When Johnny Cash sang, “I hear the train a’coming…” he could have been singing about Palestine. This fun-loving, East Texas town offers the best of Lone Star history and Piney Woods beauty with a wide range of activities that make for a fantastic weekend getaway. Home to the Texas State Railroad and its historic passenger train, numerous local shops, and stunning outdoor attractions, Palestine is your next great escape.
Texas State Railroad
The allure of a real train ride never goes out of style, especially in the piney woods of East Texas. Book a half-day excursion aboard the Texas State Railroad, one of Palestine’s best loved attractions, and fitting for riders of all ages. As you coast along the 50-mile round-trip route, you’ll seriously feel like you’ve gone back in time or are part of a Western movie set. It’s no wonder more than 35 productions have been filmed here.
Start off at the Palestine Depot, where you can peruse all sorts of shops stocked with souvenirs, hats, clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and other treasures. Board the train and enjoy the route through beautiful piney woods as you head for the halfway point, the alluring Rusk Depot. The stopover allows time for lunch at the tasty Mail Car Café and shopping in the Historic Depot Gift Shop before the trip back to Palestine.
Select one of several different seating options, from open-air coach to climate-controlled cars with tables for four in varying levels of luxury. Those 18 and older can even book a ride along with the engineer. Every car offers restrooms, and the concessions car features snacks and drinks to enjoy along the way. Both depots feature magnificent architecture and interpretative materials about this history and lore of Texas State Railroad. All aboard!
Old Town Palestine
After having a ride aboard the train, head down to Old Town to see where it all began. This walkable section of downtown Palestine is known for its well-preserved old western architecture, boasts a handful of quaint shops and delicious restaurants.
Stroll through Old Town to discover antiques from times gone by, a local taproom boasting 18 craft beers, aa pocket green space, live music in the evening, delicious pies, and more. Speaking of pies: one of the gems of Old Town is the famed Oxbow Bakery, included among the South’s Best Pies in Southern Living. Lose yourself in this sweet tooth paradise where you’ll have to choose between mile-high lemon meringue, classic Texas pecan, and many more.
Dead Cat Ranch
One of East Texas’ best kept secrets, Dead Cat Ranch is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway for couples, families, friends, or anyone eager to forget the workaday world. The 1,200-acre, family-owned ranch offers a picturesque setting and loads of fun things to do.
The great thing about Dead Cat Ranch is that you can style your experience your way. Explore five miles of ATV trails from a sport utility vehicle provided by the ranch. Test your skills at archery or axe throwing. Spend the day horseback riding through rolling hills and lush grounds. Enjoy an afternoon of clay- or target-shooting, perfect for either beginners or experts. Hit the lake for some fishing and paddle-boating or enjoy a picnic lunch under the waterfront gazebo. Cool off in the swimming pool and relax in the evening with a glass of wine in the hot tub. Or, just grab a book and head for a shady hammock.
The popular spot is outfitted with a variety of lodging options, including two airstream trailers, two cabins and a large bunkhouse that can sleep 20.
Neches River Wilderness Race
There are races, and there are wilderness races. Test your mettle in the 32nd Neches River Wilderness Race, a kayak and canoe competition held this year on August 3, 2024. The annual event provides action-packed fun while raising money for a great cause.
The 22-mile route along one of Texas’ most beautiful waterways is known for being challenging, but don’t worry. You’ll be distracted by breathtaking scenery. With no development of any kind along the race route, all you see is lush shoreline greenery, azure skies and the river’s surface glinting with sunlight. Hear the call of native waterfowl and songbirds, and the pleasant slapping of paddles as you make your way along the route.
Two classes of paddlers, leisure and pro, embark on the journey at different starting times to keep things fair and fun. Enjoy water stations on the route, burgers and watermelon at the finish line and free shuttles back to the starting line and parking lot.
Proceeds contribute to a Scholarship for Trinity Valley Community College, benefitting single parents, veterans and others in need of financial support to pursue higher education.
Conclusion
Visit Palestine today to create the perfect weekend getaway. This charming town features numerous options for accommodations in every price range, from airstream trailers on a 1,200-acre ranch, to familiar chain hotels and everything in between. Book your stay today.
