Daylilies with a short blooming season
According to its own description, the Lily Farm in Center is one of the largest daylily farms in the United States. Its blooming season typically runs from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day, with peak bloom falling on Memorial Day weekend. The exact blooming schedule varies from year to year. If bloom timing is important to your plans, check how the season is progressing in the year of your visit. During its Open House, the farm sells daylily seedlings to the public by the clump. If you’re planning to visit for this sale, confirm the Open House date in advance.
History in Center and the County
Shelby County lies on Texas’s eastern border, with the Sabine River separating it from Louisiana. In Center, the Shelby County Museum is housed in a home dating from the early 20th century. A timeline and historic rooms cover the history of the Caddo, Spanish explorers, and pioneer settlers. The museum is located at 230 Pecan Street.
The Shelby County Courthouse in Center is also part of the town’s history: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 31, 1971. The historic Shelby County Jail now houses the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Together with the museum’s exhibits, these buildings offer different ways to explore the county’s history without reducing it to a single era.
An earlier chapter in this history is the Regulator-Moderator War. The conflict was fought within Shelby County from 1842 to 1844 and ended after Texas President Sam Houston dispatched 500 militiamen. This provides historical context for the county, while the museum and historic buildings offer tangible connections in Center.
Parks: Walking Trails, Fishing, and Play Areas
Center’s parks program operates four public parks and offers two walking trails. The municipal parks are free to use, with facilities available on a first-come, first-served basis. Center Park has a fishing pond with a pier, a 0.4-mile multi-use trail, a concession area, and restrooms. Portacool Park offers a splash pad, walking trails, and an inclusive playground with accessible features. The parks offer different options: fishing and a multi-use trail at Center Park, and play and walking opportunities at Portacool Park. Park facilities may change; check facility information before planning a visit.
Annual Festivals
Watermelons take center stage at the What-A-Melon Festival. It typically takes place on the first weekend after July 4; exact dates may vary each year. The East Texas Poultry Festival in Center celebrates the heritage of poultry production and takes place on the first weekend in October. Its program includes craft booths featuring a wide selection of creative items, as well as the annual 5K Chicken Trot. Festival programming may change from year to year. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip around them.
On the Water: Timpson Reservoir
Timpson Reservoir is in Shelby County and covers 223 acres of water, with 8 miles of shoreline. An angler review describes the bass fishing as excellent and attributes the abundance of trophy-size bass to a 14- to 21-inch harvest slot. Fishing conditions can change over time; check current conditions when planning a fishing trip.
Discover more destinations: Bowie County, Rockwall, Mills County, DeWitt County, Bosque County, Young, Joaquin, Center
For the main travel overview: Texas.
