Palestine is a city in Anderson Country, Texas. It is known for its natural beauty and culture. The city offers yards and parks filled with magnolia and dogwood trees. It is also home to the springtime Dogwood Trails Festival usually lasting for three weekends, and the western terminus of the Texas State Railroad. With numerous pines, dogwood trees, and quaint old streets, this romantic city attracts many visitors annually. Check our guide on where to stay and the best Airbnb vacation rentals so you know exactly how to make the most out of your trip. If you ever pay a visit to this city there are numerous attractive places that you can visit and a number of things to do in Palestine, Texas.
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1. Howard House Museum
For a tidbit of history, add Howard House Museum to your list of places to visit in Palestine. This historic home was built in 1848 by then-Texas State Supreme Court Justice Reuben A. Reeves. When he left town, local businessman George R. Howard bought the home. Howard served at the Tennessee State Militia and the Confederate States Army. At one point he was also a mayor of Palestine. In 1964, the city government purchased the house as a museum and was listed under the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Howard House Museum
Address: 1011 N Perry St, Palestine, TX 75801, United States
Website: Howard House Museum
2. Davey Dogwood Park
Get in touch with nature and hike the scenic trails of Davey Dogwood Park when you visit Palestine. This 254-acre (102.79-hectare) park was founded after power company manager Charles Wooldridge and bank president Eugene Fish had a conversation in 1938 about the beautiful dogwood trees in the area and how the land needed trails. This talk was published in a few Texas newspapers which brought more than 20,000 guests in the same year. If you wish to experience the beauty of dogwood trees for yourself, add this dreamy park to your itinerary!
Davey Dogwood Park
Address: 4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
3. Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are visiting Palestine with your significant other, treat them to a romantic stay at Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard. This bed and breakfast accommodation offers a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind, with unique and luxurious offerings like gourmet meals made by chef and owner Simon Webster. Sabor a Pasion also offers special packages that include a day at the spa, yoga classes, and private vineyard dining for special occasions. For an interactive activity, you may also sign up for cooking classes here.
Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard
Address: 110 An County Road 406, Palestine, TX 75803, United States
Website: Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard
4. Carnegie Library
Don’t know what to do in Palestine, Texas? A visit to the library would be nice! Located in Anderson County, this historic structure is one of the thirteen remaining Carnegie Library buildings in the state of Texas. The library provides access to a wealth of information. This beautiful old building is filled with lots of quick local train history and other interesting insights. This tiny museum is a quick visit destination; one hour is plenty of time to enjoy the place to its fullest.
Carnegie Library
Address: 502 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Hours Open: 9am - 5pm
Phone: +1 9037233014
Website: Carnegie Library
5. Museum for East Texas Culture
Situated in Reagan Park, this wonderful museum spotlights the Anderson County area. The building was opened as a museum in 1982 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The best time to be around this place is during Palestine’s annual two weekend Dogwood Days festival. Around that time, the museum hosts an excellent dulcimer concert that provides music by fiddle, guitar, auto harp and other instruments. It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours; to see the history of this city. Exhibits include the black history room, fire department room, historical items, the railroad room and the school room.
Museum for East Texas Culture
Address: 400 S Micheaux St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Hours Open: 10am - 5pm
Phone: +1 9037231914
Website: Museum for East Texas Culture
6. Old Town Palestine
One of the best things to do in Palestine during the weekend is a visit to the old town. Tucked away in a shady park just two blocks west of the Courthouse on Crawford Street in an exceptional place called Old Town Palestine. This section of Palestine has always got something going on. Whether you are looking for food, entertainment, shopping or antiques, you can always find it here. Beside a sun-dappled creek in a park-like setting, discover the exciting shopping, eating and entertainment area of this exceptional place.
Old Town Palestine
Address: 302 E. Crawford, Palestine, TX, USA
Hours Open: 8am - 8pm
Website: Old Town Palestine
7. Sacred Heart Church
When St. Jospeh’s was destroyed by a fire in the year 1890, Sacred Heart Church was built on the same grounds on June 18th, 1893. This picturesque architectural delight has plastered interior walls, varnished oak, knotty pine and is of the Victorian Gothic style. The church seats a maximum of 1,000 and has stained glass windows from Italy and France. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Sacred Heart Church is one of five churches with this type of architecture remaining in the state of Texas.
Sacred Heart Church
Address: 503 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Phone: +1 9037292463
Website: Sacred Heart Church
8. The Polar Express Ride
With very well decorated interiors and a magical experience, this is a ride you have to take. The Polar Express Ride takes you on a magical round-trip journey from Palestine Depot to the North Pole. Perfect for family, read along with the story as this historic steam train makes its journey. In this well managed and organized ride, you really have a chance to meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child on the train.
The Polar Express Ride
Address: 789 E Park Ave # 70, Palestine, TX 75801-4539, USD
Phone : +1 8889872461
Website: The Polar Express Ride
9. Davey Dogwood Park
Home to more than 200 acres (81 hectare) of picturesque roads that meander throughout the park, Davey Dogwood Park is just a scenic drive-through area with no fee. In the spring, you can find the park dazzling with white blossoms of the Dogwood trees and many other native wildflowers. However in the fall, the beauty of this park changes to the autumn colors of the native trees and the rich red of the Dogwood trees. You can enjoy a family picnic at Manley Mountain (which is near the entrance of the park) or a spot near the center of the park. Enjoy the scenic beauty!
Davey Dogwood Park
Address: Palestine, TX 75803, USA
Hours Open: 8am - 8pm
Website: Davey Dogwood Park
10. Upper City Lake
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It's been a beautiful day here in Palestine! The community forest boasts hundreds of acres of amazing East Texas forest and upper and lower lakes.
Posted by City of Palestine, Texas - Community Information on Sunday, August 25, 2013
This pleasant looking place is a great backdrop for family photos to memorialize your visit. If you are planning to picnic at the super popular spot, head out here early and reserve your space before it’s too late. The beauty of the lake is just mesmerizing and picturesque.
Upper City Lake
Address: Upper Lake Road, Palestine, TX 75803, USA
Phone: +1 9037318435
Hours Open: 8am - 8pm
Website: Upper City Lake
11. Historic 1895 Antioch Baptist Church
Antioch Baptist Church has a full, rich and spiritual history. The church history dates back to the 1800s, the time worship services were conducted in homes. Since then, this church has provided a deep, meaningful, powerful, musical Biblical experience. Being the first Black Church in the City of Palestine, you’ll not find a friendlier church than this. People who worshiped at Antioch during the early 1900s were the first generation of many who worked in Antioch through the years, and some of them work here today.
Historic 1895 Antioch Baptist Church
Address: 907 E Murchison St, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Phone: +1 9037237261
Website: Historic 1895 Antioch Baptist Church
12. Texas State Railroad
You haven’t tried a train excursion at Palestine? That can’t happen. It is a great activity and a must-try when staying at Palestine. Probably Palestine’s main attraction, the Texas State Railroad is a historic 25 mi (40 km) railroad between Rusk and Palestine, Texas. If you want to travel back in history, this is perfect for you. Traveling through the beautiful pine Texas forests and along with lovely rolling hills, this train will take you back in history. The excursions are normally about 2 hours in duration each way. Dinner Train and themed excursions are also offered.
Texas State Railroad
Address: 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Phone: +1 8556327729
Website: Texas State Railroad
13. Anderson County Courthouse
Located at 1 Public Square, The Anderson County Courthouse uses a Beaux-Arts bi-axial arrangement. The Anderson County Courthouse was built atop the highest hill in Palestine. Be sure to walk inside and see the interior!
Anderson County Courthouse
Address: 500 N Church St # 43, Palestine, TX 75801, USA
Phone: +1 9037237403
Website: Anderson County Courthouse
14. Marvel at the eccentric sculptures and metal work at Art Tracks and Sclupture Tour
Something a little more of a local yet low key attraction in Palestine, Texas is their annual sculpture tour. Opened to the public back in 2013, the local Art Tracks and Sculpture Tour is a project launched by Texas Area Fund Foundation’s subfund, the Palestine Main Street Department and Palestine Tomorrow. This coalition aimed to improve recreational parks and art spaces for local talent to have a space to thrive and be seen. When in Palestine, this local sculpture exhibit is a must to check out as it showcases some of the most authentic and well-conceptualized pieces by local and amateur artists and sculptors. Several themes include Sphericle Embodiment, Voodoo Jet, and Heptagon; all metal and brass sculptures displayed around the open space for guests to see and take pictures of for their Instagram travel feed.
Art Tracks and Sculpture Tour
Address: 825 W. Spring Street Palestine, TX 75801
Website: Art Tracks and Sculpture Tour
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturdays
15. Spend a weekend at the Grinch's Lair at the Texas Jail House
Those traveling with kids can spend an interesting weekend at The Grinch’s Lair at the Texas Jail House. A unique and riveting experience for kids and kids at heart is what this local attraction boasts. From enchanting and tantalizing annecdotes from the famous Christmas tale, like Who’s Who of Whoville, to an in-depth tour with Mr. Grinch himself around his infamous Jail House Home. This exciting and unpredictable adventure is one not to miss when visiting Texas. This tour is best for families and children wanting to do something a little more different than the usual museum and gallery exhibits. Discover what lies beyond the Grinch’s Lair with the Grinch himself and make your Texas trip one you’ll never forget, especially during the Christmas season!
Grinch's Lair at the Texas Jail House
Address: Texas Jail House, 704 Ave A Palestine, TX 75801
Website: Grinch’s Lair at the Texas Jail House
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Fridays to Sundays
Price: 10 USD
Plan the perfect day!
Come and visit this city, in Anderson County, for great activities and numerous things to do. For your accommodation needs, just be sure to check out the hotels and Airbnbs offered in the city as well. Then explore the beauty, sights and flavors of the city with our guide. Leave with a wonderful experience and marvelous memories.
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