Cool Things To Do In Nacogdoches: the Oldest Town in Texas.

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As the oldest town in Texas – founded in 1779 – it’s no wonder you will find lots of cool things to do in Nacogdoches. And, it won’t only be heavy on the history of Texas. You will find yourself walking or biking in the park, shopping for antiques, or sipping wine or beer in the winery or breweries. And let’s not forget. Nacogdoches is the garden capital of Texas! 

All of these things plus a few more brought Nacogdoches to the top ten tourist destinations in Texas.

Our family got to visit Nacogdoches last Easter weekend from our home in the south of Fort Worth. We arrived Friday afternoon after we made a stop at the beautiful Mission Tejas State Park in Grapeland and Indian Mound in Alto. We stayed for a night and wished we could stay for another night. 

Before we go further into the fun things to do in Nacogdoches, let’s learn how to pronounce Nacogdoches. NAK-ə-DOH-chis. 

Now, let’s find out where Nacogdoches is located in Texas.

Where is Nacogdoches Texas?

Nacogdoches is located in the heart of Deep East Texas, less than 3 hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. From Shreveport in Louisiana it’s not even a 2 hour drive.

This Garden Capital of Texas is also nestled between three national forests and a short drive from two of the largest lakes in Texas.

Not only that, Nacogdoches is home to Stephen F. Austin State University.

Things to do in Nacogdoches

1. Visit Charles Bright Visitor Center

Charles Bright Visitor Center is not only a place for learning about the history of Nacogdoches and its people. The building itself is full of history. It has served as a post office, office space for various government agencies, an army induction center, a public library, and currently as the city’s Visitor’s Information Center since it was built in 1917. If you travel with dogs, they are welcome in the center. Our dog Snoopy enjoyed riding the lift that took us to the exhibition in the basement. Public restrooms can be found inside the building as well. 

Address: 200 E. Main Street. Ph.: (936) 564-7351.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 10-4; Sun 1-4. 

2. Explore Historic Downtown Nacogdoches on foot

Before leaving the visitor center, arm yourself with travel brochures. Strolling around the red brick streets of historic downtown while finding historical markers, statues, and searching for old architectures is a must do in Nacogdoches. Old buildings occupied by stores, restaurants, and businesses. Look for the iconic General Mercantile mural across the Visitor Center. You can’t miss this when you are visiting downtown Nacogdoches. This General Mercantile was once the location of Stone’s Cafe, where Bonnie Parker used to work before she joined Clyde Barrow.

Address of General Mercantile: 216 E Pillar Street.

3. Enjoy the gardens across the city

As the Garden Capital of Texas, you will find several gardens dotted the city. From a small compact park to an arboretum. Many of the historical sites have traditional, period-appropriate landscaping. While you can enjoy the parks year-round, the end of March is very special with Azalea blooming around residential and historic districts. In case you do not know, Nacogdoches is also home of the largest azalea garden in Texas. In 2004 it was named the first “Azalea City of America” by the Azalea Society of America, and it was recertified in 2012. You can walk the Azalea Trail in Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden.

Address: University Dr. (between Starr Ave. and College St.) Ph.: (936) 468-1832.

4. Hop on Hop off to Museums & Historical Landmarks

Here’s the opportunity for you to learn more about Texas and Nacogdoches history. Scattered around town, you will learn about Sam Houston and others who had developed the state, life in the 1800s, East Texas architecture, railroads of the Nacogdoches, and many more. You will also learn about the nine flags that have flown over the city. Enjoy your visit from the oldest house that is still standing on its original site to the fort that never served as a fort. From the Old Nacogdoches University Building to Nacogdoches Railroad Museum. Just drive your car around downtown.

Here are some of the places that you can’t miss while visiting Nacogdoches:

– Durst Taylor House and Gardens 

The second oldest structure in Nacogdoches that is still standing on its original site. An 1830s wood-frame house interpreted the 1840 to 1860 time period when the Blackburn family lived there. The grounds include a blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and historic garden.  

Address: 304 North Street. Ph.: (936) 560-4443.

Hours: Wed-Sat 10-4.

– Fortney Home 

A historic Victorian home that functions as a fun shopping experience destination.

Address: 310 N. Mound St. Ph.: (936) 205-3117.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5. Sunday is closed unless gates are open.

– Millard’s Crossing Historic Village 

A charming, reconstructed historic village that comprises a broad sampling of 19th century East Texas architecture from simple log cabins to Victorian homes. All of the structures were moved from its original sites to create this village.  

Address: 6020 North St. Ph.: (936) 564-6631.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-4.

– Nacogdoches Railroad Depot 

A place to learn about railroads and the depot of Nacogdoches City and County.  

Address: 101 Old Tyler Rd. Ph.: (936) 560-4443.

Hours: Thurs-Sat 10-4.

– Old Nacogdoches University Building

Built in 1859, it is the only original building of a university chartered by the Republic of Texas still standing. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum inside depicts the 19th century education and a Confederate Hospital.

Address: 515 N. Mound St. Ph.: (936) 569-7292.

Hours: Tue Thurs 1-4; Sat 10-4.

– Sterne Hoya Museum & Library

The oldest structure in Nacogdoches that is still standing on its original site. It was built by Nicholas Adolphus Sterne in 1830. In 1869 Mrs. Sterne sold the house to Mr. Joseph Von der Hoya before it was gifted to the city in 1958. The collection inside the house includes Hoya objects from the Victorian Age and objects from the Empire period when the Sterne’s owned the house. People still use the small library there to find information about local and Texas history, and genealogy.  

Address: 211 S. Lanana St. Ph.: (936) 560-5426.

Hours: Wed-Sat 10-4. You need to call ahead.

– Stone Fort Museum.

A fort that never served as a fort. Instead, it was used as a trading post, private home, church, jail, and saloon. 

Address: 1808 Alumni Drive North. Ph.: (936) 468-2408.

Hours: Tue-Sat 9-5; Sun 1-5.

5. Detour to Oak Grove Cemetery

One of the most famous cemeteries in Texas is located in Nacogdoches. Not because the oldest grave is dated back to 1837, but because this cemetery is the final resting place for some legendary Texans, including the four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. They are located right after the entrance, both on the left and right sides.

Address: 200 N. Lanana St.

6. Spot the Statues

Follow the Statue Trail that features eleven men and women whose lives and work tell the story of Nacogdoches. Most of the statues are located around historic downtown, and the trail begins with the “Gateway” located at the front of the Historic Town Center. You can do the trail when exploring town on foot. Then you need to drive around for a few more that you can combine with Museums & Historical Landmarks hopping.

7. Walk the Trails

Whether you want to walk, hike, bike, or just sit back and take in the natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with trails in Nacogdoches. If you like bird watching, more than one half of 300 bird species common in East Texas can be found at SFA Experimental Forest. Not to mention the more than 80 species of butterflies that add color and beauty to the trails. You can also walk on the original Indian path while listening to birds’ chirping at Lanana Creek Trail. On Banita Creek you can find “Ab’s chair”, an 8 foot, 300 pound sculpture created by local artist Jeffie Brewer. Here are the places where you can enjoy the trails:

– Banita Creek Trail

Address: west end of Rusk St.

Hours: 24/7.

– Lanana Creek Trail

Address: 805 E. Main St.

– Margil Park

Address: 805 E. Main St. (pick up the Lanana Creek Trail at the Liberty Hall.)

– SFA Experimental Forest

Address: 506 Hayter St.

– SFA Interpretive Trail

Address: FM 2782

– SFA Mast Arboretum

Address: 924 Wilson Dr.

8. Shop til you drop

They say you may want to bring an extra suitcase when visiting Nacogdoches. Here’s why. Downtown Nacogdoches is full with antique stores to home decor, apparel for everyone in the family to jewelry stores, gift stores to collectibles, and so much more. Some of our favorites are Antiques on Main, Brick Streets Antiques & Collectibles, Corner Collectibles, and Spring and Prince Boutique.

9. Sip the Wine or Beer

Nacogdoches may be small, but that doesn’t mean you will not find a place to sit and relax while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Visit Fredonia Brewery, Nacogdoches’ first microbrewery, operated since the 1850s. It’s a kid and pet-friendly place with great food to go with it. Or visit Naca Valley Vineyard, the only winery in Nacogdoches with a vineyard, a winemaking facility, and a tasting room in one location. They even offer winemaking production tours. There’s also a wine tasting room and a wine bar downtown, and a distillery on the outskirts of town.

– Cottage Wine Bar

Address: 122 North Mound. Ph.: (936) 305-3021.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 4-10; Fri-Sat 11-11; Sun 11-3.

– Fredonia Brewery

Address: 138 North Mound. Ph.: (936) 305-5125.

Hours: Sat 2-8

– Front Porch Distillery 

Address: 7905 US Hwy 59 S. Ph.: (936) 564-3999.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9.

– Naca Valley Vineyard

Address: 9897 FM 1878. Ph.: (936) 715-7485.

Hours: Fri 5-9; Sat 10-9; other days by appointment by calling (936) 615-6432 or (936) 615-9394.

– Red House Winery

Address: 108 E. Pillar. Ph.: (936) 305-5068. 

Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs. Noon-7; Fri-Sat noon-8.

10. Step onto the 1690s in Mission Tejas State Park

In the late 1600s, French and Spanish competed to gain control over Texas. The Spanish built their first mission among the village of the Caddo Indians, Mission San Francisco de los Tejas. Around the same time, from 1686 to 1692, they built a 2,500 mile road from Guererro in Mexico to Louisiana named El Camino Real (the Royal Road.) Now you can see the replica of the mission and traces of the original El Camino Real in Mission Tejas State Park. Also, there’s a log cabin from the 1800s. The park is located about 39 miles from Nacogdoches, but it’s worth the drive. If you visit Nacogdoches from the Dallas or Fort Worth area, you can stop at the park first.

Address: 120 Park Road 44, Grapeland, TX 75844. Ph.: (936) 687-2394.

Hours: open daily, but you need to go online to obtain your daily passes before the visit.

Admission Fees: Adult $3 daily; Children 12 year and under FREE.

11. Dive Into the Hasinai Ancient Civilization at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site

More than 1,200 years ago, a group of Caddo Indians known as the Hasinai built a village and ceremonial center 26 miles west of present-day Nacogdoches. Today, visitors still can see three earthen mounds rise from the landscape and learn about their everyday life through exhibits and programs. Note: if you’ve seen online images of the Caddo’s hut from this historic site, it is no longer there. A tornado that hit the area flattened the hut, including the Visitor Center. Now they have a temporary air-conditioned Visitor Center, equipped with a restroom, with limited exhibition materials. However, you still can walk to the site grounds, or ride one of the golf carts provided for visitors (even your dog can ride in it.) Across the site grounds, you can walk on traces of El Camino Real.

Address: 1649 State Hwy 21 W, Alto, TX 75925. Ph.: (936) 858-3218.

Hours: Site Grounds Tue-Sun 8.30-4.30; Visitors Center Wed-Sun 8.30-4.30.

Admission Fees: Adults $4; Youth (ages 6-18) $3; Senior Special on Fridays half-price.

12. Discover the Pineywood Barn Quilt

Barn quilts are traditional quilt patches created from either wooden or metal pieces displayed on the barn. It began in the early 2000’s in the Midwest. Now Nacogdoches has their own version of Americana’s barn quilt. Follow the Pineywood Barn Quilt Trails and watch for the pieces either on the barn, home, businesses, fence, or freestanding frame.

13. Have Fun with Kids

Of course, the city doesn’t forget kids when providing a list of things to do in Nacogdoches. Depending on time of visit, children will have fun at a waterpark, a miniature golf, or jumping to a spring fed pond. Drive to the neighboring towns for a drive-thru safari, a zoo, a train ride, or more of outdoor fun. Skating and bowling are always fun because you can do it at all times. 

– Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park

Address: 4675 CR 153, Garrison. Ph.: (936) 564-8888.

Hours: the pond is open for summer.    

– Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

Address: 1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville. Ph.: (903) 683-3322.

Hours: varied by season. Mon-Sat opens at 10. Sun at 1; Last car admitted: winter 3, spring 4, summer 5, fall 4. 

Prices: between $9.95-$15.95, depending on number of people and age group in your party.

– Ellen Trout Zoo

Address: 402 Zoo Circle, Lufkin. Ph.: (936) 633-0399.

Hours: open daily from 9-5.

– Lake Naconiche Retreat

Address: 1045 CR 137, Garrison. Ph.: (936) 585-9770.

– Nacoville Mini Golf

Address: 3507 North St.

Hours: March-May Fri 6-10 Sat-Sun 2-10; beginning June open daily 2-10.

– Skate-O-Rama

Address: 1208 Douglass Rd. Ph.: (936) 634-4001.

Hours: Fri 6-9; Sat 12-10; Sun 2-5.

– Splash Kingdom

Address: 401 N. University Dr. Ph.: (936) 305-5009.

Hours: open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; Sun-Thurs 11-6; Fri-Sat 11-7.

– Texas Pro Bowl

Address: 3800 North St. Ph.: (936) 560-3822.

Hours: Mon-Fri 12-12; Sat 10am-1am; Sun 12-10.

– Texas State Railroad

Address: 535 Park Road 76, Rusk. (855) 632-7729.      

Hours: click the following link Texas State Railroad. 

– Zip Camp

Address: 199 Brother John Rd. Ph.: (936) 645-5094.

Hours: call for reservations.

Where to Eat in Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches knows how to satisfy your appetite for great food. From Texas BBQ to taco to Italian dishes, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of them:

– Auntie Pasta’s

Address: 211 Old Tyler Road. Ph.: (936) 569-2171.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-9; Fri-Sat 11-10.

– 1st City Cafe

Address: 200 North Fredonia St. Ph.: (936) 564-1234.

Hours: Breakfast 6.30-10 daily; Lunch 11-9 Sun-Thurs; Dinner 11-10 Fri-Sat.

– Butcher Boys

Address: 603 North St. Ph.: (936) 560-1137.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7.

– Dolli’s Diner

Address: 116 S. Pecan St. Ph.: (936) 305-5007.

Hours: Mon-Wed 7-5; Thurs-Sat 7-8; Sun 9-4.

– The Jalapeno Tree

Address: 637 N. University. Ph.: (936) 715-9133.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11.

– Clear Springs

Address: 211 Old Tyler Rd. Ph.: (936) 569-0489.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-9; Fri-Sat 11-10.

– Blue Horse Bakery

Address: 112 N. Church St. Ph.: (936) 564-4100.

Hours: Tue-Fri 9-6; Sat 8-6; Sun 8-3.

Where to Stay in Nacogdoches

As one of the top ten tourist destinations in Texas, Nacogdoches has a wide choice of accommodation. From hotel to B&B to RV Parks, located around downtown to the outskirts of town blending in with nature. 

Here are some of them:

– The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center

A town’s pride, located near downtown. This boutique hotel has rooms that are dog-friendly.

Address: 200 N Fredonia. Ph.: (936) 564-1234.

– Hardeman House

A beautiful Bed & Breakfast located only a couple of blocks from the red brick streets of historic downtown Nacogdoches.

Address: 316 N. Church St. Ph.: (936) 205-5280.

– Church Street Loft in Downtown Nacogdoches

Check out this eclectic airbnb that is a short walk away from great shopping and restaurants.

Address: 106 Church St., Upstairs Loft.

– Stag Leap Country Cabins & Extended Stays

A private retreat with a bed and breakfast flare in the pineywood.

Address: 2219 FM 2782. Ph.: (936) 560-0766.

– Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park

A big RV Park with a spring fed pond and trails. People kept coming back for dipping in the spring fed pond. Another interesting thing, there are deers, peacocks, and guineas roaming freely in the campground. We traveled with our dog and pulled a teardrop. So we stayed at Camp Tonkawa Springs and it was great to see the animals roaming in the camp ground and we even had breakfast with the peacocks.

Address: 4675 CR 153, Garrison. Ph.: (936) 564-8888.

Now that you have learned about all the cool things to do in Nacogdoches, it’s time for you to explore the oldest town in Texas yourself. If you’ve been to this town, tell me your favorite things to do or places to visit by leaving a comment below.