Area Attractions
1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX 75751 (2.3 miles, 6 min drive)
The East Texas Arboretum is 100 acres of wildlife and gardens. This
Arboretum has a collection of historical buildings, botanical gardens,
and a wooded nature area. The garden is filled with ponds, trees,
flowers, and animals.
The wooded nature area seems to come alive as you hike along two
miles of woodland trails through the forest. There are many creatures
that you can see while you hike, for example, deer, exotic birds, insects,
camouflaged frogs, and much more. The hiking trail will lead you
towards spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge.
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5550 FM2495, Athens, TX 75752 (9 min, 5.6)
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is a visitation and outdoor
education center with a production fish hatchery. It provides an
educational and entertaining visitor experience for all ages, and
encourages freshwater sport fishing in Texas.
This fisheries center is a great way to get the family out for a fun and
educational day. The TFFC also includes educational programs, aquaria
exhibits, and interpretive wetlands trail.
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8603 Co Rd 3914, Athens, TX 75752, (7.1 miles, 12 min drive)
The Tara Vindeyard & Winery is the oldest winery in Henderson County.
This Vineyard and Winery includes a cuisine, brewery, and many
different wines.
The cuisine features freshly prepared dishes and fun share plates to
enjoy. Settled on plain fields is the TARA INN house. This century house
consists of a special spa bathroom, a huge Jaccuzi tub and four large guest
rooms. The INN is for guests who are looking for a quiet place to hang or stay
overnight.
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Athens, TX 75752 (7.8 miles, 13 min drive)
Lake Athens is huge reservoir located to the east of Athens. This lake is
about 1,799 acres and 50 feet deep. Many tourists visit Lake Athens for
a fun time with the whole family.
Lake Athens is a great way to get out for some fresh air and enjoy
nature. The lake is mainly used for fishing and boating. One of the most
common fish found in Lake Athens is the largemouth bass. Some other
types of fish you may find are White Bass, Crappie, and the Redear
Sunfish.
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Patterson Rd, Athens, TX 75751 (2.8 miles, 7 min drive)
The Land of lights Christmas Park has more than 4 million lights and is
more than 1 mile long. This park has more than 50 different musical
scenes, and is the perfect way to spend time with your family during a
winter holiday.
The Land of Lights Christmas park also provides tour buses, but must be
requested prior before your arrival. Each year the park tries to add new
scenes, music, and art. The park is open every year from November 10 th
through the end of 3 rd of January.
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7290 Cr 4328, LaRue, TX 75770 (16.9 miles, 21 min drive)
The New York Texas Zipline Adventures is a great way to view nature
and sceneries while having a bit of fun. As you zipline through the
forest you can see the stunning views and surroundings.
Tours are available for ages 5 and up. A Zipline Tour lasts about 1 to 2
hours and it is very important to arrive on time. Before you begin your
zipline tour you will be taught on the safety system and how to zipline
properly through the forest.
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12526 Co Rd 3806, Murchison, TX 75778 (12 miles, 17 min drive)
The Cleveland Armory Black Beauty Ranch is an animal sanctuary in
Murchison. The sanctuary is open every month 1-2 times, and provides
guided tours to view all kinds of animals.
The ranch was founded by Cleveland Amory in 1979, and is over 1,400
acres. It is home to more than 800 exotic animals. Many of these
animals have been rescued from near-death situations, and others have
been rescued from roadside zoos.
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500 N Murchison St Athens, TX 75751 (0.4 mile, 1 min drive)
Athens Scuba Park is a great destination for friends and family. In this
all-inclusive diving facility there are over 11 diving docks around the
lake and 35 sunken wrecks.
This park is the perfect place for water lovers. You can view underwater
life with your scuba gear and see all the different creatures and sunken
items. This park also includes a shop, where you can get the right
equipment needed to go scuba diving.
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14225 Fm 316 Eustace, TX 75124 (13.3 miles, 17 min drive)
Purtis Creek State Park has many activities you can enjoy by yourself,
your family, and friends. With their 355-acre lake this park has one of
the best bass fishing destinations in Athens, TX.
Fishing is not all that the park offers; you can go swimming, canoeing, biking,
kayaking, camping, hiking, and much more! Purtis Creek State Park also lends fishing
rods and rentable kayaks for those who don’t own one.
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406 S Prairieville St Athens, TX 75751 (1.2 miles, 5 min drive)
Kiwanis City Park is a great park for children and families. The park is
spacious and includes a huge playground. For children under the age of
5, there is a smaller and safer playground and a bigger playground for
the older kids.
Another great addition to this park is the splash park area. The splash
park is a fun little area with ground-level fountains, for those who want
to get a little wet and have some fun in the water.