Palestine Attractions - Feast on Fun East Texas Things to Do!

Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area -

Outdoor enthusiasts will be very enthusiastic about Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Activities range from bird-watching and fishing to hiking and camping. Fans of flowers will fall head-over-heels for the delightful displays in spring and fall. For more information, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=10

Palestine Community Theater -

A former movie palace, the historic Texas Theater is now the home of the Palestine Community Theater. Local actors have been entertaining fans of live theater for the past 25 years in such productions as "Guys and Dolls," "Harvey," "The Wizard of Oz," "Man of La Mancha," and "Little Women - The Musical." For more information, visit www.thetexastheater.com.  

Texas State Railroad -

Established in 1881, the venerable Texas State Railroad offers rides on an historic train through the pine tree-filled woods of East Texas where you'll also enjoy scenic rolling hills and wildlife. Both steam and diesel train excursions are available all year long. For more information, visit www.texasstaterr.com/

Davey Dogwood Park -

An outstanding outdoor adventure awaits you at this popular park. Situated on 200 acres, the park is comprised of inviting forests, lush meadows, and soothing streams. Don't miss this park in March and April when the Dogwood Trees are in full bloom. Pack a lunch as there are plenty of picnic areas. And don't forget to check out the many eye-opening overlooks. For more information, visit www.cityofpalestinetx.com/Tourism.htm   

NASA - Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility -

The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility is a NASA facility that's responsible for launching large unmanned research balloons as high as 120,000 feet (about 2.5 miles). In addition, the facility tracks the scientific experiments attached to the balloons for NASA centers and universities worldwide. For more information, visit www.csbf.nasa.gov/

Texas Vineyard & Smokehaus -

Taste a dozen different wines, from merlot to cabernet sauvignon to syrah, which are all made from Texas-grown grapes. Make a day of it with a meal in the open-air bistro where the pizza is beyond compare. For more information, visit www.texasvineyard.org/   

Lake Palestine -

Water action galore abounds at Lake Palestine. Bring your rod and reel as the bass, crappie, and catfish are jumping. Rent a pontoon, paddleboat, electric fun boat, kayak or canoe. Plus, there's water skiing and swimming. For more information, visit www.lakepalestineresort.com

Dogwood Junction Family Fun Park -

You will never be bored at Dogwood Junction. Race Formula One-style go-karts on an 850-foot-long custom track. Test your putting skills on a nicely landscaped 18-hole "professional series" miniature golf course. And give your hand-eye coordination a workout in the 5000-square-foot arcade. For more information, visit www.mydogwoodjunction.com/  

Sweet Dreams Winery -

Old-fashioned wines made from blackberries and muscadine grapes are the hallmark of Sweet Dreams Winery. Stop by the tasting room for a sample of one of their 14 wines (and counting), including Bumblebee Kiss and Summer Daze. Set a spell on the immense covered porch and enjoy the view of the vineyard and rose arbor. For more information, visit www.sweetdreamswinery.com

Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari -

Located just north of Grapeland, deep in the heart of East Texas, Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari features all types of traditional and exotic animals in an enclosed natural environment. . You'll encounter zebras, buffalo, ostriches, kangaroos, and deer's as well as Vietnamese potbellied pigs, pigmy goats, peacocks and crocodiles. For more information, visit www.grapelanddrivethrusafari.com/  

Tennessee Colony Prisons -

Located just 19 miles from Palestine, Tennessee Colony, Texas is home to several prison units, including Coffield, Gurney, Powledge, Beto, and Michael. Inmates can choose from a variety of educational programs, community work projects, and volunteer initiatives, such as substance abuse education, support groups, and religious/faith-based studies.

University of Texas, Tyler -

Residents of the Southwestern area of East Texas are able to take advantage of the excellent education provided by the University of Texas at Tyler from the Palestine Campus. Courses are currently offered in nursing, business, education, health and kinesiology, and history. Instruction is given via both onsite professors and through interactive video technology connecting students with the University of Texas at Tyler faculty. The Palestine Campus will be expanding in the fall of 2010. For more information, visit www.uttyler.edu/palestine/   

Trinity Valley Community College -

Further your education at the Trinity Valley Community College, offering classes in accounting, business, nursing, health, history and more. Trinity Valley Community College also offers a variety of sports teams you can join, traveling the state playing other community colleges. For more information, visit www.tvcc.edu.

Elmwood Gardens -

An old farm transformed into a beautiful garden retreat, the Elmwood Gardens offer an intimate setting to dine, relax or celebrate holidays, weddings, and other special events. The Elmwood Gardens is only 11 miles north of Palestine and offer indoor and outdoor facilities for your next event. For more information, visit www.elmwoodgardens.com.