For the best and most fun things to do in Lufkin, TX, look below. Pay attention to every location that will be discussed in this article, as your attention will greatly affect the amount of fun you will have in Lufkin.
Founded in 1882, Lufkin, Texas, is today the largest city in Angelina County.
Known as the heart of Angelina County, about 90 miles northeast of Houston and north of Diboll. Lufkin has a population of about 34,000.
A gateway to nature, Lufkin has so many features and fun activities to keep visitors of all ages busy. This center of East Texas is well known for its extensive forests, parks, charming and relaxing Southern charisma.
Lufkin, Texas, has several museums celebrating various eras of the city, from the railroad era to the lumber boom.
The city’s most appealing feature is its caring nature – you’ll feel comfortable every time you visit.
In this comprehensive list of Things to do Around Greater Houston series, we look at a wide variety of Houston communities, neighborhoods, and destinations to bring you five fun, tasty, surprising, and enticing reasons why you should visit each one.
Begun in the early 1880s as a stop on the Houston, East, and West Texas Railroad, Lufkin is today the largest city in Angelina County, and just a two-hour drive from Houston to East Texas, it makes for a great day or two trips.
Fun Things to Do in Lufkin TX
1. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Lufkin
The vibrant downtown district provides a mix of old and new, featuring historic landmarks, renovated buildings, dining and shopping options, and more.
Check out Lance Hunter’s murals dotted throughout downtown, grab a premium drip and brown butter cookie at the Standpipe Coffee House, sip suds at Angelina Brewing Company, visit antique shops and art studios like Heritage Antiques and enjoy a show at the 431-seat Pines Theatre.
2. Visit Ellen Trout Park & Zoo
Ellen Trout Zoo is spread over 15 acres of natural forest and vegetation and is home to over 800 species of animals like hippos, monkeys, jaguars, and giraffes.
Afterwards, explore Ellen Trout Park, where you can walk among the beautiful pines, explore the lake, and ride a mini replica train from the pre-Civil War era.
Get direction.
3. Immerse Your Psyche in the Culture and History of East Texas
Housed in the former St. Cyprian Episcopal Church and dynamic art and history center since 1972, the East Texas Museum features paintings and sculptures by East Texas artists such as American, Latin American, and European masters.
Entry is free, although any donations are gratefully accepted. Get direction. The Texas Forestry Museum has continued to collect and preserve logging relics since 1957.
Today’s exhibits include a Timber Town children’s play area, a paper mill depicting the papermaking process, an outdoor 1908 Baldwin locomotive train exhibit, a 0.4-mile Wildland Trail, and more.
The Naranjo Museum is another great stop, rocking thousands of fossils, including a 26-foot-tall hadrosaur and unhatched dinosaur eggs.
4. Hike the Scenic Nature Trail
In town, you can run or walk the beautiful Lufkin Azalea Trail, which stretches nearly two miles from Grace Dunne Richardson Park to Kiwanis Park.
The city of Lufkin is located between two national forests, Davy Crockett National Forest and Angelina National Forest.
In the Angelina National Forest, you’ll find Boykin Springs Lake and a hidden gem known as “The Blue Hole” (not to be confused with the more popular Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley).
A dynamite explosion created the 12-acre “accidental” lake in the 1920s, and today, even though the watering hole is on private property, you can still call to make an appointment at 936-875-3305 and dive into its crystal. – clean water.
And Davy Crockett National Forest has over 160,000 acres to explore, including the 45-acre Ratcliff Lake.
Things to Do in Lufkin at Night
1. The Pines Theatre
Founded in 1925, the Pines Theater has earned its position as a legitimate Lufkin fixture.
The Pines Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The theater, with a capacity of 431 seats, serves as a venue for performances by domestic and foreign artists in the city.
Visitors and residents flock to the theater to watch movies, live music concerts, dance recitals and plays.
Human talent is celebrated here, so artists are dedicated to delivering exceptional shows.
Their talent, great view, and great acoustics create an experience you will never forget and should not be missed.
Check out their events list to see upcoming events and plan your trip around event dates.
2. Skyline Burrito Bowls
Skyline Burrito Bowls is a family-owned and operated restaurant known for delicious Mexican food such as burritos, tacos, salad, and nachos.
Their amazing burrito has been voted Lufkins Best Burrito nine years in a row.
Skyline Burrito Bowls make their food with the freshest ingredients using their secret recipe- the reason for their great and unique taste.
You can ask for food to be prepared to your specifications.
After visiting this restaurant, you’ll find yourself heading straight to Skyline Burrito Bowls whenever you’re craving Mexican food.
A visit here is one of the unique things to do in Lufkin, TX, don’t miss out on a visit to this Lufkin grandiose.
3. Ralph & Kacoo’s
You can never get it wrong with Lufkin, where you not only have fun, but you can eat what you want, and in any quantity you find satisfying.
Ralph and Kacoo’s is the best spot for seafood. They offer delectable seafood such as fresh calamari, shrimp, and more.
They offer not only what to eat but also what to drink. As such, Ralph and Kacoo’s offer a drink menu and food.
If you want to have a feeling of fresh air while eating, you can eat in the paved area in front of the restaurant.
No worries; you can order takeout if you’re in a hurry.
After visiting here, your taste buds will have an unforgettable experience that they will always crave.
Things to Do in Lufkin for Couples
1. Crown Colony Country Club
Crown Colony Country Club is a renowned destination.
It is the first golf facility in East Texas.
It is also among the factors that have brought the club to prominence is the notoriously deceptive golf course.
Beautiful wooded surroundings and well-maintained fairways and putting greens give the golf course a peaceful and free atmosphere.
But the layout designed by Robert von Hagg and Bruce Devlin puts players on edge because of its complicated features.
Misleading shots, rolling terrain, and hazards combine to create a challenging course for even the most experienced players.
Due to its characteristics, the golf course has been referred to as one of the most challenging courses in Texas for several years.
If you want to test your golfing or want to see the features for yourself, we recommend that you add this to your list of things to do in Lufkin, Texas.
2. Ellen Trout Zoo
Ellen Trout Park is located at the north end of town.
This zoo has more than 800 animals, including exotic animals from all over the world.
The attraction is home to lions, toucans, flamingos, snakes, and many other animals.
In addition to the fauna, the 15-acre zoo has natural forests and vegetation that serve as habitats for these amazing animals.
The animals and their environment are well cared for and treated with love by their competent zoo staff. This state of the animals is evidenced by the warm atmosphere and the overall view of the animals inside the zoo.
These amazing features explain why people love to visit here, avoid other overcrowded zoos nearby, and leave with smiling faces.
3. Encounters with Animals, LLC
Pawsitive Animal Encounters, LLC allows very close interaction with a variety of animals.
A collection of exotic wild animals from around the world is on display in the private zoo enclosure.
These creatures include pythons, bearded dragons, turtles, and foxes. Expert Zoologists take care of the animals and ensure that they are kept in a comfortable place.
The fun part is that you can meet, feed, carry and play with these animals. This place is ideal for children and animal lovers.
Things to Do in Lufkin for kids
1. Pine Valley Raceway
If you are a racing fanatic, then Pine Valley Raceway is the destination for you. However, this is no ordinary race track.
First, the vehicles used in the race are different from the high-end racing cars and include new cars, brightly colored trucks, and crazy gadgets that you won’t find anywhere else.
Drag racing is what it usually is at Pine Valley Raceway. There is a short, flat track of less than a mile where the vehicles drive to the finish line.
Visitors must stay in the spectator area located near the track for a good view.
This is one of the funniest things to do in Lufkin, TX. It’s a busy activity that promises fun for the whole family.
2. Kibbles Shaved Ice
When the weather is pretty hot in Lufkin, and you’re craving something cold, Kiibbies Shaved ice is perfect for you.
You can call it a snow cone, snow globe, or just shaved ice; they all represent the same thing.
There are a variety of flavored snow cones with a unique combination of flavors and sometimes fruit to give you a taste you can’t resist.
These snow cones are prepared in healthy environments, so there is no need to worry. It is therefore suitable for both adults and children.
If you are still searching for fun things to do in Lufkin with kids, add a visit to this Shaved ice to your checklist, Kibbies Shaved Ice is open every day.
3. Kiwanis Park
If you want to have fun and stay fit at the same time, you can stop by Kiwanis Park.
You can play any sport you prefer, like football and volleyball.
You can grill some of your favorite foods at this destination, making the park perfect for picnics or gatherings with friends and family.
Don’t worry; kids can enjoy fun features like slides, swings, and more.
Your family and friends can also play in the not-so-deep water here, so you don’t have to worry about drowning.
Apart from these functions, there are many other events. There are several quiet areas, such as hiking trails, bridges, waterways, gazebos, and benches to relax and rest.
So why delay your visit when you can have fun and relax with family and friends at Kiwanis Park?
Indoor Activities in Lufkin
1. Texas Forestry Museum
Four national forests in Texas have their headquarters in Lufkin, but the other two are a bit far from Lufkin.
Still, you can learn about forests and the history of forestry at the Texas Forestry Museum.
This forest offers many natural resources, which is evident and explained when visiting the exhibits, galleries, and outdoor trails.
These natural resources support the conservation of the forest.
The money tree is one of the most visited exhibits. It shows how our ancestors used wood and wood products in the past.
Timber Town then gives space for children to play dress up and learn how the saws were used. It also has educational exhibits.
There is also an Outdoor Train Exhibition which displays the locomotive instrumentation of a real decommissioned train in the town’s former timber industry.
2. Buck’s Cup of Joe
Coffee lovers, this is for you!
Buck’s Cup of Joe is a modern coffee shop that offers coffee made from the freshest coffee beans ground daily.
Buck’s cup of joe offers the best hot, iced and frozen coffee. Tea lovers are not left out either, as you can also get delicious hot and iced tea.
However, if you don’t want either tea or coffee, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Buck’s cup of Joe is open Monday through Friday.
3. Naranjo Natural History Museum
The Naranjo Museum of Natural History is a great place for history buffs.
The Naranjo family founded the Naranjo Museum of Natural History. The museum houses a set of items acquired by Dr. Neal Naranj, including fossils and space shuttle parts.
This museum is a very informative place, especially for those interested in the prehistoric times of the world.
But it focuses on natural history, so most of the exhibits are reconstructed dinosaurs and eggs from different ages.
Dinosaur enthusiasts will have an exciting experience seeing these unique creatures. Besides dinosaurs, there are also other collections of extinct and very old mammals, sea creatures, and even early humans.
The Gem Room is among the fascinating exhibits, showcasing shelves of various multi-colored gemstones, jewelry, and Confederate money used before the Civil War.
Romantic Things to Do in Lufkin
1. Davy Crockett National Forest
The Davy Crockett National Forest is a very large uninhabited, and uncultivated piece of land left in its natural state. It is located west of Lufkin and has an area of 160,647 acres.
This attraction is one of the most visited in the Piney Woods area of Texas due to its large area and relative freedom from outside influence.
The terrain has gentle hills and relatively flat forests with numerous hardwood trees, making this forest an excellent hiking spot for beginners.
However, there are scattered camping and hunting areas for the adventurous traveler. In addition to the flora, the forest is rich in wildlife, such as rare birds, mammals, and endangered species, which are carefully managed and protected against indiscriminate hunting.
However, people are allowed to hunt wildlife such as deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other game in the fall.
If you are lucky, you can see these animals while hiking and exploring the forest.
2. Atkinson Candy Company
The Atkinson Candy Company is a longtime Lufkin institution and has been around since 1932.
They are the first sweets and confectionery company in the region, with known products in all parts of the country.
The Atkinson Candy building in Lufkin is a factory warehouse. This factory offers visitors the privilege of enjoying these tasty treats straight from the kitchen where they are made.
Some of their famous candies include the Chick-O-Stick, Peanut Butter Bars, Gems, and Black Cow, which you might have gotten from a small retail store or received during Halloween.
In addition to the candies mentioned above, Atkinson’s has other creative and tasty treats and packaged sweets for various events.
So satisfy your sweet tooth with the many treats that Atkinson’s has prepared for you.
3. Explore downtown Lufkin
If you’re looking for some fun, historic downtown Lufkin should be added to your list of things to do in Lufkin, TX.
Depending on your preferences, you can sample southern-style cuisine, international cuisine and fusion dishes.
These restaurants include the Manhattan Fine Dining Restaurant, which serves steaks, Italian dishes, and a selection of fine wines in a classy setting.
There’s also Rays Drive-In, a 1950s-style restaurant where you can enjoy hearty and satisfying American fare like hamburgers, onion rings, and milkshakes.
Visit Herraduras l for delicious, satisfying, mouth-watering fajitas, tacos, burritos, and margaritas for those who crave a combination of Texas and Mexican cuisine.
Cheap Things to Do in Lufkin
1. East Texas Museum
The East Texas Museum building was originally an Anglican church before it was converted into a museum.
Standing since 1976, it serves as a place where students and interested travelers can get a brief glimpse into the culture of the region.
The main attraction is the artwork created by people from different backgrounds and skill levels, mostly local residents.
Stunning sculptures, vibrant paintings, and avant-garde installation art are among the elements you will encounter during your visit.
There are also exhibits with historical significance; this includes artifacts, furniture, equipment, and other items used by people in the past.
You can be an opportunity to witness a live concert, usually held in the building, where talented local artists perform.
2. Lake Kurth
Kurth Lake, a 560-acre reservoir, is located 6 miles north of Lufkin off Highway 59. It is relatively isolated and unknown to many travelers, making it a great place for relaxation and contemplation due to its peaceful atmosphere.
The main activity here is fishing, as the lake is home to many freshwater fish, such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
You can stay at the lake for up to three days and improve your fishing skills, but you must first obtain a lake access permit from Lufkin City Hall.
Annual permits can also be purchased.
If you’re not interested in fishing, you can go canoeing or walk the lakeside trail to explore the beautiful natural features and peaceful shores.
Here are the answers to things to do in Lufkin, TX, for fun, worth adding to your list of the best things to do in Lufkin.
3. Kit McConnico Park
Kit McConnico is a great option for those who are not aware of nature and the other national forests near Lufkin are scary.
It’s characterized by sparsely spaced hardwood trees and an isolated atmosphere, but you’d still be close to civilization.
Regardless of the duration, those who want to be in touch with nature prefer this park because of the pieces of forest, making the park a perfect place to relax.
The footpaths take you to various places, such as wooden bridges, small streams, and isolated clearings
Once you are satisfied with the view of nature, you can relax in the park on one of the many benches and places on the grass plot protected from direct sunlight.
You can also attend free games on one of the park’s baseball and softball diamonds or soccer fields.
You’re sure to find something to enjoy in the park, no matter what your preferences are.
Free Things to Do in Lufkin
1. Sake Cafe
You can visit Japan without going to Japan in Lufkin, Texas. It’s confusing, isn’t it? This Japan is Sake Café.
Sake Café is a small coffee shop with old-fashioned charm located in the shopping area of Lufkin. It is recognized for its excellent sushi cuisine, very good service, and friendly staff.
The cafe offers the best sushi and other Japanese delicacies in town. Goodies include a bento box and salmon sashimi, among others to choose from.
Their dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients of the best quality. Try their delicious food, and you will definitely come back for more.
2. Angelina County Farmers Market
If you are interested in very fresh farm produce, you should visit the Angelina County Farmers Market during your trip to Lufkin. After all, health is wealth!
The Angelina County Farmers Market is a beautiful indoor market with gorgeous landscaping that sells an incredible variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, roots, and other produce grown and harvested by local farmers.
There are other small businesses on the market. They offer handmade products such as potted plants, artwork, jellies, furniture, and honey bottles.
Special days feature events such as live music and performances. These parades add to the festive atmosphere of the market.
The good news is that the market is open every day except Sundays, and you never run out of fresh, high-quality produce.
3. Absolutely Fiction Books
It is said that the secrets of the universe are hidden in books.
Absolutely Fiction Books is a small, charismatic bookstore. His shelves are filled with a variety of books, including fiction and non-fiction, cooking, history, travel, coloring, healthy living, classics, and many more.
If you cannot find the book you want, you can request it through the bookstore staff and they will help you get it.
So instead of browsing books on Amazon, browse the wide variety of books available at your local bookstore. You’ll be glad you did.
Absolutely Fiction Books is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Cool Places to Visit in Lufkin
1. Resale of Rose Cottage
Rose Cottage Resale is a thrift store that Texas folks mostly patronize. If you love quality, vintage or bargain goods, don’t miss the Rose Cottage sale.
You can get some of the best and most unique clothing, furniture and other fun, quirky things at the lowest prices possible.
This item can serve as a souvenir, especially for visitors who will soon be back on the road.
2. Angelina National Forest
Angelina National Forest is also located in the Piney Woods area. It covers an area of 153,180 acres and is rich in wildlife.
According to research on archaeological sites in the forest, scientists concluded that life forms existed in the forests already eight thousand years ago.
In addition to plants and animals, this place is full of history and signs of human existence.
Today, we focus more on ecosystem management to preserve the native species that inhabit this place.
You can enjoy a lot of wildlife if you follow the paths that wind through dense forests and rivers in the forests.
If not, you can head to one of the developed areas in the woods, such as Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
While here, you can enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, and other water-related activities.
Conclusion
So what say you? Lufkin, TX, or nothing at all this vacation.
We hope you picked a favorite from the above-listed things to do in Lufkin. If you did, we hope you begin your Lufkin tour there.
