This East Texas community began as a frontier trading post. Surrounded by tall pine forests, the city is a gateway to Sam Houston National Forest, named for Huntsville’s most famous resident. The city is also home to Sam Houston State University.
Many Texans also know Huntsville as the headquarters of the Texas prison system but you don’t have to be sentenced here to want to visit—and stay—in this picturesque and historic community.
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Dog-Friendly Attractions
Fort Boggy State Park. Located northwest of Huntsville near the community of Centerville, this park was the location of a fort in the 1840s; today it primarily provides protection against urban burnout. The park on Boggy Creek as well as a small lake offers 3-1/2 miles of trails, swimming for you and your dog, free paddleboats, and birding. And even the park ranger warns to bring bug spray during spring months when Fort Boggy becomes Fort Buggy! This day-use park is open Wednesday through Sunday. Info: 4994 TX 75 S., Centerville; (903) 344-1116; www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Free.
Huntsville State Park. Located 6 miles southwest of Huntsville, this 2,000-plus-acre park adjoins Sam Houston National Forest so expect plenty of shady trails for you and Fido to explore. Hiking, camping, canoeing on Lake Raven, and fishing are top activities. Your dog will find plenty of paddling options but dogs are not permitted in the designated swimming area. The Lone Star Hiking Trail (see Cleveland) comes through here and travels to Sam Houston National Forest. Other trails in the park great for canine exploration are Chinquapin Trail along Big Chinquapin Creek (with a boardwalk), Dogwood Trail and Loblolly Trail. Keep an eye out for horses on some trails; you and your dog should always yield the trail to equestrians. Info: State Park Rd. 40; (936) 295-5644; www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Fee.
Lake Livingston State Park. Located east of Huntsville about a mile southwest of Livingston, this park offers 635 acres of recreational opportunities along Lake Livingston. It’s a great place to camp, swim, picnic, boat, and fish for crappie, catfish, perch, and bass. There are also trails through the forests for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Info: 300 State Park Rd. 65, off US 59; (936) 365-2201; tpwd.state.tx.us. Fee.
Pineview Dog Park. Located near Sam Houston State University, this fenced park is usually a quiet place to let your dog exercise; drinking fountains and benches are available. Info: 2335 23rd St. Free.
Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. This 67-foot tall statue (on a 10-foot base) sculpted by artist David Adickes is the world’s tallest statue of an American hero. On the path to the statue, your dog can pose next to a 3-D model of the statue’s head. The site is also home to the city visitors center. Info: 7600 TX 75 S. (exit 109 or 112 off I-45); (936) 291-9726. Free.
More Attractions
Blue Lagoon. It may be the last thing you expect in landlocked East Texas but this former rock quarry makes an interesting spot to dive. Scuba lessons, dive gear, and weekend camping are offered here as well. 649 Pinedale Rd.
Gibbs-Powell House Museum. This Greek-Revival house was built in 1862 by a Huntsville businessman and was named a registered state landmark by the Texas Antiquities Committee. The home now contains exhibits on local history and is open for public tours. 1228 11th St.
Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Park Complex. Artifacts from the Houston family, as well as two of his residences: The Woodland Home and The Steamboat House where he died, are featured at the complex which covers 15 acres. There are also exhibits on the secession and annexation of Texas. 1402 19th St.
Texas Prison Museum. This museum is a natural since Huntsville is headquarters for the Texas Prison System. Exhibits include “old Sparky,” a vintage electric chair, as well as craft items made by prisoners. 491 Hwy 75 N.
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CC Image courtesy of michael mccullough photos on Flickr