Palestine is a small city in Anderson County, Texas. It is known for its dogwood blooming season, natural beauty, culture, and various historical sites.
The city provides yards and parks filled with magnolia and it is also home to the springtime Dogwood Trails Festival – which usually lasts for three weekends.
The quaint old trees, numerous pines, and dogwood trees make this romantic city a top attraction for visitors every year.
A visit to this city guarantees you numerous attractive places, so to make the most out of your trip, let’s explore the best things to do in Palestine, TX.
Things to Do in Palestine, TX
1. Explore the Texas State Railroad
Texas State Railroad
The Texas State Railroad boasts of an impressive collection of both freight and passenger stations open to its network of tracks.
Most trains stop in Fort Worth, Lubbock, San Antonio, Houston, Kildare, and College Station. The railroad is not a usual attraction, thanks to the strong and friendly public programming that takes place on many of its train platforms.
There are opportunities for storytelling activities, silent auctions, and photo galleries at each station on the system.
Many of these activities are organized by local chapters of the Texas Railroaders Association.
Address: 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
2. Taking a Glance at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church
The building is constructed largely of aroid rock and stone and stands on its block between two major streets.
The church’s structure is segmented into three parts, with the northeast corner having the Great Temple Mount which can be seen in the background, while the front is the sanctuary or lectern.
Sacred Heart Church has a special feature – its beautiful stained-glass windows. Many artisans have drawn inspiration from these windows to create lovely stained-glass artwork that all visitors can see.
Some of the recognized designs include beautiful portraits of the cross and Jesus. In addition, there are decorations of many angel statues and crosses that represent the history of Christ and Christianity in Texas.
Address: 503 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
3. Take a Sightseeing Tour at Wolf Creek Lake
Wolf Creek Lake
Wolf Creek Lake in Palestine, is one place you have to visit if you desire a peaceful vacation. Do add it to your list of things to do in Palestine, TX.
Wolf Creek Lake in Palestine, Texas, is one of the best places for a peaceful vacation. Tucked away in an old-growth forest, this small gem has miles of clean white sand beaches as well.
The lake itself is gorgeous and consists of over three thousand acres of lakes, waters, and land. You would enjoy canoeing, hiking, fishing, and swimming on this lake.
It is recommended you visit Wolf Creek Lake in May, June, or July when the water is clear and warm. It does not matter if you going on a day trip, a two-day trip, or a month-long vacation, this place has something for everyone.
The lake is so beautiful that it makes one of the perfect spots to go fishing trip with family or friends.
4. Revisiting History at Palestine Public Library
The Palestine Public Library adds to our list of top things to do in Palestine, TX and would be a choice location for books, history, and literature
It features a fine collection of civil and historical documents as well as periodicals on various subjects involving the history of Palestine, Israel, the Holy Land, and their neighboring towns throughout history.
You can visit the library during a visit to Houston if you want to learn about the aforementioned or improve on your knowledge or place a mail order for your convenience.
5. Oxbow Bakery & Antiques
One of the best bakers you’ll find in Palestine, Texas is the Oxbow Bakery & Antiques. The family has grown and expanded in the San Antonio area, with many of their products put in place to keep up with the demand for all types of bakery products.
They work all day to offer the best at a reasonable price, bearing in mind that their customers will appreciate it.
They also strive to be a destination for people who desire to eat and relax and can achieve that while enjoying their new baked goods.
6. Stay at Redlands Hotel
Redlands Hotel
You will find one of the most renowned Redland hotels there amongst so many Redlands hotels that take care of various interests and needs.
This Redlands hotel in Palestine, Texas, was constructed to provide a unique experience while allowing tourists to enjoy their stay.
It has four rooms which are very well equipped with air conditioning units and comfortable mattresses so that one can enjoy a long and calm sleep.
The Redlands Hotel in Palestine, Texas, is situated close to the famous Highway 90, and this is a perfect place for strolling through the small town of Redlands with its many restaurants and shops.
Taking a walk with groups of friends along the streets of Redlands is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Redlands.
7. Howard House Museum
Howard House Museum
It is a historic home built in 1848 by then-Texas State Supreme Court Justice Reuben A. Reeves. The home was then bought by local businessman George R. Howard after Reeves left town.
Howard served in the Confederate States Army and the Tennessee State Militia. At one point he was the mayor of Palestine too.
In 1964, this house was purchased by the city government as a museum and in 1993 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 1011 N Perry St, Palestine, TX 75801, United States
8. Get Lost in the Steven Bennett Park
If you want to have a family outing, Steven Bennett Park is a great place to visit.
The park is under the management of the Toronto Parks and Recreation department and it provides plenty of attractions for the entire family.
There is a playground, tennis courts, boat ramp, an outdoor theatre, a swimming pool, and many other recreational facilities for the whole family’s enjoyment.
For the adults, you can hike along the beach and go on a nature walk while the kids can play in the sandpit. There are many picnic tables and grills for you to prepare your food.
You can also take advantage of the fitness facilities or relax on one of the many benches at the beach.
The park has several activities for all, including fitness activities, quiet play, fun runs, athletic fields for the children, nature walks, beach day trips, swimming, and many other exciting activities.
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9. Add to your knowledge at Carnegie Library
Still, on the list of things to do in Palestine, TX is a visit to Carnegie Library.
Located in Anderson County, this historic structure is one of the remaining thirteen Carnegie Library buildings in the state of Texas.
A visit to the library would be nice as it provides access to a wealth of information. The building is old yet beautiful. It is filled with plenty of quick local train history and other interesting insights.
Carnegie Library is a quick visit destination, and it wouldn’t take up to an hour for you to enjoy the place to its fullest.
Do well to check in between 9 am and 5 pm any day of the week.
Address: 502 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
10. Have Fun in the Upper City Lake
Upper city Lake
In Palestine, Texas, the Upper City Lake is a well-known destination for visitors and residents alike. Therefore, it is unavoidably one of the best things to do in Palestine, TX.
One of the most interesting features of this reservoir is that it is encompassed by nature.
There are fauna surrounding a beautiful lake and engaging scenery that make Upper City Lake in Palestine such a special place to visit, especially for a placid vacation!
If you haven’t visited this area before then, this is an opportunity to check out an amazing lake like this.
Opening hours are 8 am – 8 pm every day.
Address: Upper Lake Road, Palestine, TX 75803, USA
11. Museum for East Texas Culture
East Texas Culture
The building was opened as a museum in 1982 before being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
It is best to visit this place during Palestine’s annual two-weekend Dogwood Days festival. Around this time, the museum organizes and hosts an excellent dulcimer concert that features music by fiddle, autoharp, guitar, and other instruments.
Exhibits include the fire department room, black history room, the railroad room, historical items, and the school.
It is a fabulous way to spend a few hours and see this city’s history.
Opening hours for the museum are 10 am – 5 pm every day.
Address: 400 S Micheaux St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
12. Play at Palestine Bowling Center
Another interesting thing to do in Palestine is bowling at the Palestine Bowling Center.
Whether you are a newbie or a top-class bowler, there is a lot available for you to do at the Palestine Bowling Center.
There are plenty of lanes for you to pick up a challenge, lovely food and beverage selection, friendly locals, and a variety of activities.
The center is open every day of the week except on Tuesdays.
Address: 1551 E Palestine Ave, Palestine, TX 75801, United States
13. The Polar Express Ride
With very well decorated interiors, Polar Express Ride is the ride you have to take. It is one of the fun things to do in Palestine, TX.
Starting from Palestine Depot, the ride takes you on a magical round-trip journey to the North Pole. It is a perfect experience for the family, reading along with the story while this historic steam train makes its journey.
The ride is well managed and organized and you have a chance to meet Santa and enjoy caroling, a treat, hot cocoa, and a special gift for each child on the train.
Address: 789 E Park Ave # 70, Palestine, TX
14. Roaming around Historic Bowers Mansion
Historic Bowers Mansion
One of the most beautiful homes you’ll find in Palestine, Texas is the Bowers Mansion.
This mansion was built in the late 1800s by banker John Bowers and is regarded as the site of one of the most important courts in America, the US Supreme Court.
For this reason, the place is also known as the “pocket empire” of American history and extends even into the future.
You can take on a luxurious trip with your family and friends here. Furthermore, you can celebrate your weddings during the special events organized by the estate.
15. Historic 1895 Antioch Baptist Church
Antioch Baptist Church has a complete, rich, and spiritual history. It goes as far back as the 1800s when worship services were conducted in homes.
Coming from then, the church has offered a deep, significant, powerful, musical Biblical experience. It is the first Black Church in the City of Palestine and you’ll not find a friendlier church than this.
Take this home: the people who worshiped at Antioch in the early 1900s were the first generation of many who worked in Antioch as the years rolled by, and some of them work here today.
Address: 907 E Murchison St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
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16. Strolling around the Texas Art Depot
Located in Palestine is the Texas Art Gallery, a lovely place to visit.
This gallery houses over one hundred paintings and one hundred pieces of sculpture crafted by local artists. You’d see them all displayed in a courtyard and surrounded by tall, lush trees.
If you visit, you can’t forget in a hurry the beauty of this small gallery situated just beside the quiet blue sea.
Art aficionados cherish Texas Art Depot because of its very rich selection of paintings and sculptures.
Visiting this attraction is one of the best things to do in Palestine, TX for art lovers.
17. Palestine must-visit: Anderson County Courthouse
Anderson County Courthouse
Adding to our growing list of things to do in Palestine, TX is Anderson County Courthouse. This courthouse uses a Beaux-Arts bi-axial arrangement.
The Anderson County Courthouse is located at 1 Public Square and was built atop the highest hill in Palestine.
Make sure you walk inside, you will be happy with the interior!
Address: 500 N Church St # 43, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
18. Wander around Old Town
Old Town
It would amaze you how much change has occurred since your last visit. Palestine used to be a small farming community but now it is a bustling town with hotels, art galleries, and restaurants.
If you haven’t been to this part of the town, you really should make it a priority to go.
Also, note that it is very spiritual.
Open hours for Old Town Palestine are 8 am – 8 pm every day.
Address: 302 E. Crawford, Palestine, TX, USA
19. Marvel at the eccentric sculptures and metalwork at Art Tracks and Sculpture Tour
Now, this is something a little more of a local yet significant attraction in Palestine, Texas.
The annual Art Tracks and Sculpture Tour was opened to the public in 2013. It is a project launched by Texas Area Fund Foundation’s subfund, Palestine Tomorrow, and the Palestine Main Street Department.
This coalition focused on improving recreational parks and art spaces for local talent to have a stage to blossom and be seen.
You just have to check it when you are in Palestine because it showcases some of the most original and well-conceptualized pieces made by local and amateur artists and sculptors.
You would come across several themes including Voodoo Jet, Heptagon, and Sphericle Embodiment. In addition, there are brass metal sculptures displayed around the open space for guests to see and have some pictures for their travel feed.
The tour takes Mondays to Fridays (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Saturdays (10:00 am to 4:00 pm).
Address: 825 W. Spring Street Palestine, TX 75801
20. Walk Around Davey Dogwood Park
You can also explore things to do in Texas while you’re in Palestinians, one of which is seeing the dogwood trees in Dog Wood Park.
The dogwood trees in Texas are native to the state, so you know they’re the real deal. They can be found all over as they grow in Texas all year round.
Davey Dogwood Park is an amazing place to bike, jog, play Frisbee, or relax and absorb the greenery.
The park is the perfect place to spend a Sunday morning because it has easy access to many lovely spots.
There is a paved trail that leads visitors through wooded areas where they can stay calm and take in the scenery, and you will walk a path that takes visitors through beautiful gardens.
Address: 4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803, United States
21. Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard
Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard
If you are visiting Palestine with your special person, give them a romantic treat at Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard.
It is a bed and breakfast accommodation that offers a serene and relaxing place to unwind with luxurious and unique offerings like gourmet meals prepared by the chef and owner Simon Webster.
At Sabor a Pasion, they offer special packages that include yoga classes, a day at the spa, and private vineyard dining for unique occasions.
If you want an interactive activity, sign up for cooking classes!
Address: 110 An County Road 406, Palestine, TX 75803, United States
22. Stopping by at the Texas Jailhouse
Texas Jailhouse
Designed to be an elegant, modern, and fun event space the new Texas Jail House (aka Historic Anderson County Jail) fulfills that as well as preserves and shares the rich history of Texas prisons.
Located at Avenue A, Palestine is the new structure that will be replacing the historic older 1800’s old jail building.
A visit to the Texas Jail is not just for entertainment, it is an educational experience that gives visitors a proper idea of the jail population which is comprised of men who were imprisoned for a crime, many of whom also got incarcerated on death row.
The Historic Jail House is also frequented by many former prisoners and their families.
Address: Texas Jail House, 704 Ave A Palestine, TX 75801
23. Go to the popular Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus
If you love wines, then this one is for you. The Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus should be on your list of things to do in Palestine, TX.
This historic winery tour and wine tasting event provides a satisfying taste to even the most discriminating palate.
The tour’s main focus is to introduce visitors to Texas wine, especially Texas red wines, while letting them sample the wines made from various grape varieties grown in the state.
There are varieties of activities for adults who would love to revel in the rich flavors of Texas barbecue paired with the more pleasant vintages of Texas wine.
24. Railroad Heritage Center
Railroad Heritage Center
Railroad Heritage Center offers visitors insight into the world of railroads and the many sides to it.
It was established after the convergence of two railroads and later evolved to become the core of a 1,000-mile railroad operation.
The railroad industry brought so much advancement and progress to Palestine and is a heritage they desire to preserve.
The Center is open for tours and seeks to enlighten its visitors about the efforts involved in creating and maintaining a transport operation that caters to thousands of people.
There are different exhibits available, including a beautiful HO-styled model of a train with details of its buildings, landscape, and people, which show how transport developed in Texas and serves to appreciate track workers.
Are you curious? Then drop by for a visit.
Address: 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX 75801, United States.
25. Palestine Texas Visitors Center
Palestine Texas Visitors Center
You can find it at the refurbished railroad station. It is ideal because you can meet with locals, get a map or schedule a tour.
The Center also has informational brochures, state and regional materials, and personal guides for tourists. These personal or group assistants can be made available if you need them.
This rich resource center caters to all you need to know about the beautiful attractions in the city and how to access them, from accommodations to dining options, shopping spots, parks, lakes, art, and so much more.
Enjoy the best of Palestine by planning a visit to Palestine Visitors Center.
Address: 825 W Spring Street, Palestine, TX 75801, United States.
26. Reagan Park
Reagan Park
Explore one of the wonders in Palestine at Reagan park. You can bond with loved ones, spend the day reading, enjoy a fun recreation, and much more.
This Park is named after John Henninger Regan, a founding father, U.S. senator, Postmaster General of the Confederacy, principal author of the Interstate commerce bill, and first chairman of the Texas Railroad commission.
This 16.1 acres park has amenities like six well-lighted tennis courts, two playgrounds, three vast picnic shelters, ADA swings and picnic tables, two public restroom structures, a sand volleyball court, and a splash pad.
You can also explore the museum of East Texas Culture, a schoolhouse established in the 19th century which tells you the history of Palestine, its railroad, and other features.
All through the year, you can find different activities to engage in. There are Classic Movies which are hosted in the Park. All you need to do is come with a blanket or chair, find a cozy spot, get any refreshments sold on-site and enjoy a classic movie.
You will always find the park well-maintained and clean, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy a fun time.
Address: 709 Crockett Rd, Palestine, TX 75801, United States.
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Plan A Trip To Palestine
What a great place to visit, and like you’ve seen, there are spectacular sights to see! The historic sites, the beautiful parks, lovely galleries, and nice restaurants would certainly give you an awesome vacation experience.
It is very easy to visit all these places if you plan it right.
So, why not start putting everything in place including your loved ones. If you need some guidance in making a list of things to do in Palestine, TX, you can always check back here.