Attractions
Because there’s so much to do and see, a stop at the Palestine Visitors Center is a must. Located in a 111-year-old, restored railroad depot, it’s the perfect place to chat up friendly, knowledgeable locals, grab a map, or schedule a tour. Some of the attractions you’ll learn about include:
Texas State Railroad
A Texas treasure since 1881, the Texas State Railroad transports passengers in historically authentic cars pulled by classic steam or diesel locomotives through the enchanting Piney Woods.
Pilgrim Church
There are several beautiful, historic houses of worship in Palestine. This one, built in 1833, is particularly noteworthy, since it’s said to be the first Protestant church in Texas.
Carnegie Library
Built in 1914 and registered as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1970, this gorgeous depository of knowledge is one of only 13 remaining Carnegie Library buildings in Texas.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Built in 1893, it was built using 675,000 bricks, molded by hand and baked on site as well as stained glass imported from Italy and France and a Pilcher pipe organ.
Curious
Experience the joy of hands-on exploration with museum exhibits that inspire curiosity, imagination and creative thinking then, create something cool in the Summers Family Tinkering Lab.
Howard House Museum
Showcasing elegant Greek Revival architecture built in 1851, Howard House Museum is an official Texas Historical Landmark where visitors can peruse period furnishings, artworks, and other memorabilia evocative of a familial residence in the 1880s.
Mount Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Gothic style church built in 1921 is home to a congregation organized in 1873 that makes it the third oldest African-Methodist-Episcopal congregation in Texas.
The Palestine Art Tracks Sculpture Exhibit
The Palestine Art Tracks Sculpture Exhibit is a juried outdoor sculpture exhibit with each piece on loan for one year and rotated every October.
The Texas Theatre
The Texas Theatre is a prime example of Spanish Colonial architecture, opened as an atmospheric movie palace in 1930, is the crown jewel of downtown Palestine and the finest venue for live entertainment in East Texas.
Anderson County Courthouse
Built in 1914, the Anderson County Courthouse, features beaux-arts architecture with a double-spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass montage in the dome.
Bralys Ace Hardware
Housed in a 1938 elementary school, this locally-owned store and Texas landmark was recently named "The Coolest Hardware Store on the Planet."
Palestine Main Street
A Texas Main Street City that covers 44-blocks of downtown, Old Town, and the Courthouse Square where you can enjoy historic architecture, shopping, antiques, restaurants and more.
Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility
Operated by New Mexico State University for NASA, balloons as large as 300 feet in diameter are built to conduct studies of the upper atmosphere and outer space.
Texas Jail House
In 1931, this art deco style building was built and served as the county jail for almost 55 years and is now home to events such as the Haunted Little Jail in October and the Grinch’s Lair during November & December.
Palestine Farmers Market
Developed by a group of area farmers in 1998, the Palestine Farmers Market has developed into an area where local growers and creators can sell their wares and residents can find locally-sourced fruits and vegetables as well as homemade and handmade items.
Palestine Visitor Center
Located in a restored railroad depot, more than 110 years old, the Center offers travel literature which includes state and regional materials, maps of the city and surrounding area, a self-guided tour of Palestine, and information on events and accommodations.
Print and on-line guides are available at the Palestine Visitor Center for a drive thru historic neighborhoods, downtown walking tours highlighting architecture, art, unique shopping and dinning or drives thru the country side featuring lakes, parks and community forests.
The Big Woods on the Trinity
A 7,500 acre fair chase Texas trophy buck, wild boar, and flooded timber mallard hunting paradise just 90 minutes south of Dallas.
Davey Dogwood Park
The 200 acre park is open year-round and has five miles of hard surface roads, unincorporated hiking and biking trails and scenic views that are especially nice during the Dogwoods blooming season in the spring and the fall foliage during November.
Garzilla Guide Service
Specializing in trophy gar fishing and rod and reel, the Garzilla Guide Service has been featured on the Animal Planet, History Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and much more.
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club
Awarded Golf Weekly’s #1 course in Texas and #26 in America for 2011, it is open year-round and located in Frankston, 23 miles from Palestine.
Elkhart Golf Club
An 18-hole golf course located about twelve miles south of Palestine in Elkhart.
Wildcat Golf Course
A 9-hole, multi-tee layout with driving range. Wildcat Golf Course is located off the loop in Palestine.
Gus Engling Wildlife or Hunting Land
Located in Northwest Anderson county, this 10,958-acre area was purchased from 1950-1960 and is open year-round for public hunting, hiking, camping, bird watching and a host of other outdoor recreational opportunities.
Palestine Community Forest
Contains 700 acres of pine and hardwood trees offering scenic drives leading to lakes with fishing and picnicking. Sumac, yaupon and sweetgum tress add accents of brilliant color during autumn.
John H. Reagan Park
The historic park was named for John H. Reagan, a Palestine resident pioneer and Postmaster General of the Confederacy and U.S. Senator.
River Run Park
Guests enjoy playing on over 2,000 acres of private land at River Run ATV Park, located on the beautiful Neches River, between Palestine and Jacksonville.
Wolf Creek Lake
Located Off Private Road 6421. This scenic park tucked away offers fishing, hiking and a picnic area. Small boats welcome.
Palestine Bowling Center
The bowling center has 24 lanes with a concession stand and bar.
Schulman Theatres
Enjoy state-of-the art digital projection and luxurious recliner seating.
Splash Pad at Reagan Park
This water enhanced railroad themed playground features state of the art spray pads and an elaborate series of sprinklers, fountains and water jets for children.
Old Town Palestine
Located on Crawford St. two blocks West of the Courthouse in the "Hollow" along the Creek, the turn of the century buildings are being restored and inhabited with shops and restaurants.
Historic Walking and Driving Tours
Print and on-line guides are available at the Palestine Visitor Center for a drive through historic neighborhoods, downtown walking tours highlighting architecture, art, unique shopping and dining, or drives through the country side featuring lakes, parks, and community forests.
Railyard Park
The Palestine Railroad Heritage Sculpture Park is located at Oak and Spring Streets, and it commemorates Palestine’s railroad past.