Relocate/Retire

Especially For Retirees: Things to See & Do

There is so much to see and do in Lufkin. For more information on the various attractions and activities Lufkin offers. You can also call the Lufkin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-409-5659.

Attractions | Festivals & Events | Cultural Events

Attractions

Golfing

Crown Colony Golf Course amongst the towering East Texas pines.

If golfing is your cup of “tee,” Lufkin is home to three 18-hole golf courses, including the #9 ranked 18-hole championship golf course in the State of Texas, as selected by the Dallas Morning News. The golf course was designed by Bob Von Hagge and golfing great Bruce Devlin, and challenging is considered an understatement. The course is shaded by East Texas pine trees and has four different tee settings that make playing golf at Crown Colony a relaxing and diversified experience. We also have the 18-hole Neches Pines Golf Course located in Diboll, just minutes from Lufkin. Plus, the Lufkin Country Club offers a nice layout and a scenic course in the East Texas pine trees.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Sunset at Sam Rayburn Lake

Just minutes away from Lufkin rests the largest body of water wholly within the State of Texas – Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Covering 114,500 acres at normal capacity, Sam Rayburn is the most popular recreation area in the piney woods of East Texas. The reservoir was originally named McGee Bend until President Lyndon B. Johnson renamed the lake after Speaker of the House and dear friend Sam Rayburn. Today, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is one of the top five bass fisheries in the United States, with the record for largemouth bass at 16.5 pounds. It has been featured in many fishing magazines including Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Texas Fish & Game, Texas Monthly, Southern Living, and more.

With more boat ramps available than anywhere else in Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is easily accessible. Whether you desire the perfect fishing spot, relaxing sailing, a safe place to water ski or even scuba dive, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the ultimate getaway. Other pastimes such as camping, hiking, and bird watching are just a few steps away in the beautiful Angelina National Forest.

Texas Forestry Museum

The Texas Forestry Museum, the only of its kind in Texas, features the industry that made Lufkin possible – forest products. You can spend several hours in this museum looking through historic and unique collections, and learning about the forest industry. The museum is located at 1905 Atkinson Drive and is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. (936) 632-9535

Museum of East Texas

The Museum of East Texas explores art and history through exhibits, lectures, performances, classes and publications. The museum was founded in 1976 and is one of the first in East Texas. The museum is located at 503 North Second Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. (936) 639-4434

Ellen Trout Park & Zoo

Ride the Z&OO railroad at the Ellen Trout Zoo

Ellen Trout Park & Zoo is one of Lufkin’s main tourist attractions and has over 500 animals, one fourth are endangered species. The zoo has received numerous state and national awards and is considered one of the top zoos in cities with Lufkin’s population. At the park, you can ride a miniature pre-Civil War train replica around the lake and through the beautiful pine trees – which fully represent Lufkin. (936) 633-0399

Downtown Lufkin

Shops of Downtown Lufkin

Downtown Lufkin is the site of many dining establishments, unique retail shops and antique collections. Also, a historic walking tour reveals the history of Lufkin. Don’t miss the beautiful murals painted by Lance Hunter throughout the downtown area. There are five, each depicting historic businesses or tales of Lufkin. In our city hall, you’ll find the Medford Western Art Collection, which features beautiful western art. (936) 633-0206

The History Center

The History Center

The History Center, a new, free-to-the-public 12,000 square foot public history and archives center, collects, preserves, and explores the history of East Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Research holdings include books, manuscripts, business and local government records, maps, newspapers, audio and video materials, and more than 70,000 photographs. (936) 829-3543

National Forests

National forests provide the backdrop for boating, fishing and camping. Lufkin is located between the Davy Crockett National Forest and the Angelina National Forest. (936) 639-8501

Lufkin Parks and Recreation
From Little League and swimming pools, to tennis tournaments and nature trails, Lufkin has outdoor activities to suit all ages. Lufkin has over 15 parks complete with new jogging trails, modern playground facilities, and grassy, green picnic areas. Located deep in the heart of East Texas, Lufkin is the perfect escape for outdoor recreational activities. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (936) 633-0250.

Festivals and Events

Angelina County Youth Fair – March
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
This annual event allows Angelina County students to present their projects for competition in divisions of livestock, arts and crafts, home economics, and ag mechanics. The event culminates with the Annual Youth Fair Auction where students sell their projects to local businesses and supporters.

Downtown HoeDown – April
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
The Downtown HoeDown is a street festival that includes arts and crafts, children’s activities, a classic car show, wrestling, live entertainment, celebrity dunk tank, and more.

Angelina Benefit Rodeo – April
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 637-3976
Held the last full weekend in April, this is one of the finest rodeos in Texas. It is an official stop on the PRCA circuit and attracts more than 25,000 people each year.

Angelina County Science & Technology Fair – May
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
This annual event allows 6th-12th graders to compete in science and technology-related competitions. Competitions include Egg-Car-Go, Web Page Design, Logo Design, Glider, Wooden Bridge, Invention, Eggstraction, and Life Science Project.

Neches River Rendezvous – June
Neches River – (936) 634-6305
Held each summer, the Neches River Rendezvous is a scenic 10-mile trip down the Neches River. It’s a unique canoe trip where numerous birds, squirrels, wild hogs, and alligators have been observed.

Flag Day – June 14th
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
A celebration of patriotism observed across the USA and held in downtown Lufkin at City Hall Park, this celebration includes a flag presentation and patriotic program. Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments are served to Flag Day supporters.

Texas State Forest Festival – September
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
Held the fourth week in September, this festival features several events including the Southern Hushpuppy Championships, a master chain saw sculptor, petting zoo, giant carnival, lumberjack show, concerts, specialty acts, and more.

Pineywoods Purgatory – October
Lufkin’s Pitser Garrison Civic Center – (936) 634-6305
The Pineywoods Purgatory is a 25-, 52-, 72- and 102-mile bicycle ride through the rolling hills of East Texas that attracts the majority of its riders from out of town.

Gala Night on the Town – Fall
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
Held each fall, it is a special evening of fine dining, dancing and fun, sponsored by Main Street Lufkin and hosted by downtown businesses..

Halloween Main Street Trick-Or-Treat – October 31st
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
Downtown Lufkin merchants dress in costume and offer area children a safe and fun opportunity to trick-or-treat for Halloween.

Lufkin Area Holiday Events – November & December
Lufkin – (936) 634-6305
Share with us some magnificent Christmas events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit, including Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit, Santa Claus Express, Living Nativity Scene, CASA Tour of Homes, and the Festival of Trees. Also, don’t miss out on the Night of Giving, lighting of the courthouse, Evening in Old Bethlehem, and downtown Christmas parade.

Evening in Old Bethlehem – December
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 637-3976
This holiday celebration includes the Christmas story recreated in special Friday and Saturday night shows. You’ll enjoy strolling through the streets of Bethlehem and talking with the townspeople about the news of the newborn King.

Cultural Events

Angelina Arts Alliance
The Angelina Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide a comprehensive and diverse series of performing arts programming for the citizens of Angelina County.

Subscriptions for the 2007-08 season are available now at the Temple Theater box office on the Angelina College campus. Subscribers save money over the cost of single tickets and are guaranteed the same seats all season long.

Other subscriber benefits include priority seating, free admission to “An Evening with James Earl Jones” (presented by The Pineywoods Foundation and Lufkin Industries, Inc.), discounts on additional single ticket purchases, and a new Diners’ Discount Card.

For a season brochure or more information, call the box office at (936) 633-5454 or visit
the website.