Carnegie Library

Built in 1914, the library is one of a series built across the country by the Carnegie Foundation. It is located in the historic Palestine Main Street District at 502 N. Queen St. The facility may be rented for special events. Call 903-729-2026 for information and rentals.

 

Davey Dogwood Park

The park encompasses more than 200 acres with picturesque roads throughout the park. The park is open year round and is a featured area during the annual Dogwood Trails Celebration the last three weekends in March. Admission is free. For more information, call 903-723-3014.

 

Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA)

Located in Northwest Anderson County, this 10,958-acre area was purchased from 1950 to 1960 under the Pittman-Robertson Act using Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program funds. This area is open year round for public hunting, hiking, camping, bird watching and a host of other outdoor recreational opportunities, except when closed for Special Permit hunts. For more information, call 903-928-2251 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/wma.

 

Howard House Museum

Open for tours and special functions by appointment, the Howard House Museum is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture remaining in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historical Places, located at 1011 North Perry. For more information or tours, call Jack Calcote at 903-723-0268.

 

Museum For East Texas Culture

Rooms in the 1915 schoolhouse display artifacts and special interest exhibits. Exhibits include an authentic vintage classroom, a railroad memorabilia room, a refurbished caboose and more. Rotating art exhibits are on display upstairs. The museum is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $2.00. Located in Reagan Park, 400 Micheaux Ave. For more information, call the Museum at 903-729-1914 or visit www.museumpalestine.org

 

Palestine Community Forest/Upper & Lower Lakes

Contains 700 acres of pine and hardwood trees offering scenic drives leading to lakes with fishing, boating and picnicking. Sumac, yaupon, and sweetgum trees add accents of brilliant color during autumn. Take Texas 19/U.S. 287 a few miles northwest of Palestine, turn on Armory Rd. Palestine Main Street DistrictDowntown, Old Town Palestine and the Anderson County Square offer historic architecture, shopping, antiques, restaurants and more. For more information, call 903-723-3014 or visit www.palestinemainstreet.org.

 

Pilgrim Church

An authentic reconstruction of the original 1833 house of worship, said to be the first protestant church in Texas. Take 287 to Elkhart; right on 294 into Elkhart; cross the railroad tracks and turn left on 861, the church is on the left (the landmark is not shown on most maps). For more information, call 903-723-3014.

 

Texas State Railroad

Operated by Iowa Pacific Holdings, steam and diesel engines and cars take visitors through the East Texas woodlands, as well as, host special event and seasonal rides. For information and reservations, call 1-888-987-2461 or 903-683-2561 or visit www.TexasStateRR.com.

 

Visitor Information Center

Located in a restored railroad depot more than 120 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. Informational brochures and personal assistance for tourists are available during business hours. Tours and convention group assistants are available upon advanced request. The Palestine Visitors Center is located at 825 Spring St. For more information, call 903-723-3014.