Lufkin TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lufkin, Texas.
1. Ellen Trout Zoo
WILD ADVENTURE AWAITS
Ellen Trout Zoo is acclaimed as one of the finest small-town zoos in the country, featuring nearly 800 wild and exotic animals from around the world, including white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and Saki monkeys. Visitors can enjoy an up-close view of the animals while exploring the well-maintained grounds. The zoo also offers a miniature pre-Civil War train replica that takes guests on a journey through pine trees and along the scenic City Lake.
2. Texas Forestry Museum
TIMBER HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Texas Forestry Museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in the United States, dedicated to exploring the past, present, and future of trees and the forestry industry. Featured exhibits include Sawmill Town, Paper Mill, Money Trees, logging train, fire tower, and Urban Wildscape Trail. The museum offers a fun educational experience for the whole family to learn about how trees are grown, harvested, transported, processed, and used in daily life.
3. Naranjo Museum of Natural History
DINOSAURS AND BEYOND
Naranjo Museum of Natural History allows visitors to discover how dinosaurs became fossils and see the towering titans of the Triassic and Jurassic Period. Along with the fossils, the museum showcases a collection of precious stones, jewelry, and Confederate currency from the Civil War. The exhibits also include displays of animals from East Texas and the Gulf Coast, plus a NASA space suit that traveled into space.
4. Museum of East Texas
ART AND CULTURE HUB
The Museum of East Texas is an art gallery and public learning center that showcases a rotating selection of paintings, photographs, and other works throughout the year. In addition to its gallery, the museum hosts workshops and classes for children and adults, talks by artists and scholars, and other types of educational programs. The museum serves as a cultural cornerstone for the Lufkin community, highlighting both local and broader artistic expressions.
5. Downtown Lufkin
HISTORIC HEART OF CITY
Downtown Lufkin offers visitors a charming experience with its historic walking tour and colorful murals that showcase the city's heritage. The area serves as a vibrant hub featuring local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that represent the heart of the community. Visitors can explore the historic architecture while enjoying the small-town atmosphere that makes Lufkin unique.
6. The Pines Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Pines Theater is a beautifully restored historic venue that serves as a cultural cornerstone in downtown Lufkin. The theater hosts a variety of performances including concerts, plays, and special events throughout the year. Its vintage charm and excellent acoustics provide visitors with a unique entertainment experience that connects them to Lufkin's rich cultural past.
7. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ESCAPE NEARBY
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers a serene natural escape just a short drive from Lufkin in the Davy Crockett National Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking trails, and picnicking around the 45-acre lake surrounded by towering pine trees. The recreation area provides camping facilities for those looking to extend their outdoor adventure in the East Texas wilderness.
8. Lake Sam Rayburn
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Sam Rayburn is a massive 114,500-acre reservoir known for its superior bass fishing and diverse water recreation opportunities near Lufkin. The lake offers boating, swimming, water skiing, and camping along its extensive shoreline with beautiful East Texas scenery. Fishing enthusiasts particularly appreciate the lake for its reputation as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country, hosting numerous tournaments throughout the year.
9. Angelina County Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Angelina County Farmers Market provides visitors and locals alike with access to fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted goods. Vendors offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, jams, and artisan crafts in a friendly community atmosphere. The market supports local agriculture while creating a vibrant shopping experience that connects consumers directly with the farmers and makers of East Texas.
10. Crown Colony Country Club
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
Crown Colony Country Club features one of the most acclaimed golf courses in East Texas, designed by renowned architect Robert von Hagge. The 18-hole championship course offers challenging play with beautiful landscaping, water features, and strategic bunkers nestled among the pine trees. Beyond golf, the country club provides dining facilities and social events in an elegant setting for members and guests.
11. Angelina National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE PARADISE
Angelina National Forest encompasses over 153,000 acres of pristine woodland surrounding Lufkin, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the diverse ecosystem of pine and hardwood forests. The forest provides a natural sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species while serving as a beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
12. Pitser Garrison Convention Center
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
The Pitser Garrison Convention Center serves as Lufkin's premier venue for conferences, weddings, trade shows, and special events. The facility offers versatile meeting spaces, modern amenities, and professional services to accommodate gatherings of various sizes. Its central location in Lufkin makes it an ideal choice for regional meetings and celebrations, drawing visitors from throughout East Texas.
13. Ralph & Kacoo's
ICONIC SEAFOOD DINING
Ralph & Kacoo's is a beloved Lufkin restaurant known for its fresh seafood and Cajun-inspired cuisine served in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring Gulf Coast favorites like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried catfish, and seafood platters. Diners appreciate the generous portions, southern hospitality, and the restaurant's longstanding reputation as one of Lufkin's dining institutions.
14. Angelina County Exposition Center
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Angelina County Exposition Center hosts a diverse range of events including rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, and trade exhibitions throughout the year. The multi-purpose facility features arena space, exhibition halls, and meeting rooms capable of accommodating both small and large gatherings. The Center plays a vital role in the community by providing a venue for agricultural events, entertainment, and cultural celebrations that attract visitors from across the region.
15. Lufkin Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Lufkin Mall serves as the primary shopping destination for Angelina County and surrounding areas, housing a variety of national retailers, specialty shops, and dining options under one roof. The mall provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment for shoppers looking for clothing, accessories, electronics, gifts, and more. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors seeking retail therapy in East Texas.