Palestine is a city in eastern Texas and the county seat of Anderson County. Before European settlers arrived in the region, the area that would become Palestine was inhabited by the Coushatta people and other Native American groups for thousands of years. In 1843, a trading post was established in the area by Anglo-Americans, which attracted a number of settlers. In 1846, the new town of Palestine was officially created by the Texas Legislature to be the county seat of the new Anderson County. The new community was named after the city of Palestine, IL. By 1858, Palestine had a population of approximately 2,000, and after a railroad was built through the town around 1870, the town began growing more quickly. By the turn of the 20th century, there were more than 10,000 people living in Palestine.
As of 2023, Palestine's population is roughly 18,500. While visiting the city, one popular landmark worth checking out is the Texas State Railroad, which regularly hosts auctions, photo galleries, and other events. You might also want to stop by other notable spots, such as the Historic Bowers Mansion and the Texas Jailhouse. Another impressive landmark is the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which has gorgeous stained-glass windows and breathtaking architecture.
In Palestine, the sun shines frequently, and there are several great destinations around the city for outdoor recreation. For example, you could have a picnic or take a bike ride at the serene Davey Dogwood Park. If you'd prefer to have some fun on the water, consider stopping by Upper City Lake for an afternoon of boating or fishing. Alternatively, you could head to Steven Bennett Park and hike along the picturesque shoreline. When you're in the mood for tasty food or beverages, an excellent option is to visit Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus. There, you can sample wonderful wines as well as classic Texas barbecue.
Campgrounds Near Palestine, Texas
While traveling around Palestine, consider staying at the Tyler Oaks RV Resort. The campground has full-hookup RV campsites available and is equipped with wide roads for easy access. During your stay, you'll have access to some wonderful amenities, including a swimming pool, a catch-and-release fishing pond, a fitness room, a dog park, laundry facilities, a dump station, and a playground.
Lion's RV Park is another top-notch camping destination that's worth visiting. The RV park, which has full-hookup RV campsites available, is known for its exceptionally quiet atmosphere. The amenities offered include restrooms, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a pavilion, and there are also nearby opportunities for fishing and hiking.
You could also camp at Jellystone Park at Whispering Pines, which boasts over 100 full-hookup RV campsites available for $35 per night or $210 per week. Located only a short distance from many shops and restaurants, the campground covers 47 acres and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Guests at the park have access to a pool with a poolside café, laundry facilities, a camp store, Wi-Fi, and various other amenities.
State Parks Near Palestine, Texas
Mission Tejas State Park is not only a beautiful natural area, but it's also a historically significant site for eastern Texas. Throughout its long history, the area has been inhabited by indigenous people, Spanish settlers, and European pioneers. While exploring the park, you can stop by historical landmarks like the Rice Family Log Home and the El Camino Real wheel ruts. You can also navigate the 8.5 miles of scenic trails, cast your fishing line in the small pond, or enjoy some geocaching around the park.
Fairfield Lake State Park is a lovely waterfront recreation area located near Fairfield, Texas. Encompassing 1,460 acres, the park is a popular destination for camping and both water and land-based activities. If you want to spend your afternoon on or around the water, you can head to the lake to partake in sailing, swimming, or fishing. Alternatively, you could enjoy a peaceful picnic on the shores while observing the local birds flying overhead. There are also over 15 miles of excellent nature trails that are great for hiking and horseback riding.
Another tranquil park by the water is Purtis Creek State Park, which surrounds a 355-acre lake that's fed by Purtis Creek. The park is revered as one of the best spots in the region for water-based activities, including boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. If you're looking to have fun on dry land, the area surrounding the lake offers top-notch opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, and geocaching.
National Sites Near Palestine, Texas
One of the most interesting national sites in Texas is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. The site, which comprises just over 100 acres along the Bosque River, is home to a variety of fossilized remains dating back over 75,000 years. The monument is most known as the place where a group of Columbian mammoths perished for reasons that remain unknown. While visiting the site, you can view a fossilized camel, alligator, saber-toothed tiger cub, dire wolves, and other fascinating creatures. You can also watch from a distance as paleontologists continue to work on the fossils. If you're looking to get some exercise, there are several miles of hiking and biking trails running through the area.
Situated in southeastern Texas, the Big Thicket National Preserve is a diverse natural area containing nine separate ecosystems. Those who explore the preserve will encounter cypress-lined bayous, longleaf pine forests, arid desert areas, and a variety of unique birds and other wildlife. In total, over 300 bird species are known to inhabit the area, making it a popular birdwatching destination. Other common activities for visitors include hiking, hunting, kayaking, and canoeing.
If you're a history buff, you should make a point to explore El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail. The historic trail is home to a variety of landmarks, which preserve many important historical events. These events include Spain's missionary work with Native Americans, Texas's independence, and Mexican cattle ranching. If you navigate the trail, you'll have the chance to learn about these important events and many others. Visitors on the route can hike the area's trails, stop by fascinating museums, and enjoy scenic driving.
National Forests Near Palestine, Texas
Davy Crockett National Forest is a scenic forest offering a diverse selection of recreational activities. Covering approximately 160,000 acres, the area boasts streams, lakes, woodlands, and multiple wildlife habitats to explore. If you stop by the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, you can cool off in the reservoir or cast your fishing line while surrounded by picturesque scenery. Hiking, hunting, camping, and boating are all popular activities around the national forest as well.
Angelina National Forest is home to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is the largest manmade body of water in Texas. The vast reservoir offers wonderful opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing for crappie and catfish. The national forest is also revered for its fantastic hiking routes, including popular trails like the Management Loop Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest Interpretative Trail and the Lanana Creek Trail. There's very little light pollution in the area, allowing visitors to enjoy amazing stargazing opportunities.
Whether your preference is land or water-based recreation, you'll have some great options at Sam Houston National Forest. Situated 50 miles north of Houston, Texas, the forest contains several lakes that are perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling. For hiking enthusiasts, the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail is the most popular route to explore. However, trails like the Winters Bayou Trail and the Sweetleaf Nature Trail are superb choices, too. While exploring the tranquil forest, keep your eyes open for bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and the many other avian species that inhabit the area.
