Find Out The 9 Best Things To Do In Nacogdoches, Texas

things to do in nacogdoches texas
Dianne
Dianne 
Updated
| 3 min read

It’s no surprise that Nacogdoches is so rich in history, given that it is the oldest town in Texas, dating back to its indigenous peoples, the Caddo Nation. The downtown district is still home to many historic buildings and landmarks, but if you prefer natural settings, there’s plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore. If you’re wondering what to do on your vacation, read on to find out the best things to do in Nacogdoches, Texas.

1. The Lanana Creek Trail

Nacogdoches August 2017 35 (Lanana Creek Trail)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

When you want to experience the great outdoors and immerse yourself in nature, head to The Lanana Creek Trail for a peaceful day out. Over 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, it stretches through the university gardens, Pecan Park, a historical cemetery and along the shaded areas next to the Lanana Creek. Whether you choose to stroll, run or cycle, you’ll pass by huge pines, hardwoods, and Magnolia trees - all of which are sure to impress you.

The Lanana Creek Trail

Address: 805 E Main St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5152

Website: The Lanana Creek Trail

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2. Sterne Hoya House Museum

Nacogdoches August 2017 31 (Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This unusual little house was originally built in 1830 and once belonged to both the Sterne and von der Hoya families. Today it houses a museum and library, furnished with period antiques and family heirlooms. The home’s exhibits depict the history of the Sterne occupancy during the Texas Revolution, as well as the Victorian Period of the von der Hoya family. It’s presently run by the city and you can choose to be guided through or wander on your own.

Sterne Hoya House Museum

Address: 211 S. Lanana St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Website: Sterne Hoya House Museum

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3. SFA Mast Arboretum

Arboretum w Kórniku 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re looking for a little retreat that lasts only a day or even a few hours, visit the SFA Mast Arboretum, a 10 acre (4 hectare) garden along the Lanana Creek. Wander amongst a diverse selection of plants, explore a tunnel formed from cedar trees and look out for various exhibits of public art in this stunning garden.

SFA Mast Arboretum

Address: Wilson Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-0001

Website: SFA Mast Arboretum

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4. Stone Fort Museum

Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches, Texas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ernest Mettendorf

Operated by students from the local university, this may not look much like a fort, but it has served as one and is now an educational center for visitors. Inside you’ll find collections of flintlocks, flint knives, cruciform stirrups, belt knives, and an assortment of tools from the 18th century. In addition to all this, visitors can learn about the Texas Revolution and how people lived and fought during this era.

Stone Fort Museum

Address: 1808 Alumni Drive North, Griffith Boulevard, Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Website: Stone Fort Museum

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5. The Blueberry Place

Blueberries
Source: Pexels

What better way to spend your time than by picking fresh, juicy blueberries and taking them home to share? The Blueberry Place lets you do just that! Set in a small, 10-acre (4-hectare) farm and open from late May through to June, you can choose from 3 different types of blueberries, all of which are organic. Everything you need is supplied here: buckets, bags, and harnesses to hold your bucket, so you can use both hands to pick.

The Blueberry Place

Address: 451 County Road 2052, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1038

Website: The Blueberry Place

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6. Oak Grove Cemetery

Nacogdoches August 2017 38 (Oak Grove Cemetery)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It may seem an odd choice to visit a cemetery on your vacation, but the Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of legendary Texans, most notably Thomas J Rusk, a military leader of the Republic of Texas. Wander around the oldest cemetery in town with its ancient trees and its lovely, old church next door.

Oak Grove Cemetery

Address: N. Lanana St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Website: Oak Grove Cemetery

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7. Nacogdoches Farmer's Market

Farmer's Market
Source: Pexels

If you’re wanting to pick some fresh, home grown produce on your travels, then visit the Nacogdoches Farmers Market. Friendly vendors are lined up and ready to sell their seasonal wares, which can be anything from fruit, vegetables, and honey to gourmet cheeses, wine, soaps, and art. You might get lucky and arrive when there’s live music, too!

Nacogdoches Farmer's Market

Address: 107 Pearl St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-4848

Website: Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market

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8. Zip Nac

Ziplining
Source: Needpix

For something a little more exciting, why not try your hand at zip lining? Under the experienced eye of careful guides, you can be flying down the line through a beautiful setting in the countryside. Even if you’ve never done it before, or want to take the kids out for a try, the people at Zip Nac will look after you very well. If you can, try and time your adventure for the sunset.

Zip Nac

Address: 199 Brother John Rd., Nacogdoches, TX

Website: Zip Nac

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9. Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

Ruby M Mize Azalea Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Masud133 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This 8-acre (3.2-hectare) garden is a fabulous place to visit at any time of the year, but especially during February to March, when the azaleas are in bloom. The well maintained Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden is an amazing retreat in natural surroundings, where you can take a walk through the dense greenery and art work. They also offer guided tours when the flowers are in season, so you can learn more as you go along.

Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

Address: 2107 University Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-0001

Website: Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

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Enjoy unique explorations in Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches downtown
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Photolitherland used under CC BY 3.0

Whether you want to take in the surroundings and relax on your time away or experience a variety of fun activities, a break in Nacogdoches is guaranteed to be a great one. With its beautiful natural surroundings and down home feel, Nacogdoches is fun for everyone!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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