Texas State Railroad

External Links:

Special Points of Interest:

  • Anderson County Courthouse and "Old Town" Square
  • The Museum for East Texas Culture
  • Howard House Museum
  • Texas State Railroad
  • NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility
  • Palestine Civic Center
  • Carnegie Library
  • Public Library
  • Palestine YMCA
estled in the pine-clad hills of East Texas is the charming city of Palestine, a place where the contrast of historic old and progressive new provides an unforgettable environment.

Romantic Victorian homes, museums and over 1800 historical sites grace this city.  Magnolias and an array of white columns transport us to an easier time, when the steamboat was king and the horse drawn buggy ruled the road.

Those who revel in the glories of the past will find an abundance of historical structures, second only to Galveston.  Travel quaint old streets, with bed & breakfasts and antique shops you'll want to visit again and again.

The changing seasons welcome everyone...and beckon those who relish the new blush of a Redbud or the radiant beauty of the Dogwood blossoms in Spring.  Palestine brings the springtime sightseer scenic Dogwood blooms that twinkle like stars amidst the rolling hills of East Texas.  See and tour this beauty in Davey Dogwood Park.  A walk through the winding trails and gentle hills will satisfy anyone's quest for renewal.  When you visit Palestine, you will experience a grand part of Texas History.  Come and see...

History

Palestine is the birthplace of over twenty famous Texans who molded this great state through Education, Religion, and Industry.  Here you will find Victorian homes from the early 1800's that can be viewed during one of the historic tours.  Palestine is second only to Galveston in the number of historic structures in a Texas city.

Texas State Railroad

"All Aboard!" cries the conductor and it's 1896 all over again, as you ride the steel rails of the Texas State Railroad.  You'll enjoy the clickity-clack of one of Texas' main attractions as you weave your way through a relaxing trip in a land of yesteryear.  This 1896 train pulled by one of the original steam locomotives takes you on a thirty mile tour of scenic East Texas Forests.  It is especially fun when you ride one of the special events like the "Murder on the Dis-Oriented Express" or the Christmas Victorian Train Ride.

Attractions

Texas State Railroad, Davey Dogwood Park, Museum of East Texas Culture, Howard House Museum or the Community Forest, we fill the bill for history, nature, recreation and entertainment.

Shopping

Looking for a great place to shop?  We've got it!  Antique stores, world famous Eilenberger's Bakery, curio shops, boutiques, art galleries and more.  We are the "shop-'till-you-drop" place.

Dining

We have the cuisine that will please your palate.  Charming restaurants, unusual cafes, specialty sandwich shops and tea rooms offer a choice of menu that will quench your thirst and quite your hunger.

Accommodations

Whether you want to sit in a swing on a winding porch listening to the symphony of the night breezes or enjoy the amenities of modern hotels, we can meet your needs.  Quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns in Victorian homes nestled in charming neighborhoods and conveniently located hotels will welcome you to an evenings rest of comfort and enjoyment.

Recreation

Golf, fishing, canoeing, cycling, bird watching, hiking, tennis, no matter what your sporting forte is, we have got you covered.

Art & Culture

Whether you like visual arts or living arts, you will find it here.  Our theater groups perform originally produced and Broadway plays and musicals throughout the year.  As you wander the streets of Palestine, you will see the extraordinary talent of our local artists in the murals on walls throughout the town.  You might even want to check out some of our art galleries for that special piece of art.

Events

There is always something going on.  Hot Pepper Festival, Rough Rider Reenactment Camps, Canoe Race, Dogwood Trails Festival, Melodrama Theater, Victorian Christmas Train Ride, Rodeos, Bike Tours, Old West Reenactment Camps, Tour of Homes, Chili Cook offs...boy, do we have events.

Natural Beauty

Beauty abounds in Palestine and offers a cornucopia of breathtaking sites throughout our parks and countryside.  Dogwoods, Azaleas, Fall colors, Spring flowers, any season is a good reason to visit Palestine.