Lovelady TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lovelady, Texas.
1. Lone Star Lights
DAZZLING LIGHT EXPERIENCE
Lone Star Lights is a highly-rated attraction in Lovelady with a 4.8/5 rating based on 141 reviews. Visitors can experience stunning light displays that showcase Texas themes and seasonal spectacles. The attraction offers a family-friendly environment perfect for evening entertainment and photo opportunities.
2. Froggy Wines
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Froggy Wines is a charming winery in Lovelady boasting a 4.7/5 rating from visitors. The establishment offers wine tastings featuring locally produced varieties in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the rustic ambiance while sampling unique Texas wines.
3. The Blue Lagoon
REFRESHING AQUATIC RETREAT
The Blue Lagoon is a popular water destination near Lovelady with a solid 4.0/5 rating from 120 reviewers. This natural swimming area features crystal clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the shores, or exploring the surrounding grounds.
4. Texan Scuba Inc
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE CENTER
Texan Scuba Inc is a top-rated diving center in the Lovelady area with a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 57 reviews. The center provides professional scuba instruction, equipment rental, and guided diving experiences for beginners and experienced divers alike. Their expert staff ensures safe and memorable underwater adventures in Texas waters.
5. Crockett Civic Center
COMMUNITY EVENTS HUB
Crockett Civic Center is a central gathering place located about 15 miles north of Lovelady in neighboring Crockett. The center hosts various community events, performances, and gatherings throughout the year. With a 3.6/5 rating, this venue serves as an important cultural hub for residents of Houston County.
6. Ravens Nest Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Ravens Nest Golf Club is a notable golfing destination within driving distance of Lovelady. The course offers challenging holes, beautifully maintained greens, and scenic views of the East Texas landscape. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a full day on this well-designed course.
7. Houston County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Houston County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Lovelady and surrounding communities in Houston County. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents dating back to the area's earliest settlements in the 19th century. Visitors can learn about Lovelady's founding on the Houston and Great Northern Railroad in 1872 and its development through the decades.
8. Mission Tejas State Park
HISTORIC WOODLAND RETREAT
Mission Tejas State Park is a serene natural area located near Lovelady that commemorates Texas' earliest Spanish influences. The park features historic structures including a replica of the first Spanish mission in East Texas along with hiking trails through pine forests. Visitors can camp, picnic, and explore the natural beauty while learning about the region's colonial history.
9. Davy Crockett National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE PARADISE
Davy Crockett National Forest encompasses over 160,000 acres of East Texas woodland near Lovelady. The forest offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area within the forest, which features swimming areas, picnic facilities, and interpretive trails.
10. Liendo Plantation
HISTORIC SOUTHERN ESTATE
Liendo Plantation is a historic antebellum home within driving distance of Lovelady that dates back to 1853. The beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion offers tours that showcase period furnishings and the plantation's significant role in Texas history. The site hosts popular events throughout the year including Civil War reenactments and Victorian-themed gatherings.
11. Huntsville State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Huntsville State Park is a 2,083-acre forested area surrounding the beautiful Lake Raven, accessible from Lovelady. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the numerous trails that wind through pine and hardwood forests. The park's diverse wildlife and bird-watching opportunities make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts year-round.
12. Texas Prison Museum
CRIMINAL JUSTICE HISTORY
Texas Prison Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of Texas' criminal justice system, located within driving distance of Lovelady. Exhibits include prison artifacts, an authentic electric chair nicknamed "Old Sparky," and displays detailing famous inmates and prison breaks. The museum provides educational insights into the evolution of incarceration practices in the state since the 1800s.
13. Lovelady Old Town District
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA
Lovelady Old Town District represents the historic heart of this small Texas community founded in 1872. The area features buildings that have survived multiple fires throughout the town's history, with some structures dating back to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore local shops, eateries, and historical markers that tell the story of this Houston County railroad town.
14. Sam Houston Memorial Museum
TEXAS HERO TRIBUTE
Sam Houston Memorial Museum celebrates the life and legacy of one of Texas' most important historical figures, located in nearby Huntsville. The museum complex includes original buildings, artifacts, and exhibits detailing Houston's remarkable career as a soldier, politician, and statesman. Visitors can tour the Woodland Home and Steamboat House where Houston lived during his later years.
15. Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
MAJOR EVENT VENUE
Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum is a multipurpose arena hosting sporting events, concerts, and community gatherings near the Lovelady area. The 6,100-seat venue serves as the home court for Sam Houston State University basketball teams and other athletic competitions. Visitors from surrounding communities like Lovelady often attend the diverse entertainment options and special events held throughout the year.