Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in East Texas? Head to Huntsville! Explore fascinating Texas history, hike through lush forests, and discover local culture and cuisine. Whether you're touring museums, admiring larger-than-life statues, or kayaking peaceful lakes, Huntsville offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
Huntsville, TX Highlights:
- Sam Houston Statue: Snap a photo with the world's tallest statue of an American hero, standing 67 feet tall.
- Sam Houston Memorial Museum: Dive into Texas history with exhibits dedicated to Sam Houston’s life, leadership, and legacy.
- Huntsville State Park: Hike, camp, fish, kayak, and explore miles of forested trails and a beautiful lake in this popular state park.
- Downtown Huntsville: Stroll historic streets lined with boutiques, antique shops, cafés, and colorful murals.
- Texas Prison Museum: Learn about the history of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and see fascinating artifacts like the famous "Old Sparky" electric chair.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Huntsville is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Mild temperatures make it ideal for hiking, lake activities, and enjoying outdoor festivals. Summers can be hot and humid but are perfect for lake swimming and shaded nature trails.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Huntsville is located along I-45, about 70 miles north of Houston and 170 miles south of Dallas.
- By Plane: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is about a 1-hour drive from Huntsville.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other regional bus lines offer service from Houston and Dallas to Huntsville.
Where to Stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Huntsville – Comfortable hotel close to downtown and Sam Houston State University with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Red Roof PLUS+ Huntsville – Affordable, pet-friendly option located near major attractions and shopping.
- Cabins and Campsites at Huntsville State Park – For nature lovers, rent a rustic cabin or pitch a tent in the peaceful woods by the lake.
Best Things to Do
1. Texas Prison Museum
"Explore inmate history and see the electric chair at this unusual museum."
Huntsville, Texas is the home of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and several prisons - the Ellis Unit that previously housed death row, and Huntsville Unit, which houses the execution chamber.
The Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville is a non-profit museum that tells the story of the history of the prison system in Texas. The museum contains many different artifacts, showing the look behind the fences and bars, including an electric chair called "Old Sparky." The chair was used from 1924 to 1964 as the main means of execution in Texas. The museum was founded in 1989.
Texas Prison Museum, 491 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77320, Phone: 936-295-2155
2. Sam Houston Statue
"Admire the towering monument and snap photos on a quick roadside stop."
Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville, Texas, was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes, who dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville. Completed on October 22,1994, it is the tallest statue of an American Hero in the world, 67 feet tall, on a 10-foot granite base.
David Adickes created the colossal statue as a tribute to General Sam Houston and named it A Tribute to Courage. It is also often called Big Sam. The statue was made from 30 tons of concrete and steel on the W.S. Gibbs Farm on 75 North in Huntsville. This construction site was offered by Sam Houston State University. The statue is made of five layers of concrete over steel mesh afixed to a steel framework. The colossal statue can be seen from the south for 6.5 miles.
Sam Houston Statue, Huntsville, TX 77340
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Huntsville State Park
If you are like me:
"Hike wooded trails and paddle the lake during a relaxing summer trip."
Huntsville State Park is a 2,083.2-acre wooded area located six miles southwest of Huntsville, Walker County, Texas and the same distance from Sam Houston National Forest. The park is covered by loblolly pine and shortleaf pine trees that provide home to white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and fox squirrels.
There are 218 species of birds living in the park or flying over the park. The park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, paddling, geocaching and studying nature. There are 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center. Lake Raven, which is part of the park, has crappie, bluegill, catfish and bass. Alligators have been spotted in the lake on occasions.
Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 west, Huntsville, TX 77340, Phone: 936-295-5644
4. Oakwood Cemetery
"Walk along shaded paths and discover graves of Texas legends on a quiet weekend."
Oakwood Cemetery is located along Ninth Street, between Sam Houston Memorial Drive and Ryan's Ferry Road in central Huntsville, Texas. It is maintained by the City of Huntsville. The Cemetery is divided into six sections. Old Cemetery, together with "Negro Cemetery" covers 3.3 acres and is older than the City of Huntsville.
New Cemetery is a 5.4-acre area between the old cemetery and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive added in 1887 and 1910. Adickes Addition was added to Oakwood in 1925 on the east side of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Mayes Addition, located across from Adickes Addition, is currently the only section with a a number of plots available for new burials. Wildwood Sanctuary, donated in 1925, is the 1.8 acre Rawley Rather Powell Memorial Park Addition. A two-acre tract was recently donated by the Powell Family.
Oakwood Cemetery, 9th Street and Ave I , Huntsville, TX 77320
5. H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum
I recommend:
"Learn veterans’ stories and view military artifacts on an affordable, educational visit."
The H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum (Helping Every American Remember Through Serving) is an important Texas institution located in Huntsville, Texas, containing large number of personal mementos and war paraphernalia donated by veterans and their families.
The museum’s purpose is to honor and recognize the people who have served to protect their country, preserve freedom, and secure it for other people around the world. The museum was originally just a window display in a local antique store, honoring one Brigadier General. It grew to become a traveling school presentation by the founding members. Over the years, through their dedication, the museum got a permanent home. The museum covers the conflicts from the Civil War through to the most current ones.
H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum, 463 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77320, Phone: 936-295-5959
Where to Eat
- Farmhouse Café – Cozy local favorite offering hearty Southern classics, pies, and friendly service.
- Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken and Steak – Latin American restaurant known for its delicious grilled meats and homestyle sides.
- 1836 Steakhouse – Elegant dining spot specializing in premium steaks and seafood, ideal for special occasions.
If you are interested in local events:
- General Sam Houston Folk Festival (Spring) – Celebrate frontier life with costumed reenactors, live music, food, and historic tours at the museum grounds.
- Fair on the Square (October) – Massive arts and crafts festival with hundreds of vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment downtown.
- Winter in the Park (December) – Family-friendly winter event featuring holiday lights, crafts, music, and festive cheer at Rather Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Huntsville, Texas:
- Lake Livingston State Park (25–30 min) – Swim, boat, and fish at this huge reservoir offering plenty of outdoor recreation.
- New Waverly, TX (20–25 min) – Explore small-town charm, visit local bakeries, and hike trails in the nearby Sam Houston National Forest.
- Sam Houston National Forest (15–30 min) – Hike the Lone Star Hiking Trail or camp in this vast protected forestland.
- Walker County Farmers Market (10–15 min) – Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts during market seasons.
- Historic Montgomery, TX (30 min) – Stroll one of Texas’s oldest towns, known for antique shops, cozy cafés, and Texas flag history.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Huntsville located?
- Huntsville is a city in Walker County and serves as the center of the Huntsville micropolitan area. It is located approximately 70 miles north of Houston.
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Why is Huntsville historically significant?
- Huntsville is known as the home of Sam Houston, a hero, politician, and former president of the Republic of Texas.
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What major institutions are located in Huntsville?
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Huntsville is home to:
- Sam Houston State University
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Texas Prison Museum – which features the famous Old Sparky electric chair
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Huntsville is home to:
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What museums can visitors explore in Huntsville?
- The HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas honors veterans throughout history.
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What is the Sam Houston statue?
- The 67-foot-tall Sam Houston statue, located on Interstate 45, can be seen from more than five miles away.
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What outdoor activities are available in Huntsville?
- Huntsville State Park is a popular destination for recreation and wildlife watching.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Sam Houston Inn & Suites – A convenient and budget-friendly stay.
Visit Sam Houston National Forest – Enjoy scenic trails, camping, and wildlife spotting.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for outdoor activities.
Holiday Inn Express Huntsville – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Explore Huntsville State Park – Go hiking, fishing, or kayaking on Lake Raven.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors.
Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville – A well-located stay near major attractions.
Tour the Texas Prison Museum – Learn about the history of the Texas prison system.
Map:
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