East Texas Region
Photo © Patrick Hughey / Texas Historical Commission
History • East Texas
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
Location
1649 Texas Highway 21 West | Alto
Fees
Adults: $4 • Children 6-18: $3 • Children 5 and under are free
More than 1,200 years ago, the Hasinai (a group of the greater Caddo tribe) constructed the southwestern-most ceremonial center for the great Mound Builder Culture, 26 miles west of what is now Nacogdoches. While a 2019 tornado did devastating damage to the site, three earthen mounds still rise from the Pineywoods landscape, and visitors can discover and learn the history of this ancient civilization.
Selfie Instructions:
Snap a selfie in front of the reconstructed grass house on the site.
Splash • East Texas
Sea Rim State Park and Port Arthur
Location
Sea Rim
19335 S Gulfway Drive | Sabine Pass
Port Arthur Boardwalk
448 Lakeshore Drive | Port Arthur
Fees
Sea Rim
Adults: $3 • Children 12 and under free
Port Arthur Boardwalk
Free
The upper Gulf coast is a great place to check out the three Bs: beaches, boats and birds. Stroll along the 0.7-mile Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk at Sea Rim State Park to view shorebirds among the dense phragmite cane stalks. Or watch international ships navigate the ship channel at the nautical-themed Port Arthur Boardwalk.
Selfie Instructions:
Snap a selfie from any point along either boardwalk.
Wild • East Texas
Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands and Boardwalk
Cattail Marsh includes 900 acres of scenic wetlands accessible via a boardwalk with two covered platforms. The marsh is home to aquatic mammals and more than 280 species of birds. Stop and find some shade under one of the covered areas along the boardwalk, or sit a spell at one of the many benches and take in the sights of the wildlife.
Selfie Instructions:
Snap a selfie under one of the two covered areas along the boardwalk.
Quirky • East Texas
World’s largest (working) fire hydrant
In 1999, the Walt Disney Company donated a 24-foot, Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant to the Fire Museum of Texas to celebrate the re-release of 101 Dalmatians (fun fact: Disney owns a copyright on the hydrant’s spots). Weighing in at 4,500 pounds, the hydrant can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute, and for two years it was the world’s largest fire hydrant — until South Carolina built one 39 feet tall. They may have beaten us for height, but the hydrant in Beaumont works, and South Carolina's doesn’t, which means the Texas hydrant is still better.
Selfie Instructions:
Snap a selfie in front of the world’s largest (working) fire hydrant.
Regional sponsors: Texas historical commission; Port Arthur
Grand Adventures in State Parks
Paddling
Swimming isn't the only water activity you can enjoy in a state park. In addition to dipping your toes into the water, why not try dipping an oar or a paddle? Many state parks offer canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, which are all great ways to get out onto the water. Paddling is a low-impact activity that’s easy on your joints, and there’s a thrill to seeing birds, fish and other wildlife at water level. There’s also something about the rhythmic nature of paddling and the mellow sounds of water gently splashing against the side of your boat that puts you in a better mood.
Here are a couple of East Texas parks where you can paddle your cares away:
DAINGERFIELD: Paddle across or around the 80-acre lake beneath a cathedral of trees in the East Texas Pineywoods. Bring your own boat, or rent a pedal boat, canoe, kayak (single or tandem) or flat-bottom boat from the Daingerfield park store or boathouse. Life jackets and paddles are included in your boat rental. The lake also allows motorized boats, but there’s a 5-mph speed limit.
MARTIN DIES JR.: There’s so much to explore on the water at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Nearly 14 miles of marked paddling trails cross backwater sloughs, the wide-open lake and the fast-moving Neches River. You can bring your own watercraft or rent a canoe or kayak at the park. The park also offers guided paddling trips throughout the year — visit the park’s events page for details.
Selfie Instructions:
Snap a selfie from your kayak, canoe, paddleboat or SUP. Be sure to tag the park or paddling trail you’re on.