Mar 25, 2022

Athens, TX is a small city located in Henderson County with plenty of local attractions to visit, from beautiful parks to unique museums and wineries. If you live around the area or are only visiting, you shouldn’t miss any of the sites on the following list.

Sunrise at Lake

5 Favorite Local Attractions to Discover Near Athens, TX

1. Lake Athens

This clearwater lake is a nature lover’s paradise and offers many family-friendly activities such as boating and kayaking. You can find a nice restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a small RV park, and a marina. If you happen to visit on a Tuesday, you can witness experienced fishermen competing for the title of the biggest catch in the Bass Tournament.

Swimming is allowed at Lake Athens, but there’s no beach area.

2. East Texas Arboretum

With 2 miles of walking trails where you can discover local wildlife, a picnic area, and an on-site museum, the East Texas Arboretum is one of the best places to spend a day relaxing outdoors. At the Wofford House museum, you’ll be able to learn more about life in Texas during the early 19th century, and along the trails, you’ll find beautiful meandering streams and a suspension bridge.

The East Texas Arboretum is open every day, from 9 a.m; to 6 p.m.

3. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

If you like fish and want to learn more about them, you cannot miss the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The place is designed to be educational and fun and features several natural pools, a museum, a hatchery, and several aquariums. The center offers several educational programs and activities for children, and you can also take a walk on a 0.8-mile wetland trail.

You can visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center from Tuesday to Sunday. Visit their website for more information about holiday schedules.

4. Henderson County Historical Museum

Are you curious about how schools were organized at the end of the 19th century? Would you like to see what a law office or a parlor looked like back then? Or maybe learn about how families shopped for groceries and lived? This beautiful museum is located inside the historic Faulk-Gantt building, which opened its doors in 1896 as a grocery store. It is now dedicated to showcasing turn-of-the-century life in Henderson County.

The Henderson County Historical Museum opens its doors Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 3.

5. Athens Scuba Park

Athens Scuba Park is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive in Texas, with ten diving docks and 37 wrecks to explore. If you are new to scuba diving, you can book a lesson with the park’s expert instructors.

You can rent scuba diving at snorkeling gear on the premises and spend the night at their beautiful camping site. Pack up everything you need and drive to any of these unique sites in your new (or new to you) car. Give us a call at Bacon Auto Ranch today. Our inventory includes new and pre-owned vehicles to adapt to any budget.

Image via Pixabay