Not many people live in Winnie, Texas, which makes it more attractive to most tourists visiting eastern Chambers County.
As of the 2020 census, this small town only had a population of 3,162, making it one of the smallest census-designated places in the state.
But its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere has drawn many people to live, work, and play in the area over the years.
The Gulf and Interstate Railway officials platted the community in 1895, which was named after Fox Winnie.
Winnie was a contractor who tried to sell small lots through Winnie and Loan Improvement Company but later dissolved it due to a lack of sales.
It was the establishment of a gas plant by businessman Glenn H. McCarthy in 1941 that led to the growth of the community’s population, as well as the construction of Interstate 10.
Today, the community is championed by its well-known festival, flea markets, parks, campgrounds, and more.
Ready yet?
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Winnie, Texas:
Celebrating and supporting Southeast Texas farmers, the Texas Rice Festival draws thousands of people from the region and all over the country.
The festival celebrates the rice harvest, which takes place annually on the first weekend of October.
Experience it with live music, a beauty pageant, a grand parade, a barbecue cook-off, a livestock show, an open horse show, and more family-friendly events.
It features different kinds of contests that local artisans participate in, including rice cooking, art, photography, and rice judging, among others.
The week-long Texas Rice Festival started in 1970; it’s held at Winnie-Stowell Park.
Those who are on the road around Chambers County with their vehicles can enjoy the great outdoors by camping at Meadow RV Park.
The park offers power, water, and WiFi for all campers who are staying overnight or longer in a beautiful open green space.
It’s a great spot if you’re traveling using your camper trailer, tent trailer, campervan, fifth wheels, caravan, and other camping vehicles.
The park offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, especially since the rules are strictly followed here to respect the campers’ privacy.
Pets must be on a leash at all times so as not to disturb other guests.
Meadow RV Park has served visitors since 2014, offering a marvelous stay for happy campers.
It’s conveniently located at East Farm to Market Road.
It’s always nice to have a souvenir from the place you’ve visited, right?
If you’re looking for one, drop by Larry’s Old Time Trade Days to shop for unique and inexpensive products with great deals.
The market houses more than 500 vendors from all over the county and the state in its outdoor, indoor, and undercover spaces.
Check out the best deals such as handmade crafts, inexpensive antiques, homemade eats, custom-made gifts and souvenirs, and more.
Here you’ll find a gift, a souvenir, and other treasures for yourself and for your loved ones.
Larry’s Old Time Trade Days was established in 2005 by seasoned vendors Larry and Brenda Barron on a 1991 building.
You can find it on FM Highway.
Picnicking in Winnie comes in handy at Safari Park, where you can find shaded picnic tables with grills for barbecue.
The charming little park offers a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for traveling families who want to share a picnic.
The kids will also love the pirate-themed play equipment, and there are plenty of swings and slides in the playground area.
Safari Park is one of the go-to and popular parks in Winnie, and many locals and tourists spend a day for picnics and family fun.
It’s located on Park Street.
In 2014, Rollins Vine 2 Wine Vineyard & Winery on Coon Road opened its doors to visitors who want to taste its locally produced wines.
Their wines are equally delicious as the ones made by world-renowned wineries.
The only difference is that these wines are cheaper and the best in southeast Texas and the country.
Couple Clay and Stacy Rollins are both hands-on in their winery business—Clay being the grower of the grapes in their vineyard since 2011.
Their wine tasting, as well as the bottles and the charcuterie board you can enjoy, are of reasonable prices.
Their Black Spanish Rose is a must-try.
Head to Chef Finny’s Seafood Tacos And More for fresh and delicious tacos!
The restaurant specializes in grilled and fried tacos with flavors like shrimp, catfish, chicken, and more.
The cozy and warm atmosphere adds to the charm of this establishment.
It also offers fresh empanadas, quesadillas, fajitas, ceviche, tamales, and other Caribbean, Tex-Mex, and Mexican specialties.
Don’t miss the special Caribbean rice on your visit.
Of course, the tacos are a must-try too!
Chef Finny Seafood Tacos And More was established in 2017 along Highway 124. adjacent to Dollar General Store.
Visitors find it amazing that a small community like Winnie offers a public library, which holds a great selection of books and resources.
At Juanita Hargraves Memorial Library, there are books and resources for kids, teens, and adults, as well as e-books, DVDs, local history, and other resources for research.
If you’re not a member of the library, they will provide you with a visitor’s pass so you can use its services like computers and printers.
Juanita Hargraves Memorial Library is a branch of Chambers County Library.
In Winnie, you can find it on East Fear Road.
Winnie can give you hot summers, and when you’re there during the season, the splash pad at Winnie Stowell County Park can do wonders.
The kids can enjoy the splash park and enjoy the water, especially when the weather gets hot during the summer season.
They will also love the ship-themed playground with a two-story Merry Go Round, swings, and slides.
You may also find campers staying here overnight using their trailers or other camping vehicles.
The park is also the host of the well-known Texas Rice Festival, celebrated every October of each year.
Winnie Stowell County Park is located on South Park Street.
Located in East Chambers High School, the home of the Buccaneers, the Buccaneer Stadium hosts soccer, basketball, and other track and field events.
This is a great destination for sports enthusiasts who want to spend a few hours watching a free game while in Winnie.
It’s where the local athletes play and practice, and it would be fun to see these young adults play at their best.
There’s also a concession stand on site where you can buy snacks.
The Buccaneer Stadium opened in 2008 with artificial turf and a 3000 seating capacity.
It’s located at Buccaneer Drive on T Jones Street.
If you’re in the mood for good food and music, go to Charlie’s Bar and Grill, a hidden gem in Winnie.
The bar offers delicious ribeye steaks, chicken fried steaks, crispy wings, homemade dressings, and more.
What makes it more inviting to visitors is the bar’s weekly live music special, featuring many local musicians in the neighborhood.
Every Friday and Saturday, you’ll get the chance to see these amazing artists play live.
Charlie’s Bar and Grill is the best in town and is not to be missed.
It’s a little off the beaten path, but it’s worth the drive on the freeway along Highway 73.
Winnie’s neighboring places offer equally beautiful outdoor experiences.
They’re only a few-minute drive from Winnie, so feel free to step out of the borders!
R. Rothenberger, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Holding a collection of antique engines and firefighting equipment, the Fire Museum of Texas showcases a rich heritage.
Built in 1927, the museum features state-of-the-art interactive fire safety exhibits, mid-1800s antique fire equipment, and the world’s largest fire hydrant.
This fire hydrant is still active and stands 24 feet tall in front of the museum building, located on the former Central Fire Station in Beaumont.
The museum also features a 9/11 memorial, a firefighter commemorative pathway, and the State of Texas Firefighter Memorial.
Constructed in a Renaissance Revival style, the Fire Museum of Texas is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
It’s located on Walnut Street in Beaumont.
Specializing in Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast history, the Museum of the Gulf Coast features exhibits of the region’s notable figures in music, art, and sports.
The music gallery showcases Port Arthur native and famed musician Janis Joplin, while the art exhibit also features Robert Rauschenberg’s masterpieces.
There’s a lot to see and learn about the history of these notable figures at the museum, as well as the history of the Gulf Coast.
There’s also a small gift shop that sells souvenirs and gift items from the legendary people in the region, including a brick from Joplin’s home.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is located on Procter Street in Port Arthur, a 20-minute drive from Winnie.
Brandi Bourne / Shutterstock.com
Protecting about 34,000 acres of coastal marsh and prairies, as well as unique wildlife, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is the best place to get closer to nature.
The refuge offers outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
You’ll see a variety of wildlife species, such as the American alligator, yellow rail, bobcat, purple gallinule, and various species of birds.
Wildnerdpix / Shutterstock.com
You only have to drive for about 20 minutes to see this beautiful refuge.
Founded in 1963, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is located off FM1985 in Anahuac.
Wildnerdpix / Shutterstock.com
The prolific musician Janis Joplin was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, which is 20 minutes away from Winnie.
Here, you’ll see Janis Joplin’s Birthplace Historical Marker erected by the State of Texas, which tells the story of Joplin, who rose to fame with her raspy and raw musical style.
It won’t take long to check out this marker, but it’s worth the effort knowing that one of the world’s most influential musicians of all time was born here.
Joplin died at the age of 27 due to accidental heroin and alcohol overdose.
You can see Janis Joplin’s Birthplace Historical Marker at 32nd Street.
jesmo5 / Shutterstock.com
Another jewel in Beaumont, Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk, offers over eight miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
The 900-acre refuge has incredible views of wetlands and wildlife and two beautiful boardwalks with seating.
The trails are also ideal for cyclists and equestrians.
Ervin E Hanson Jr / Shutterstock.com
If you’re bringing a picnic, the refuge also features picnic tables.
Hiking at Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk makes a great reprieve from life’s hustle and bustle.
It’s on Babe Zaharias Drive in Beaumont, only a 20-minute drive from Winnie.
Offering an unmatched small-town vibe, Winnie is one of Texas’ points of pride in raising the bar for tourism and recreation.
This quaint community is worth the visit for its natural and historical attractions.
Don’t miss these best things to do in Winnie, Texas, for a memorable trip!
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