Things to Do in Jasper TX
Jasper, Texas, is known far and wide as the “Jewel of the Forest.” Mild winters, low cost of living, high quality of life, and abundant natural beauty make Jasper a great place to put down roots. Located in deep East Texas amid towering pines and two beautiful lakes, Jasper is a caring community. With a population of approximately 8,500 people, Jasper is the county seat of Jasper County. Jasper boasts southern charm and a small-town atmosphere while offering many modern amenities.
Residents here enjoy a rich heritage and an outstanding quality of life. Newcomers will find a friendly, charming community with a progressive outlook on the future. Jasper residents have always known what a great place the city is to live, work, play and raise a family. We invite others to come experience life at its best.
All year-round, Jasper has something happening. Jasper will captivate your mind and your heart. You’ll find many reasons to come back to Jasper for a weekend or a lifetime.
Recreation in Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn
Lake Sam Rayburn
Just a few minutes northwest of Jasper, Lake Sam Rayburn is the crown jewel of recreation in the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area. The largest lake in Texas, Lake Sam Rayburn is comfortably located approximately halfway between the cities of Beaumont and Longview and runs 79 miles long. Lake Sam Rayburn was named the No. 1 bass fishing lake in the United States in 2018!
The lake is the perfect place for a variety of activities. Residents and vacationers alike flock to Lake Sam Rayburn for popular outdoor fun in fishing, boating, waterskiing, kayaking, wakeboarding and swimming.
For those who prefer to stay dry and still have a good time, camping, bird watching, golfing and hiking are among the most common attractions.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, is a 705-acre recreational area in Jasper and Tyler Counties between Woodville and Jasper on B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir (15,000 acres). Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, wildlife and bird watching. Visitors who want to explore or play can rent canoes, bicycles, flat-bottom boats, volleyballs and horse shoes. There are naturalist activities on the weekends and outdoor educational facilities. Canoe trips down the Angelina or Neches River are offered on the third Saturday of every month, except in August. Call the park in advance to make reservations for scheduled canoe trips.
Birding
For the birding enthusiast, there are a vast array of birds on the Big Thicket Loop for all seasons. You can journey through Sam Rayburn, Boykin Springs, Jasper State Fish Hatchery, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park and B. A. Steinhagen Lake. You can catch a glimpse of the bald eagle, red headed woodpecker, blue jays, hummingbirds, mocking birds and various other beautiful feathered friends.
Boykin Springs
Located on Boykin Springs Lake in the Angelina National Forest, this recreation area offers a little of everything, including camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking and relaxing in nature.
Jasper County Historical Museum
The Jasper County Historical Museum, located on the Jasper downtown square, provides the Jasper area with information about the city’s very interesting history. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Jasper Arboretum & Outdoor Learning Center
This 14-acre complex features several park areas sponsored by a coalition of organizations and the City of Jasper. Sandy Creek runs through the center of the park from Highway 96 to the scenic stone-arched Main Street bridge. The north bank features formal gardens, children’s Kiwanis Park and Library Gardens (dry garden, rose garden and butterfly garden). The newest addition to the park is the Master Gardener greenhouse and Outdoor Learning Center. In front of the greenhouse is a pergola with brick patio and swings, a favorite lunchtime stop for downtown Jasper. Behind the greenhouse is a potting shed/classroom overlooking Sandy Creek, where otter sometimes play. Next to the greenhouse is the Butterfly Gardens. In partnership with our Fall Butterfly Festival, these beautiful creatures are released the third Saturday in October. There is now a permanent Butterfly House where children can get a closer look at the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.
Golfing
Jasper has two golf courses for those golfing enthusiasts. Country Club RV and Event Center offers a 9-hole golf course with 3,221 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36 and Rayburn Country Club offers a newly renovated 18 holes of championship golf course featuring 150 feet of elevation into the tall stately pines of East Texas with new greens, tees, bunkers and manicured fairways for golfers of all levels.
Shopping
If the outdoors doesn’t appeal to you, Jasper has plenty of unique shopping to offer. From antiques to gifts and hunting and fishing equipment you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
The Arts
East Texas Regional Art Center
The East Texas Regional Art Center hosts a new exhibit each month, at no cost to the public. The center is also home to the TJ Art Fine Arts Academy for Home Schooled Students. The center offers day and evening classes in watercolor, oil, pastels and ceramics, along with various workshops and lectures. The center features a fine gift shop with handmade jewelry, small works of art and pottery. Artists can find a library of periodicals, books on art history and reference guides. For more information, visit www.easttexasartleague.org.
Violet Tonahill Center for the Performing Arts
The Jasper Community Theatre, which provides high-quality live entertainment to Jasper County and the surrounding area, is housed in a historic railroad station affectionately known as the Depot, situated on the grounds of the Violet Tonahill Center for the Performing Arts in Deep East Texas. Three plays are presented each season. Performances can include comedies, dramas, musicals and children’s plays. Jasper Community Theatre is the only live theater providing continuous entertainment between Lufkin and Beaumont, Texas.
Events
- DAM2DAM is an annual event held the first weekend in October.
- Fall Butterfly Festival is held annually the third weekend in October.
- Azalea Festival is held annually the third weekend in March.
- Sandy Creek Saturday is held monthly the third Saturday at Sandy Creek Park.