Fun and adventure beckons friends and families to explore the many attractions of Huntsville and Walker County. Enjoy the great outdoors, explore historic venues or check out festivals and museums. There’s something for everyone.
The Fair on the Square
Looking for a place to take the whole family for fun, food and adventure? The Annual Fair on the Square offers the perfect solution! Over 400 vendors set up shop in the historic downtown district selling many unique items, some hand crafted by local artisans. Jewelry, home décor, apparel and many more treasures can be found by both vendors and the merchants on the downtown square.
The Kids Korner, a haven of fun for children of all ages, includes a giant slide, balloon artist, petting zoo, bungee run, monster mural, face painting, archery station, free arts and crafts projects and so much more! The Food Court will tempt you to taste fair specialties such as homemade root beer floats, freshly squeezed lemonade and sweet tea as well as kettle korn, corn dogs, barbecue and anything fried you can imagine.
Two local bands entertain the crowd in the Beer Garden, while spectators spend the afternoon enjoying an adult beverage or sipping a soft drink. The Wine Knot provides a quaint atmosphere for patrons to sip and taste wine from many Texas Vineyards. Come sit down and enjoy a glass or purchase a bottle to take home and enjoy later! The Fair on the Square offers something for every age and gender the first Saturday in October annually.
Huntsville State Park
Pack a picnic and a fishing pole and discover beautiful Huntsville State Park. Rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboats and explore the pristine waters of 210-acre Lake Raven. Go geocaching and enjoy a modern-day treasure hunt. With 160 campsites, stay for the night surrounded by majestic trees and nature. Forget something? Pick up camp supplies on-site at Gator Junction. www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville
Walker County Fair & Rodeo
Eight days of fun, excitement and festivities are in store at the annual Walker County Fair & Rodeo. Visit the petting zoo and browse exhibits and booths, showcasing the best of Walker County, including fine arts, baked goods, crafts and horticulture. Musical entertainment delights all, and don’t miss the crowning of the Fair Queen. Head to the rodeo for action-packed good times as cowboys compete in the arena excelling in bulk riding, barrel racing and roping.
www.walkercountyfair.com
Sam Houston Statue & Visitors Center
Learn about the life and times of legendary Texan Sam Houston, and enjoy the stunning view of the Sam Houston Statue, towering 67 feet on a 10-foot, sunset granite base. “Big Sam” was created by world-renowned painter and sculptor David Adickes, a Huntsville native and graduate of Sam Houston State University. Stop by the gift shop, and find treasures and memorabilia for a trip to remember.
www.huntsvilletexas.com/148/Statue-Visitor-Center
Sam Houston Memorial Museum
An American icon and hero, Sam Houston is admired far and wide for his leadership and contributions to Texas. A larger-than-life personality, Houston’s life is chronicled in full at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum nestled on 15 acres of his homestead. Explore traditional galleries, displays and artifacts celebrating his life and times. Find presents for friends and family at the Wigwam Neosho gift shop. Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round.
www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Oakwood Cemetery
Filled with graceful old trees, artistic monuments and ornate markers, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of statesmen, slaves and notable Texans, including Sam Houston. It’s also home to the Christus Statue, a full-sized bronze replica of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen’s masterpiece, which is considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful sculpture of Christ. www.walkercountyhistory.org/oakwood_cemetery.php
The Wynne Home Arts Center
The gateway to the Huntsville Cultural District, the Wynne Home Arts Center is a beautifully restored 19th century mansion and historic Texas landmark. Celebrating arts and culture, it’s a community hub, featuring special events, exhibits and creative endeavors in partnership with Sam Houston State University. Only two blocks from downtown Huntsville, the facility is available for rental to nonprofits and individuals. www.thewynnehome.com
Huntsville Cultural District
It’s all here: antique shops, museums, cafes, music, dance performances, historic homes and plenty of places to stroll as you discover the arts and culture in Texas. Workshops offer opportunities to develop artistic skills. Downtown buildings are dappled with murals created by world-renowned artist Richard Haas. Tour artistic homes, and take note of historic architecture that accents the district.
www.huntsvilleculturaldistrict.com
Texas Prison Museum
Attracting more than 34,000 visitors each year, the museum provides a bird’s eye-view of the lives of inmates, from creative endeavors to exhibits that capture the harsh realities of prison life. Capital punishment exhibits and prison contraband fashioned from materials in the prison are on display, along with artwork, drawings and sculptures fashioned by inmates. In the gift shop, find an array of handcrafted items to take home. www.txprisonmuseum.org
H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas
Founded in 1993, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas salutes men and women who bravely dedicate their lives to serving the United States of America. Enjoy exhibits that display memorabilia and veterans’ legacies. www.heartsmuseum.com