Palestine & Surrounding Areas

Palestine Visitors Center

Anderson County, Texas

Downtown Palestine
Palestine is second only to Galveston in number of historic buildings and Victorian homes. Downtown Palestine is a great place for shopping, browsing for antiques, and enjoying small-town hospitality. Downtown buildings display architecture from the early 1800s and are filled with specialty shops, antique stores, and unique merchandise. The Texas Theatre, Redlands Historic Inn, Queen Street Grille and Home Grill Steakhouse are all located downtown.

Old Town Palestine
Old Town Palestine is located on Crawford Street, two blocks west of the Courthouse in the "Hollow" along the creek and a mere two minute walk from Fig Tree. The area was once the industrial center of the community with Indian trading along the creek leading to the cotton gin. The area was also home to the Luminary Barn for the city prior to the advent of electricity. Currently the turn of the century buildings are home to a variety of boutiques, antique & specialty shops, clubs, and restaurants like the Pint and Barrel Drafthouse, Oxbow Bakery, Wells Creek Crossing and the Shelton Gin.

Texas State Railroad
“A Texas Treasure!” This historic railroad offers both steam and diesel excursions through the scenic piney woods and hardwood creek bottoms of east Texas. Passengers may board at either Rusk or Palestine Texas, where beautiful Victorian styled depots are surrounded by large parks with lakes and streams. Visitors can enjoy full-service campground facilities, picnic areas, pedal boats, concessions and much more. Open year round. The Polar Express is a Do-Not-Miss event every holiday season!

Davey Dogwood Park
Davey Dogwood Park is home to more than 200 acres of picturesque roads and trails meandering throughout the park. The park is featured during the annual Texas Dogwood Trails Festival from late March to early April. Admission is free. For information call the Palestine CVB 800-659-3484. For Pavilion Bookings, please contact the Anderson County Judges office at 903-723-7406.

The Anderson County Courthouse
The Anderson County Courthouse features

Neo-classical architecture with double spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass montage within the dome. Admission is free.

For more information contact the Palestine Courthouse Visitor's Bureau (CVB) at

(800) 659-3484

Howard House Museum
Open for tours and social functions by appointment or during special occasions. The house/museum is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture remaining in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Location: 1011 North Perry. For more information or tours contact (903) 729-5094 or (800) 659-3484

The Museum for East Texas Culture
The Museum for East Texas Culture is located in a historic schoolhouse (1915) displaying artifacts and special interest exhibits. The museum is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission is $2.00 Adults / $1.00 Children. Location: Reagan Park, 400 Micheaux Ave. For more information call (903) 723-1914

Area Attractions

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