is celebrating its 40th season. The theatre produces five mainstage productions each year and is the home of Limelight Players, a children’s theater performing three children’s productions per season. Limelight also offers workshops and has a TNT acting troupe.
Relax after a day of exploring North East Texas by spending the night in a cabin. Many parks have cabins that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offer modern amenities. You’ll find cabins at Caddo Lake, Cooper, Daingerfield, Lake Bob Sandlin, and Tyler State Parks.
TexasStateParks.org/Reservations | 512-389-8900
The Depot Museum houses the Rusk County History Museum and Children’s Discovery Center at 514 N. High Street. It spreads across five acres with 12 historical buildings and 10 historical markers. Be sure to stop by the Arnold Outhouse, the only outhouse in the state with a Texas historical marker.
The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is a park developed to showcase trees, native plants, wildlife, and water resources with formal gardens right in the heart of Longview. Just a few blocks from Downtown, the Arboretum is a beautiful gathering space for friends seeking a peaceful place to be reminded of the beauty found in nature, as well as larger groups needing an intentional location to disconnect from technology and stress.
Learn more at LongviewArboretum.org.