4 Favorite Tourist Attractions in Driving Distance of Athens, TX

If you’re looking for a charming town with plenty of character and exciting tourist attractions, Athens, TX, is the perfect getaway. Gather your tribe, load everyone in a spacious Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, and head down the road to explore the town’s favorite spots below. 

1. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Did you know that Texans spend more money on fishing than other outdoor activities? You can learn all about it and the native aquatic creatures that live in the state’s freshwater rivers and lakes at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center at 5550 F.M. 2495 in Athens.

The center consists of a 300,000-gallon aquarium, state-of-the-art hatchery, laboratory, museum, hall of fame, and an educational facility that provides numerous educational and fun ways to learn about the Texans underwater. The aquarium exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s diverse aquatic ecosystems, while the hatchery, one of five state fish hatcheries, helps maintain the quality of fishing in Texas. 

2. Lake Athens

The scenic 1,799-acre Lake Athens, a popular spot for watersports and fishing, is roughly five miles from town at 5401 Marina Drive. Spend a day paddling, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the open water. The lake is famous for whopper largemouth bass, some weighing in at up to eight pounds, and boasts a record catch of 14.19 pounds.

There’s also a good supply of sunfish, white bass, and crappie. Lake Athens Marina is the ideal place to start your adventure. The marina has a public boat ramp, general store, and bait shop and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you want to stay overnight, Lone Star Camp has lovely modern and rustic cabins and bunk-style houses right on the lake.  

3. Athens Scuba Park

The Athens Scuba Park at 500 North Murchison Street in Athens is the ultimate getaway for an underwater adventure. This all-inclusive dive facility right on a tree-lined 8-acre spring-fed lake has everything you need for an unforgettable diving experience.

With ten diving docks scattered around the lake and sunken treasures that include sailboats, airplanes, and even a bus and a truck, there’s no shortage of excitement. The park is a world-class dive site that offers diving lessons, a full-service dive shop, equipment rental, and an RV and tent campground. 

4. The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society at 1601 Patterson Road in Athens. The Wofford House Museum boasts a charming Kitchen Garden that enhances the rustic charm and historical authenticity of the 1850s farmhouse. The Children’s Garden is more than just a playground; it’s also a beautiful spot to observe birds around in fountains and small ponds scattered throughout the area.

Admire the colorful flower beds in the Ruby Key Garden and stroll down the trails through lush woodlands to the Garden in the Forest with statues and fountains over a 115-foot suspension bridge to catch glimpses of bird and animal life. 

Athens has terrific attractions and quite a few interesting and exciting surprises to discover. While in the area, drop by Bacon Auto Ranch for top-quality vehicles and the town’s best maintenance and repair services. 

Image by Lorri Lang from Pixabay

Tags: Athens, Day trip ideas, Driving distance, Local sightseeing, Must-visit destinations, Nearby places of interest, Road trip destinations, Texas, Tourist attractions, Travel inspiration, TX, Weekend escapes
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