Big Sandy TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Sandy, Texas.
1. Sit 'em Down Cowboy Church
FAITH WITH WESTERN FLAIR
Sit 'em Down Cowboy Church offers a unique worship experience with a western theme in Big Sandy. The church combines traditional Christian values with cowboy culture, creating a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors. It represents the strong connection between faith and rural Texas heritage that characterizes the community.
2. Dick and Alice's Dance Hall
LOCAL DANCING HOTSPOT
Dick and Alice's Dance Hall stands as a beloved entertainment venue in Big Sandy where locals gather for dancing and socializing. The dance hall features country music and traditional Texas dance styles, maintaining a connection to the area's cultural roots. Visitors can experience authentic Texas nightlife and community spirit at this cherished establishment.
3. Circle M Crawfish
CAJUN DELIGHTS AND MUSIC
Circle M Crawfish has been serving live and boiled crawfish to East Texas residents for over two decades. Located on Highway 155 just south of U.S. 80, this popular restaurant features crawfish, shrimp, alligator, boudin, and choice steaks in a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday evenings, making it a cultural and culinary destination in Big Sandy.
4. Big Sandy Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Big Sandy Museum, located on East Gilmer Street downtown, preserves and showcases the rich history of this East Texas community. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the town's development since its establishment shortly after the Civil War. The museum offers insights into local culture, industry, and the evolution of Big Sandy from a small settlement to an incorporated city.
5. The Heritage Center
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB
The Heritage Center serves as an important cultural gathering place for Big Sandy residents and visitors alike. Located near the museum and fire department in downtown, the center hosts various community events and activities throughout the year. It stands as a testament to Big Sandy's commitment to preserving local traditions while fostering community connections.
6. Big Sandy Lake
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Big Sandy Lake offers a tranquil natural setting just west of downtown, where U.S. Highway 80 crosses its waters. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic East Texas landscape. Visitors and locals alike appreciate this peaceful outdoor destination for recreation and relaxation.
7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
FAMILY CAMPING ADVENTURE
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort offers a family-friendly camping experience near Big Sandy in Tyler, Texas. This themed resort features various accommodations, recreational activities, and entertainment options centered around the beloved Yogi Bear characters. Families can enjoy swimming, mini-golf, playgrounds, and scheduled activities in a fun, outdoor setting.
8. Tyler State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Tyler State Park, located near Big Sandy, encompasses over 985 acres of East Texas piney woods with a 64-acre spring-fed lake at its center. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and camping among the towering pines and hardwoods. The park offers a perfect escape into nature with well-maintained facilities and scenic views throughout all seasons.
9. Lake Hawkins RV Park
LAKESIDE CAMPING GETAWAY
Lake Hawkins RV Park provides a scenic camping destination near Big Sandy with sites overlooking the beautiful Lake Hawkins. The park offers various amenities for RV enthusiasts and campers, including hookups, picnic areas, and easy access to the lake for fishing and water activities. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and proximity to natural attractions in the area.
10. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary
BIG CAT RESCUE HAVEN
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary serves as a rehabilitation and care facility for rescued big cats and other exotic animals near the Big Sandy area. Visitors can observe tigers, lions, and other species in naturalistic habitats while learning about conservation efforts and the animals' individual rescue stories. The sanctuary provides educational tours that highlight the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their wild counterparts.
11. Sabine Pass Battleground
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Sabine Pass Battleground preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle on the Texas Gulf Coast not far from the Big Sandy region. Visitors can explore the grounds where a small Confederate force successfully defended against a much larger Union fleet in September 1863. The historic site features interpretive displays, monuments, and scenic views of where this remarkable military engagement took place.
12. National Museum of the Pacific War
WORLD WAR II HISTORY
The National Museum of the Pacific War stands as the only institution in the continental United States dedicated to telling the complete story of the Pacific Theater in World War II. Located within driving distance of Big Sandy, this comprehensive museum features extensive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays chronicling the war from Pearl Harbor to the Japanese surrender. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in world history through personal stories, military equipment, and multimedia presentations.
13. Magoffin Home
HISTORIC ADOBE MANSION
The Magoffin Home, built in 1875, showcases the adobe architecture and lifestyle of a prominent multicultural family who influenced the early development of the Southwest borderlands. Visitors can tour this State Historic Site to experience the authentic furnishings and personal items of the Magoffin family who lived there for over a century. The home provides a fascinating glimpse into the territorial period of Texas history and the blending of American and Mexican cultures.
14. Mission Dolores
EARLY EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT
Mission Dolores reveals the important history of Native American encounters with Texas' earliest European settlers in the East Texas region. This historic site was established in 1721 as a Spanish mission along El Camino Real de los Tejas, serving as an important colonial outpost. Visitors can explore the interpretive center with exhibits detailing the mission's role in the complex cultural interactions that shaped early Texas history.
15. Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd
TEXAS CATTLE HERITAGE
The Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd preserves this distinctive breed of cattle that played a vital role in Texas' heritage and identity. Visitors can observe these magnificent animals with their characteristic horns that can span up to seven feet tip to tip at several state historic sites. The herd represents Texas' ranching traditions and the economic foundation upon which much of the state was built following the Civil War.