Local Attractions - Eastern Texas | Texas State Railroad

Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad is a historic 25-mile railroad that runs between Palestine and Rusk, Texas. The train is made up of vintage coaches with open windows and comfortable seating. There are a variety of different options of excursions as well as special events that are offered throughout most of the year. During the holiday season The Polar Express Train Ride is offered on select days and dates.

Highway 84 W & Park Road 76
Rusk, TX 75785
903-683-2561

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari

Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is a wildlife park that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See dozens of exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannahs of this 300-acre park. Only 20 minutes from the Rusk KOA Holiday Campground.

1200 County Road 4405
Jacksonville, TX 75766
903-683-3322

Piney Woods Wine Trail

Take a trip down the Piney Woods Wine Trail and enjoy a glass or two of wine while you take in the beautiful scenery of East Texas.

Birmingham Forest Golf Club

Birmingham Forest Golf Club is a family-owned, 9 hole course, in the Rolling Hills and Piney Woods of East Texas in the small town of Rusk. The course first opened in 1967, and in the following decades it has earned a reputation as one of the best courses of it's size in the Lone Star State. In fact, the Dallas Morning News once name it 35th in the "Best 9-Hole Courses" in Texas.

1802 Copeland Street
Rusk, TX 75785
903-683-9518

Rusk Footbridge

Just minutes from the KOA is the nation's longest wooden footbridge. It was originally built in 1861 to connect Rusk and the town of New Birmingham (now a ghost town). The bridge measures 546 feet by 4 feet.

Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County in Rusk is on a mission to acquire, preserve, and display artifacts of historical importance to the Forest Trail Region county of Cherokee. Exhibits include an interpretive display of the local timber industry, artifacts on the Civil War and World War ll, objects that once belonged to former Texas Governor Hogg, an extensive collection of arrowheads and Caddo Indian artifacts gathered from the area, and much more! It's a great experience that the entire family will enjoy.

Tyler: The City of Endless Fun

Tyler. Wow. If you want a place to go where you can pretty much find anything you want to do on your family outing then look no further... and its only 40 miles away! If your kids are into animals then you can visit the Cadwell Zoo or the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. Feel like taking a stroll through a museum or two? Well they have The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum, Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, American Freedom Museum just to name a few! Want a hands on place for your kids to learn about science? Well the Center for Earth & Space Science Education and the Discovery Science Place are right up your alley then! You can even take a walk through the Tyler Rose Garden if you want to take a romantic walk through the flowers. On top of all that they have endless shopping and restaurants at the Broadway Square Mall and throughout the whole city!

Visit the Oldest Town in Texas

Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and just happens to be only 30 miles outside of Rusk. Spend the day shopping in the historic downtown, take a hike on one of their creek trails, or visit the largest Azalea garden in Texas!

• Brick Street Antiques • CASA's Blue Ribbon Gift Shop • Glass Castles • Coats Gallery • Macy May's • Main Street Antique Mall • Old Town Antiques • Special Finds Antiques & Collectibles • Stuff N Such • Heart of Texas • House of Traditions, • Dollheads • Rachel's Antiques & Unique • Lyric's French Knot Quilt Shop • Miller's Crossing Historic Village

Museums and Zoos of Lufkin

Want an educational trip that the kids will love? Take a trip down to Lufkin, which is only about 35 miles south of Rusk, and see the many sights and sounds their facilities have to offer. Visit the Ellen Trout Zoo, the Museum of East Texas, and the Texas Forestry Museum!

Scenic Hikes

Are you more of a hiking enthusiast then a shopper? No worries! There are numerous hiking trials close by in the Piney Hills. Lanana Creek Trail in Nacogdoches is highly rated, or if you are up for a short drive there is a great 13.4 mile Four C Trail just minutes away.

Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility

Located about 30 miles away in Palestine, TX is one of the few centers in the world for weather balloon science. Take a tour of their facility and see the amazing work they do!

Toyland Combat Vehicle and Military Museum

Have you ever wondered where the military weapons and vehicles come from for movies? This it the place! Come see and touch actual military equipment that's been used in the movies. Or see the miniature horses and cattle.

3123 CR 2407
Route 3, Box 110
Rusk, TX 75785
936-858-3514

The Lily Farm

The Lily Farm is one of the largest daylily farms in the United States. One of the unique aspects of the Lily Farm is the fact that we sell seedlings to the general public by the clump during our open house. Since we have 4 acres of daylilies stretched across 6 acres of land, this is truly a wonderful venture to come out and put a flag beside the daylilies YOU would most like to have.

10056 State Hwy 7 West
Center, TX 75935
936-572-1962