MORE 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.

Check out our first List of Free Things to Do, here.

#1 - Stop and Smell the Roses

One of the most iconic destinations in the East Texas region is totally free to visit! The Tyler Rose Garden is home to over 38,000 stunning roses across 14 beautiful acres. Make lasting memories as you stroll, admire and discover why Tyler is considered the “Rose Capital of the World!”

#2 - Be in Two States at Once

Walk the line between Arkansas and Texas. Cutting directly through the huge Texarkana Post Office is the actual border of these two states. Right outside, you can take one of the most unique selfies by literally standing inside Texas and Arkansas at the very same time!

#3 - Bike/Run the Longest Trail in Texas

Trek from New Boston all the way to Farmerville. This huge path is officially the longest trail in the entire state, spanning 133 miles. The Northeast Texas Trail takes your through many counties and terrain, making it a truly special hiking and biking adventure through the piney woods.

#4 - Chicken Cuddles

Meet Joan, the cluckin’ Tyler celebrity that loves to be held around this sunning garden along the famous brick roads. Dory’s Garden is home to one of the most beautiful spots in the downtown area, full of wonderous flowers and cheerful hen. While they have many plants for sale here, the atmosphere and chicken cuddles are totally free.

#5 - Behold a Real Castle

One of the most fascinating structures in the piney woods. On the outskirts of Jefferson, you can find Darrell Wolcott’s Castle. This towering fortress was once home to the Center for the Study of Ancient Wales, prior to Darrell’s passing. Although tours are currently on pause, you can still admire this truly medieval pitstop here in East Texas.

#6 - Action Sports Galore

Here in East Texas, there are tons of spots to skateboard, BMX, rollerblade or whatever your extreme sport of choice is! Visit skate parks all around the piney woods. While our favorites are Faulkner Park in Tyler, Jake’s Skate Park in Malakoff and Kiwanis Skatepark in Lufkin, you can discover all 18, here.

#7 - Waves of Daffodils

From Mid-February to Mid-March, witness rolling hills of bright yellow daffodils! Since the 1980’s, Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden has welcomed visitors from all over the world to stroll, picnic and simply admire the beauty of the ranch. Enjoy one-of-a-kind photo ops and make unforgettable memories among the flowers.

#8 - Honor East Texas Veterans

From the Texas Revolution to the most current U.S. military engagements, East Texans have answered the call to fight for freedom. Throughout every portion of the piney woods, you are bound to find memorials that honor these brave men and women. Some of the most impactful sites that we have been to include in the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial in Paris and the Audie Murphy Memorial and Museum in Greenville.

#9 - Seas of Bluebonnets

Admire 40 miles worth of sprouting flowers of blue! Every April, the Ennis landscape blooms with a massive amount of bluebonnets. So much so, that the community hosts the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival every year. The best spot to visit during the season is the Holy’s Bluebonnet Field, a free-access area that’s filled with thousands of bluebonnets.

#10 - City Mural Tours

Many communities around the piney woods display massive paintings on the side of buildings that honor their proud heritage. A super fun activity to enjoy while visiting downtown areas around East Texas is to discover these beautiful works of art. The city of Nacogdoches even offers a full-on tour of their many murals, which we had an absolute blast doing!

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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