Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Huntsville, TX

  • Published 2023/03/24

The small town of Huntsville, Texas, has a lot in store for its visitors.

As a result, you can easily pack your itinerary with exciting and interesting things to do in this quaint little town for a memorable holiday.

The town’s cultural heritage is one of its primary attractions, but its enchanting parks and lagoons make it an ideal tourist destination.

Additionally, the lip-smacking food is the town’s specialty, which you can attest to once you visit this heavenly holiday paradise.

Interested to know more about this stunning place?

Here are the 25 best things to do in Huntsville, Texas:

Go Trekking atHuntsville State Park

The waters of Huntsville State Park

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A nature lover’s dream, Huntsville State Park is a sight to behold in all its natural beauty.

It offers the calm sought after by everyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Camping at Huntsville State Park

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Those interested in hiking or trekking will love this place full of pine trees and majestic trails.

Enjoy a tranquil day fishing or swimming in nature’s lap while visiting Huntsville state park.

Nature trail at Huntsville State Park

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Tour the Campus of Sam Houston State University

A coliseum at Sam Houston State University

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sam Houston State University is one of the primary icons of Huntsville, located along University Avenue.

Free to do a self-guided tour, Sam Houston State University has picturesque campus grounds with beautiful landscaping.

There are plenty of trees and greenery, but its facilities are what to look forward to.

Austin hall at Sam Houston State University

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From museums to coliseums, you’ll see some eye-popping buildings at Sam Houston State University.

Some notable ones are the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum and the Old Main Memorial.

Sam Houston village hall at Sam Houston State University

M. B. Kent IV, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Try Scuba Diving atBlue Lagoon

The waters of Blue Lagoon

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Craving to dip your feet in the turquoise waters of the ocean?

How about enjoying that same relaxing feeling in the blue lagoon of Huntsville, Texas?

Blue Lagoon will bring your childhood mermaid fantasy to life.

The place is famous for its scuba diving excursions for experts.

The blissful waters of this lagoon are perfect for enjoying a laid-back day.

Chow Down at 7 Leguas Mexican Grill

If you’re feeling famished during your trip, 7 Leguas Mexican Grill is a popular place to stuff your belly along 11th Street.

7 Leguas Mexican Grill is renowned for its meaty dishes with many Mexican authenticities.

From tacos and enchiladas to sizzling plates, 7 Leguas Mexican Grill is a haven for meat lovers.

True to its Mexican heritage, the place is also colorful and welcoming, making it a great venue to take photos.

If you want to drink with friends and family, they’re famous for their happy hour and delicious margaritas.

Visit theSam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library

Exterior of Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps one of the most famous attractions of this town is the Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library, which is named after the brave General Sam Houston.

The courage of the general is sung far and wide, popularly addressing him as the greatest Texan to have ever lived.

The artifacts and documents that reflect the extraordinary life of the general are carefully preserved in this Huntsville museum.

His home, called “Woodland,” as well as his Steamboat house, is located right behind the museum.

Steamboat house behind the Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore the Trails of Eastham-Thomason Park

Eastham-Thomason Park is one of the largest city parks in Huntsville.

Because of this, it’s brimming with nature trails and other family-oriented amenities.

They have disc golf courses, playgrounds, and even some sports facilities within the park.

Located along 7th Street, Eastham-Thomason Park is a fantastic outdoor adventure where you won’t have to venture far from Huntsville’s epicenter.

Check Out the Creepy Aesthetic of theTexas Prison Museum

Electric chair in Texas Prison Museum

Brian Johnson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

We all have a Bonnie to our Clyde, but have you wondered where this pop culture reference originated?

Texas Prison Museum is strongly connected to the final capture and ultimate demise of the infamous American duo.

The museum gives an intimate glimpse into the lives of the inmates.

The exciting exhibits like Lee Simmons and the prison rodeo detail the history of the Texan prison system and give the visitors a look behind the fences.

Rodeo clown costume in Texas Prison Museum

Teresa Otto / Shutterstock.com

Marvel at the Architecture of Newton Gresham Library

Nestled in the Sam Houston State University, Newton Gresham Library is another haven for book lovers and critical thinkers.

The contemporary architecture of this library is breathtaking.

The atrium is illuminated with natural light and is a sight to behold.

The readers often find themselves mesmerized by the magnificence of this library while getting lost in the hidden discoveries of the books.

Play a Round of Golf at The Bearkat Course

Huntsville, too is a prime spot to challenge your friends and family for a game of golf.

The lush green pastures that make The Bearkat Course so popular are ideal for a day amidst nature’s beauty.

Allow yourself to enjoy its tranquility as you breathe fresh air before hitting the ball.

If you are serious about the sport, enroll in the club’s course for all skill levels.

Wander around Downtown Huntsville

Buildings at Downtown Huntsville

Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The town of Huntsville is full of history.

Each nook and corner of this town oozes a different charm, but Downtown Huntsville is mainly known for its heritage.

Take a stroll through the many antique shops, boutiques, and music stores in this part of the town to get a glimpse of the spirit of this Texan town.

This part of the town is always alive with live shows, performances, and movie screenings at the Old Town Theatre.

If you are lucky, you might also participate in one of the recurring fests and fairs in the town.

Shops along Downtown Huntsville

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See the Sam Houston Statue

Front view of the Sam Houston Statue

W. Scott McGill / Shutterstock.com

The colossal statue quickly catches your eyes as you drive along the highway.

Sam Houston’s statue stands as tall as the surrounding pine trees in a tranquil park lush with greenery.

It’s a nice little getaway that can be used to plan a fun picnic with friends and family.

The visitor center in the vicinity is staffed with polite people.

Grab a souvenir from the gift shop on your way out to remember the fun memories created in this serene spot in Huntsville.

Close view of the Sam Houston Statue

Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock.com

Do Recreational Activities at Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park

Another famous city park in Huntsville, Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park is known for everything related to sports.

The park has vast soccer and baseball fields, making it a popular place for locals and youth to socialize.

Moreover, Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park also has picnic grounds and playground areas for younger kids.

You can conveniently access it along Highway 75.

Immerse in Military History at HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas

Display at HEARTS Veterans Museum

Alan Wilson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The United States military is the world’s finest, and every U.S. citizen holds great pride in the country and the men/ women who serve it.

HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas allows visitors to get up close and personal with the United States military.

The memorabilia, artifacts, arms, and ammunition associated with the U.S. military are on display at this museum.

This museum takes you down memory lane through the various exhibits of the conflicts.

War veterans from World War II and Afghanistan narrate their tales for all to hear in a unique way of preserving memories through dialogue.

Watch a Play atWynne Home Arts Center

Huntsville does an impeccable job of preserving its artistic heritage.

The Wynne Home Arts Center is a testament to this.

This striking 19th-century house has been transformed and restored as an art museum.

This beautiful mansion now houses exhibits from the greatest artists in the state, making it a Texas landmark.

Stroll through its galleries for an adventure that satiates your senses with creativity.

Visit the Grave of Heroes at the Oakwood Cemetery

Statue of Jesus at Oakwood Cemetery

Cl00ud7, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oakwood Cemetery is famous because it is the resting place of some Texas heroes, including Sam Houston.

Visitors come here to pay homage to the legends of a time gone by, like Henderson King Yoakum, who authored the first comprehensive history of the state.

Houston’s grave is a masterpiece sculpted by a renowned artist named Pompeo Coppini in 1911.

He is also famous for sculpting the Alamo Cenotaph situated in San Antonio.

Have a Sip of Wine at Sam Houston Wine Trail

The Sam Houston Wine Trail takes you along the best winemakers of these pine-covered hills.

The trail enchants the visitors with its ethereal beauty while also letting them taste the winning wines in the entire country.

The tasting rooms of these wineries serve exceptional wines that will make you feel like you have hit the jackpot.

This trail enables the visitors to escape the stress of everyday life, allowing them to relax their minds and senses.

A weekend escapade away from the city lights is a perfect getaway in Huntsville.

Have an Artsy Meal atKim’s Home and Garden

Kim’s Home and Garden was built in 1911 and has been recently renovated.

Appetizing the guests with gourmet food or housing the most exquisite selection of decor items, this mansion has something for everyone.

Those with green thumbs can also find solace in its stone barn garden.

Pottery, statues, and fountains are the only mesmerizing decor items you can discover here.

Have Fun at Frank D.”Poncho” Roberts Aquatic Center

Splash around in Frank D.”Poncho” Roberts Aquatic Center, enjoying its wide range of water-related activities for all age groups.

The visitors can enjoy swimming and other recreational activities, and the center also conducts instruction classes for beginners for a safe swimming experience.

Enjoy a relaxing day with friends and family, spilling and splashing!

Ride a Horse at The William’s Ranch

What is a vacation in Texas without enjoying a cowboy-style horseback ride?

However, a simple horseback ride can be made even better at this vacation rental that has a unique history.

Cradled amid ponds and lakes, The William’s Ranch offers numerous water-based activities like kayaking, paddle boating, and fishing among its visitors.

Leave behind the stuffy air of the city as you breathe in the fresh country air.

Hike across the picturesque trails and enjoy interacting with exotic animals like camels, kangaroos, and pygmies like never before.

Plan a quick getaway to this beautiful destination on your next trip to Huntsville, Texas.

Ramp Up Your Adrenaline Levels atGeneral Sam’s Off-Road Park

The best things to do in Huntsville, Texas, will not be complete without mentioning this unique park nine miles ahead of the town.

General Sam’s Off-Road Park is a paradise for every adventure junkie.

You can trust your adrenaline levels to spike while enjoying RV rides, ATVs, trucks, mud holes, and sandpits.

The park offers a modern twist to exploring nature trails by riding jeeps, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.

Take in the Views at Big Sandy Loop and The Lonestar

Counted among the top tourist attractions in Huntsville town, Big Sandy Loop can be accessed through the famous Huntsville State Park.

This trail’s breathtaking scenery will leave you spellbound as you take in nature in all its glory.

Indulge in some bird watching as you hike across nature’s beautiful landscape.

Try the Scrumptious Veggie Dishes at Potato Shack

Potato is the king of vegetables, and this secret is thoroughly utilized by Potato Shack.

Their eclectic menu is not the unique thing about this place.

Decorated with pool tables, this place serves the best vegetarian food in the city.

The food served here is also an artistic expression that can quickly be devoured.

Have a Texas Barbecue Feast at Bennie J’s Smoke Pit LLC

Famous for its finger-licking barbecue, Bennie J’s Smoke Pit LLC keeps you coming back for more.

The slow-cooked smoked meat, fish, veggies, and briskets are only some popular items on their menu.

The crowd loves the beans and potato salad served here with passion.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the best barbecue outlets in Huntsville, Texas, and is among the top contenders in the entire state!

Go Camping at Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area

Found along Forest Service Road, Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area is a relatively remote area to experience the wilderness surrounding Huntsville.

It has everything you can ask for in a rustic campground, featuring plenty of shade, trails, and boating areas.

Its remote location also gives you access to wildlife you rarely see in Texas, such as alligators and snakes.

Despite feeling remote, Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area is well maintained and prioritizes convenience and safety for visitors.

A must for avid outdoor explorers, Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area is a great way to spice up your trip.

Final Thoughts

Huntsville is a fantastic place to visit if you plan to do all sorts of activities in one city.

The scope of the city is enormous, as it also includes remote areas where you can do camping and wildlife observation.

Within the city, you’ll have many options to try—visiting a museum or a cemetery.

With abundant attractions, these 25 best things to do in Huntsville, Texas, will be a great way to kickstart your adventure.

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