Union Grove TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Union Grove, Texas.
1. Lake O' the Pines
SERENE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lake O' the Pines is a significant landmark located northeast of Union Grove offering various water recreation activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping along its scenic shorelines. The lake spans approximately 18,700 acres and serves as a popular weekend destination for locals and tourists alike.
2. Lake Gladewater
PEACEFUL FISHING SPOT
Lake Gladewater is a charming body of water near Union Grove that attracts fishing enthusiasts year-round. The lake offers excellent opportunities for catching bass, catfish, and crappie in a tranquil setting. Surrounding amenities include picnic areas and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.
3. Lonestar Speedway
THRILLING RACING ACTION
Lonestar Speedway provides high-octane entertainment near Union Grove with its dirt track racing events. Racing fans can watch sprint cars, stock cars, and modified vehicles compete throughout the racing season. The venue features concession stands and comfortable seating for an exciting family-friendly outing.
4. Bruce Park
HISTORICAL TOWN HERITAGE
Bruce Park in nearby Wills Point recreates the historical atmosphere of an 1848 stage stop with authentic replicas of period buildings. The park features the original log cabin residence of William Wills, the founder of Wills Point. Created in 2000 through the efforts of H.R. Craft Jr. and the Wills Point Historical Society, the park offers visitors a glimpse into early Texas pioneer life.
5. Rose Monument Fountain
HISTORIC TOWN CENTERPIECE
The Rose Monument is an iconic fountain located at the intersection of WN Commerce Street in Wills Point, gifted to the city by successful entrepreneur Ike Rose in 1916. The concrete fountain features a circular base with steps, water trough, vases, and a central column adorned with globe lights and finial. It serves as a gathering spot and focal point for celebrations in the city's commercial district.
6. Wills Point Railroad Depot Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY PRESERVED
The Wills Point Railroad Depot Museum preserves the rich railway heritage of the region in an authentic historic depot building. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing railroad artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of how the railways shaped the development of East Texas. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into transportation history and its impact on local communities.
7. Port Aransas Museum
COASTAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Port Aransas Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the island's fishing industry and the Farley Boat Works. Housed in a restored 1900s kit home, the museum features over 12,000 historical photographs, the Fourth Order Fresnel lighthouse lens from the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, and the bell from the train that brought rocks to build the Mustang Island jetties. Visitors are encouraged to ring the historic bell as part of their experience.
8. Fort Brown
CIVIL WAR LANDMARK
Fort Brown is a National Historic Landmark designated in 1960 that played a significant role in Texas history. The fort's surviving buildings and grounds are now part of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College campuses. Visitors can explore the historic military installation that was instrumental during conflicts including the Mexican-American War and Civil War.
9. Alamo Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Alamo Museum located at 130 S. 8th Street preserves and showcases the unique heritage of the Alamo community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development. The museum offers insights into local culture, agriculture, and the diverse populations that have shaped the region.
10. The Bryan House
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Bryan House at 1113 E. 2 Mile Line in Mission stands as a testament to early Texas architecture and history. This preserved historic home offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of prominent early settlers in the region. Tours showcase period furniture, personal artifacts, and the architectural details that make this structure historically significant.
11. Farley Boat Works
MARITIME CRAFTSMANSHIP LEGACY
Farley Boat Works represents a significant piece of Texas coastal heritage established by brothers Barney and Fred Farley in 1910. The boat building business became famous for creating signature fishing boats designed specifically for tarpon fishing, which attracted anglers from across the country to Port Aransas. Their six decades of boat building established the Farley Boat as an iconic symbol of Port Aransas and Mustang Island heritage.
12. Lydia Ann Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime landmark near Port Aransas that guided ships along the Texas coast from 1878 to 1952. Though the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens is now displayed in the Port Aransas Museum, the lighthouse structure remains an important historical site. The lighthouse represents the maritime heritage of the region and the vital role of navigation aids in Texas coastal history.
13. Wills Point Historic District
PRESERVED SMALL-TOWN CHARM
The Wills Point Historic District features charming brick streets and well-preserved buildings that showcase the town's rich history. Visitors can stroll through the district to admire historic architecture and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Texas small town. The area serves as a living museum of the region's commercial and social development.
14. Rose Dry Goods Store
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL LANDMARK
Rose Dry Goods Store was established in 1873 by German brothers B.W. and Isaac Edward "Ike" Rose in Wills Point. The historic mercantile represents the commercial development that helped establish Wills Point as a regional trading center. The store stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of early Texas settlers and their contribution to small-town economic growth.
15. Seven Seas Creative Space
ARTISTIC COMMUNITY HUB
Seven Seas Creative Space provides a vibrant venue for artists and creators to showcase their work in Union Grove. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops, and community events that celebrate local talent and artistic expression. Visitors can experience the creative pulse of the community through rotating displays and interactive artistic programming.
Union Grove Restaurants
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Union Grove Beaches
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