Palestine, Texas, combines railroad history with art in the Main Street District and activities at lakes and in the forest. To choose your focus, it helps to distinguish between these themes: railroad heritage ranges from historic buildings and informational displays to the Piney Woods Express diesel excursion. Outdoors, the focus is on forests, lakes and self-guided kayaking and canoeing trips.
Railroad History in Its Many Forms
The Palestine Depot represents Victorian-era architecture, which became popular with the advent of steam locomotives. Inside the depot, informational displays cover the history of the Texas State Railroad, surrounding communities, the pioneer spirit and railroad history. The architecture and exhibits offer different points of interest: the building represents an architectural style, while the displays explore historical topics.
The Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum, with its Domis Model RR layout, offers another perspective. The Piney Woods Express diesel excursion travels through the Piney Woods of East Texas and through 135 years of history. Palestine therefore offers both railroad-related exhibits and an excursion that brings the landscape and railroad history together.
Art, Museums and Historic Buildings
In the Main Street District, Palestine offers a historic walking tour. Art Tracks is also located there: an annual, juried outdoor sculpture exhibition at prominent locations. The individual sculptures change. Those interested in the art in the district can consider the exhibition and the historic tour as separate offerings.
Museums also cover different subjects. The Curious Museum offers an interactive, hands-on exhibition for everyone from preschool-age children to adults. The Carnegie Library building in Palestine was completed in 1914 and designated a “Registered Texas Historic Landmark” in 1970. Another historic reference is Reagan High School, which opened as a new high school in Palestine in early 1916. These dates help place these local history landmarks in time.
Forests, Lakes and Outdoor Activities
The Palestine Community Forest covers 700 acres of pine and hardwood trees. Scenic drives there lead to lakes with opportunities for fishing and picnicking. At the Palestine Community Lakes, possible activities include kayaking and canoeing as well as fishing. The options described differ accordingly: the forest offers scenic drives and picnicking, while the lakes also offer water-based activities.
For self-guided kayaking and canoeing trips on the area’s scenic rivers and lakes, the Visitor Center provides printed maps. Davey Dogwood Park has two picnic areas. These offerings complement the options at the Community Lakes and in the forest with another place to picnic.
Market and Event Dates
The Palestine Farmers Market offers fresh produce, pasture-raised meat, baked goods and handcrafted items. The products are grown or made within a 100-mile radius. The market operates seasonally from March through December; check the specific dates before your trip.
The Palestine Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival takes place on the last full weekend in March at the Museum for East Texas Culture. If the festival fits your stay, check the event dates before your trip. In addition to railroad history, art and nature, Palestine therefore offers concrete reasons to plan a visit around music and regional products.
For the broader travel overview: Anderson.
