Fort Boggy State Park brings together nature and history in Leon County. Spanning 1,847 acres, it encompasses wooded hills, floodplain meadows and wetlands. These landscapes give the park its distinctive character, which is also reflected in its wildlife and plant life.
Nature and Water at Fort Boggy State Park
White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, foxes and beavers live in the park. The rare Centerville-Brazos mint also grows here. There are several specific ways to enjoy the park, whatever your interests: the Lake Trail is 1.5 miles long, and swimming is possible in 15-acre Sullivan Lake. The named trail and the lake experience offer different options.
If you’d rather spend time on the water, you can rent kayaks at the kiosk. Paddles and life jackets are included in the rental. Water excursions complement the nature experiences on land, and there’s no set order in which to enjoy them.
Staying Overnight in the Park
Fort Boggy State Park offers primitive walk-in tent campsites and cabins in the woods. The campsites are accessible only on foot, an important distinction when choosing between these park accommodations. The cabins offer another way to stay in the woods.
A Place with History
In Leon County, Fort Boggy State Park preserves the site of a fortification dating to 1839, near El Camino Real de los Tejas. The park also offers a glimpse into frontier life during the Mexican period. Nature and history are therefore two distinct aspects of the same destination: the park’s landscape and its historical significance.
Centerville and Its Culture
Centerville is located at the intersection of State Highways 7 and 75, Interstate Highway 45 and Farm Road 1119. Fort Boggy State Park is about four miles south of Centerville on State Highway 75. These details help put the park’s location in relation to the town.
The Leon County Courthouse offers a close look at architectural history: its courtroom features original benches and black walnut paneling. Following restoration, the building retains its original fixtures and details. Leona Drug Store offers a different kind of experience: its old-fashioned soda fountain serves shakes, malts, floats, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, limeades and lemonades. The selection may vary.
For a seasonal treat, Huebner Berry Patch offers blackberry picking. This activity depends on the season and harvest conditions. In Centerville, the Chamber of Commerce holds a parade every year on July 4; the annual “Art in the Park” event is also held there. Centerville launched an annual Black-Eyed Pea Festival in 1937. Check current event details before your trip.
A Different Local Flavor in Jewett
Jewett’s city park combines sports fields with a paved walking path. Unlike the natural areas and Lake Trail at Fort Boggy, the focus here is on sports and a walk in town. The Jewett Flea Market is also held monthly; for specific planning, check the current event calendar.
Discover more destinations: Buffalo, Jewett, Marquez, Van Zandt, Brazos, Taylor, Colorado County, Polk.
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