The East Texas Weekend Preview — Quirky, fascinating and totally worth taking a selfie in front of.
Below is a quick list of ten roadside attractions around East Texas that we absolutely love!
Tap each link provided to watch our full spotlight of each location and plan your very own visit.
#10 - Longest Wooden Footbridge (Rusk)
For East Texans, doing whatever it takes to bridge together community has long been a part of the culture here. This way of life is evident dating all the way back to 1861 with the construction of the Rusk Footbridge. This massive structure was built in order for New Birmingham citizens to cross over the nearby creek, and the sometimes muddy terrain, to shop, attend church services and enjoy fellowship with Rusk, TX locals.
#9 - Nostalgic East Texas Signs (Tyler)
Relive iconic, Tyler-based destinations at this unique display of signage. Local restaurants and businesses live on past their closing at this neat attraction, all curated by collector, Mike Collins. Stroll this free-to-visit space that is filled with remarkable locations that Tylerites from various generations will remember.
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#8 - Stand in 3 States (Atlanta)
Do you ever feel the need to be in three places at once? Well, on the outskirts of Atlanta, TX you technically can be! Right off TX-77, before entering Louisiana, you will notice a massive purple sign beside a towering tree with a little concrete pillar coming out of the ground. At this very spot, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas all meet together.
#7 - The Wildman Statue (Trinity)
22ft tall, glowing red eyes and covered in thousands of spikes. Have you seen him? The WILDMAN! Located at the corner of Emory Street and Pegoda Road in Trinity, lies one of the most fascinating sculptures in all of East Texas. From the mind of artist, Jim Robertson, the Wildman Statue has captivated locals and travelers alike for decades.
#6 - Giant Lawn Chair (Nacogdoches)
Tucked away within a tiny meadow, along the Banita Creek Trail, lies a absolutely huge folding chair! This 8ft tall, metal sculpture serves a memorial for a beloved Nacogdoches local who served the community and natural environment with great passion. While serving as a professor at SFA, Ab Abernathy was widely known for his efforts in developing the Lanana and Banita Creek Trail within the city.
#5 - Two Massive Cows (Sulphur Springs)
Towering outside of the Southwest Dairy Museum are two mega-sized cow statues. One brown, one black-and-white, these two heifers greet all Sulphur Springs guests to their wonderful city. Be sure to pop into the museum for an incredible display of local heritage and industry. Plus! You’ve got to try out their cow milking simulator.
#4 - Footprints in the Sand (Carthage)
“One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.” This excerpt is from the 1939 poem, “Footprints in the Sand” by Mary Stevenson. One East Texas sculptor who sought to bring this poem to life is Bob Harness. Right off the Loop in Carthage, you can witness Bob’s 14ft statue of Jesus and winding “sand” pathway.
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#3 - Giant Boulder of Salt (Grand Saline)
At the corner of Garland and Main, you can admire the mineral in which this city got it’s name. In front of the Salt Palace Museum stands a ginormous mound of solidified salt. Touching and feeling this big chunk gives you an idea of the massive salt mines that were dug around the area. Take a little tour inside the museum to get a full telling of the history.
#2 - Bicycle Hill (Jefferson)
When good bikes have come to the end of their cycle, where do they go? Well, we may have found their resting place. The Bicycle Hill, in Jefferson, began as a safety effort to keep drivers from wrecking into this neighborhood knoll. Over time it has now become a vibrant art display of bikes of all shapes and sizes.
#1 - The Eiffel Tower (Paris)
One of our favorite photo ops in East Texas has to be this giant, 65ft landmark that’s topped with a bright red cowboy hat. This bucket list pitstop is a must see for all weekend warriors visiting Paris, TX. This iconic structure offers a nod to the original Parisian tower with a dash of southern charm.
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Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.
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