Palestine, Texas Travel Guide

The second oldest town in Texas, Palestine is filled with historic monuments. The city claims the second highest number of historic landmarks in the state, second only to Galveston, and offers many stops for vacationers.

The East Texas town is also home to a railroad journey that's especially popular during the spring months with the bloom of the dogwood trees.

Top Attraction:

Texas State Railroad. Here visitors can take a 50-mile roundtrip train ride between the towns of Rusk and Palestine. The route winds through piney woods, across 30 bridges, and into depots built to recall the heyday of steam-powered travel. In Rusk, a small theater shows a film on the history of the railroad. The peak time for travel on this popular train is definitely during the spring months, when flowering dogwood trees dot the landscape. Any time of year, however, reservations are recommended. From Palestine, 2 1/2 miles east of Loop 286 on Hwy. 84. For more, visit www.texasstaterailroad.com/.

Other Attractions:

Community Forest. Fishing, picnicking, and boating are available at this 700-acre forest, which boasts access to four lakes. From Palestine, 2 mi northwest on U.S. 287.

National Scientific Balloon Facility. This NASA balloon is used to make atmospheric studies. From Palestine, 5 mi north via U.S. 287 to FM 3224.

For More Information: Palestine Convention and Visitors Bureau