Free Things to Do in East Texas

The East Texas Weekend Preview — Looking for fun, but on a budget?

Below is a quick list of our favorite things to do around East Texas that are totally free!

Tap each link provided to watch our full spotlight of each location and plan your very own visit.

#1 - Hunt for Fossils

This has to be the coolest activity in the entire region. And it’s completely free to enjoy! The Ladonia Fossil Park is your gateway to hunt for real fossils, right here in the piney woods. Explore the Sulphur River and find relics from a prehistoric age.

#2 - Be in 3 States at Once

In one of the most unique roadside attractions, at the Ark-La-Tex Point you can actually stand in three states at the same time. At this towering tree in Atlanta, you will in fact be in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana at the very same moment. Definitely a must-visit while exploring the Caddo Lake area.

#3 - Witness a Railroad Relic

Spinning since the 1890’s! Ever so often, you can catch a glimpse of historic, Texas State Railroad Turntable in action. Located in the heart of Maydelle, watch as the multi-ton steam engine effortlessly rotates in every direction on top of this fascinating engineering wonder.

#4 - Free-to-Visit Museums

Throughout the entirety of East Texas, there are many free museums to discover. Some of our favorites include the Museum of Time & Measurement in Jefferson, The History Center in Diboll and the Fire Museum in Nacogdoches. Enjoy tons of educational fun at no cost this weekend!

#5 - A Mountainous View

While much of the region is covered in thick curtains of pines, there is one special spot in Jacksonville that offers a free, towering view above the trees. Love’s Lookout is one of the tallest elevations in the entire region and the perfect rest stop to see the piney woods in a truly special way.

#6 - Drive a Haunted, Historic Road

Free, spooky fun? Count me in! On the outskirts of Marshall lies the ancient dirt highway known as the Old Stagecoach Road. Used for actual stagecoaches during the origins of Texas, this historic path is still drivable and said to be haunted! Truly a must-visit this Halloween Season.

#7 - Admire Rare, Carnivorous Plants

One of the most intriguing nature explorations can be found in Warren, TX. The Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve offers a unique experience of getting up close to a variety of native, carnivorous flora like the strange pitcher plants! Walk the many land bridges over the swampy terrain and make the coolest discoveries, all for free!

#8 - Explore Abandoned Cities

Tucked away in the piney woods, there are many remnants of once booming East Texas towns just waiting to be discovered. Some of our favorite adventures were admiring the towering Aldridge Saw Mill in the Angelina National Forest and strolling alongside the old furnace walls of the lost New Birmingham, TX.

#9 - Longest Wooden Footbridge in America

Walk across the huge, record-breaking bridge in Rusk! Right outside downtown there is the massive, wooden Rusk Footbridge. This 564ft land bridge once helped New Birmingham and Rusk civilians transverse the terrain to enjoy urban amenities.

#10 - Historical Sites Galore

With East Texas being home to the oldest city in the entire state, you know the region is full of fascinating historical sites around every corner. Some of our favorite spots to visit include the Republic of Texas Marker in Carthage, the Sam Houston Park in Detroit and the Oldest Baptist Church in Texas in Elkhart. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind, historic adventure around the piney woods this weekend!

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

Live Music - Each month we show you where all the East Texas concerts are.

Food + Drink - Try some of these wonderful places to eat!

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