Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Angelina County, TX

  • Published 2022/11/14

If you’re looking for a great place to vacation, consider Angelina County, Texas.

The people here are friendly and welcoming, much like the Hasinai Indian woman who helped early Spanish missionaries.

She was given the name Angelina, meaning Little Angel, after she expressed great kindness to the priests.

Her compassion led to the people of Angelina County naming the county after her.

It’s also notable that Angelina County is the only one in Texas named after a woman.

There are plenty of things to do there.

You can take scenic views through the county’s beautiful countryside or visit local attractions.

Whatever you do, you should have a great time in the county.

Here are the best things to do in Angelina County, Texas.

Engage with the Animals at Ellen Trout Zoo

Pretty flamingos at Ellen Trout Zoo

LivyGrace / Shutterstock.com

Do you love animals?

If your family wants to visit a beautiful place where you can interact with animals, head to Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin.

Ellen Trout Zoo is an excellent spot for this excursion with your kids.

Bringing your kids to Ellen Trout Zoo should be a fun and memorable experience for your whole family!

Rhinoceros at Ellen Trout Zoo

Ethan Menzel / Shutterstock.com

They will have fun while marveling at the animals in the zoo.

Ellen Trout Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you interact with the animals in real-time.

You can watch them play, learn about their habits and behaviors, and even ask questions to the zoo staff.

It’s fun and educational to spend an afternoon here, so make sure to visit!

A turtle at Ellen Trout Zoo

Logan Ogden / Shutterstock.com

Revisit the Past at the Museum of East Texas

Visit the Museum of East Texas to experience the culture of Angelina County.

This museum started because seven women dedicated themselves to turning the former St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church burned-out shell into a place where history and arts collide.

The Museum of East Texas has expanded to become a vibrant cultural hub since its founding in 1976.

The Museum, which was first housed in a historic 1906 church, now houses a sizable collection of works on paper and sculpture.

Feast your eyes on beautiful works created by East Texas artists and American, Latin American, and European masters.

Also, the museum offers different kinds of programs related to culture and arts​ that you may participate in.

What are you waiting for? Check out the Museum of East Texas in Lufkin.

See a Show at Temple Theater

If you love watching exciting and unforgettable theatrical productions, head to Temple Theater in Angelina College, Lufkin.

From Broadway shows, live music, singing, dance performances, orchestra, and many more, this theater will have a lot to offer your family and friends.

Temple Theater is the home of the Angelina Arts Alliance, an organization dedicated to making the arts more accessible to the whole community.

You will not regret buying tickets for shows because the performers always give their best in acting, singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

Temple Theater has enough capacity to cater to its audiences in every performance.

The staff here are also accommodating, so don’t feel shy when asking for suggestions on what show to watch or how to get there.

Don’t forget to buy tickets for the excellent performances at Temple Theater!

Go Fishing at Cassels-Boykin Park

Due to its flooded trees, lily pads, channels, drop-offs, and an abundance of hydrilla, Cassels-Boykin Park is one of Texas’ top venues for catching largemouth bass.

There are 16 campgrounds in the park with 30 and 50-amp electricity and water that you can use while staying the night.

The park also has WiFi access that you can use to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.

There’s a pavilion, a bridal party dressing area, and contemporary restroom facilities.

In addition to the four ramps on the north shore, its south coast includes five launch ramps which can make launching simpler, regardless of the wind’s direction.

The numerous boaters and fishermen frequent this area to access the lake.

You can visit this place and explore all these attractions as well.

Join fishermen and cast your line to catch fish at the gorgeous Cassels-Boykin Park!

Dive into the Past at the History Center

To improve your present situation, you must understand the past.

The History Center keeps the information about the past of Angelina County.

For the education of current and future generations, the History Center gathers and protects the historical records of its region and its inhabitants.

It aims to invite visitors to share community tales.

The regions that this center focuses on include the East Texas counties around Angelina and other surrounding areas.

The center aggressively seeks collections from underrepresented and disenfranchised populations and keeps records of Deep East Texas’ economic, civic, educational, religious, and familial life.

It also records natural and social history from its earliest inhabitants.

The History Center welcomes history buffs and researchers to take advantage of its free educational resources both in-person and online.

They invite schools and other groups for guided tours and provide indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits related to their research collections.

If you are a certified history buff, this place is a must-visit!

Camp at Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.

If you are looking for a place to camp out, the Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc. is a great place.

On the banks of Lake Sam Rayburn, east of Zavalla, Texas, lies Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc. (TAHI), an age-qualified active adult (55+) community that only accepts Airstreams.

Each site has access to a 30 amp electric supply, sewage, and water.

They also have cabanas, a kitchen, and a parking lot for convenience.

The park has free WiFi available everywhere, and this member-owned campground welcomes guests traveling in trailers and motorhomes made by Airstream Inc.

You can also explore their on-site library to learn more about their history!

Surround yourself with nature and enjoy camping at night at Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc. in Zavalla.

Take a Peaceful Stroll at Old Orchard Park

You can find a walking path, two playgrounds, a fishing pond, a complex of little league baseball fields, and basketball and volleyball courts at Old Orchard Park in Diboll.

To ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit to this lovely recreational area, there are three pavilions and numerous picnic tables and benches scattered around the park.

You can also stroll or ride a bike on the approximately five-mile Hike and Bike Trail at Old Orchard Park.

This trail begins on Dennis Street and travels past the city’s Neches Pines Golf Course and Diboll High School before ending on Lumberjack Drive.

Roam around and take in all the beautiful sights that surround the area!

Your kids or family will have fun at the park because of its beautiful amenities and green space.

Read Books at T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library

Welcome sign of T.L.L. Temple Library

Billy Hathorn, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1894, Thomas Louis Latané Temple established Diboll.

Temple owned the Southern Pine Lumber Company, which created “The Library” as a guesthouse a few years later.

The Temple Family and company officials frequented the home, and the living room featured shelves stacked with books for visitors.

Later, the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library officially opened in 1934, where the public could read its non-circulating books.

Since its origins in a rented structure, the T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library has grown to serve nearly 5,000 patrons from towns throughout East Texas.

It often hosts events for the entire community of Angelina County.

Likewise, the staff here will be happy to see you and lend you the books.

Unwind at Neches River Rentals LLC

Imagine strolling among tall oak trees and sleeping by a tranquil river.

These activities would bring calmness to your busy minds and tired bodies, and the best spot for those things is at Neches River Rentals LLC in Lufkin.

Located along Eason Lake Road, this business offers a range of vacation rentals where you may relax and unwind if you’ve always wanted to leave the bustle of the city, even for just a little while!

Their cabins have beds, living rooms, kitchens, and many more.

These cabins are also spacious enough for you and your family to bring all your loved ones and spend quality time relaxing.

The rental has campgrounds close to your cabins if you want to have fun outdoors.

They even have a trail ATV and hike trails for your outdoor adventures.

Neches River Rentals LLC also offers kayak rentals, a private boat launch, and a hole perfect for fishing activities.

Glide on Your Feet at Skate Ranch

The Skate Ranch in Lufkin is the best place to take the family in eastern Texas if you want to experience some fun indoors!

They offer kid-friendly settings ideal for roller skating, playing arcade games, and relaxing with friends in the recently increased seating spaces.

You won’t have to bother about making lunch or dinner while you’re at Skate Ranch.

Their roller rinks in east Texas have full-service snack bars with various delectable snacks.

Their great fun deals and excellent establishments make them one of east Texas’ top venues for birthday celebrations.

What are you waiting for?

Bring your family and have fun skating at Skate Ranch!

Jump High at Hijinx Trampoline Park

Bounce off the walls at Hijinx Trampoline Park, a paradise for kids and kids at heart.

Hijinx is a premier entertainment option for families and individuals of all ages with its 12,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines.

Do your best to reach the sky or the ceiling as you jump and bounce on the trampolines at this facility!

There are also soft-padded beams where you can play-fight while remaining safe.

You are guaranteed to land on squishy items that will soften your fall!

Bring your loved ones and compete at the basketball court, which features a basketball hoop and softballs!

If you feel brave, you can even attempt to do tricks like flips and cartwheels when jumping on the trampoline!

You don’t need to worry about getting hurt as well because numerous staff members keep an eye on all the customers.

Release your stress as you bounce around Hijinx Trampoline Park!

Escape Your Routine at Ewing Park Campground

Full hookup RV and tent camping near Lake Sam Rayburn are available at Ewing Park Campground & RV Park in Huntington.

Ewing Park offers luxury lake-view RV sites and a tenting area off Highway 103 East near Huntington, on Lake Sam Rayburn.

Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the weekend or enjoy a longer getaway, this is a great place to visit!

The park is close to a beach, so you can dip into the waters and have fun swimming like a mermaid.

They also have a boat ramp to catch some fish in the area.

Bring your loved ones and have fun under the sun at the Ewing Park Campground & RV Park.

Enjoy Great Food and Good Wine at Restoration Bistro

Relax with friends and family over a bottle of wine at Restoration Bistro, situated in the center of Lufkin’s historic Downtown.

This restaurant serves some of the best dishes and wines in town, making it an excellent spot to visit if you are hungry to explore Angelina County.

Experience the unique coziness of this bistro as you take your pick from their exceptional selection of wine and delectable food!

You can order some of their exquisitely made draft beer or sangria if you prefer other drinks.

Visit this establishment in the evening if you want to listen to live music while dining on their delicious dishes!

Although these all sound too good to be true, you don’t need to worry about going over your budget because their meals are affordable.

Bring your loved ones and bond over the flavorful food and excellent drinks at Restoration Bistro.

Break a Sweat at Planet Fitness

Keeping yourself healthy and fit is a must.

Planet Fitness provides an affordable, high-quality fitness experience that you will enjoy.

This gym in Lufkin is an excellent location to work out and break a sweat!

You can enjoy all access to their gym equipment while you are here.

They also have gym trainers that will guide you and help you personalize your gym program according to your needs.

If you are a newbie, have no worries because they will assist you in your fitness journey.

They put a lot of effort into keeping their gym spotless, from the front door to the locker rooms.

Head to Planet Fitness today and invest in your health through exercise!

Join Scavenger Hunts at Texas Forestry Museum

Building sign of Texas Forestry Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can find the history of Texas’ woods at Texas Forestry Museum.

The museum has three galleries, outdoor displays, and an Urban Wildscape Trail for visitors to learn about natural resources, the industry’s history, and present and future Forest management strategies.

The Texas Forestry Museum is an excellent place for the whole family to explore the past, present, and future of trees.

In addition, the museum also features how trees grow, are harvested, transported, processed, and used in our everyday lives.

Featured exhibits at the museum include Paper Mill, Sawmill Town, logging train, fire tower, Money Trees, outdoor train exhibits, and Urban Wildscape Trail.

Your kids will also enjoy interactive gameplays like lawn games, nature playscapes, timbre tees, and twig wrapping.

If you want to win a unique prize, join the scavenger hunt.

The hunt will lead you all around the museum and give you the excitement of hunting for a specific item within the facility!

Final Thoughts

Angelina County is a great place to vacation.

Whether you want to relax by the water or explore the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of things to do here.

Check out these best things to do in Angelina County, Texas, for a memorable and fulfilling vacation!

What are you waiting for? Plan your visit to this stunning place today!

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