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Attractions
Golfing
If
golfing is your cup of “tee,” Lufkin is home to three
18-hole golf courses, including the #9 ranked 18-hole
championship golf course in the State of Texas, as selected
by the Dallas Morning News. The golf course was
designed by Bob Von Hagge and golfing great Bruce Devlin,
and challenging is considered an understatement. The course
is shaded by towering East Texas pine trees and has four
different tee settings that make playing golf at Crown
Colony a relaxing and diversified experience. We also have
the 18-hole Neches Pines Golf Course located in Diboll, just
minutes from Lufkin. Plus, the Lufkin Country Club offers a
nice layout and a scenic course in the East Texas pine
trees.
Sam
Rayburn Reservoir
Just
minutes away from Lufkin rests the largest body of water
wholly within the State of Texas – Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Covering 114,500 acres at normal capacity, Sam Rayburn is
the most popular recreation area in the piney woods of East
Texas. The reservoir was originally named McGee Bend until
President Lyndon B. Johnson renamed the lake after Speaker
of the House and dear friend Sam Rayburn. Today, Sam
Rayburn Reservoir is one of the top five bass fisheries in
the United States, with the record for largemouth bass at
16.5 pounds. It has been featured in many fishing magazines
including Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Texas Fish &
Game, Texas Monthly, Southern Living, and more.
With more
boat ramps available than anywhere else in Texas, Sam
Rayburn Reservoir is easily accessible. Whether you desire
the perfect fishing spot, relaxing sailing, a safe place to
water ski or even scuba dive, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the
ultimate getaway. Other pastimes such as camping, hiking,
and bird watching are just a few steps away in the beautiful
Angelina National Forest.
Texas Forestry Museum
The Texas
Forestry Museum, the only of its kind in Texas, features the
industry that made Lufkin possible – forest products. You
can spend several hours in this museum looking through
historic and unique collections, and learning about the
forest industry. The museum is located at 1905 Atkinson
Drive and is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through
Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
(936) 632-9535
Museum of East Texas
The
Museum of East Texas explores art and history through
exhibits, lectures, performances, classes and publications.
The museum was founded in 1976 and is one of the first in
East Texas. The museum is located at 503 North Second
Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5
pm. Admission is free. (936) 639-4434
Ellen Trout Park & Zoo
Ellen
Trout Park & Zoo is one of Lufkin’s main tourist attractions
and has over 500 animals, one fourth are endangered
species. The zoo has received numerous state and national
awards and is considered one of the top zoos in cities with
Lufkin’s population. At the park, you can ride a miniature
pre-Civil War train replica around the lake and through the
beautiful pine trees – which fully represent Lufkin. (936)
633-0399
Downtown Lufkin
Downtown
Lufkin is the site of many dining establishments, unique
retail shops and antique collections. Also, a historic
walking tour reveals the history of Lufkin. Don’t miss the
beautiful murals painted by Lance Hunter throughout the
downtown area. There are five, each depicting historic
businesses or tales of Lufkin. In our city hall, you’ll
find the Medford Western Art Collection, which features
beautiful western art. (936) 633-0206
The History Center
The
History Center, a new, free-to-the-public 12,000 square foot
public history and archives center, collects, preserves, and
explores the history of East Texas for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations. Research
holdings include books, manuscripts, business and local
government records, maps, newspapers, audio and video
materials, and more than 70,000 photographs. (936) 829-3543
National Forests
National
forests provide the backdrop for boating, fishing and
camping. Lufkin is located between the Davy Crockett
National Forest and the Angelina National Forest. (936)
639-8501
Lufkin Parks and Recreation
From
Little League and swimming pools, to tennis tournaments and
nature trails, Lufkin has outdoor activities to suit all
ages. Lufkin has over 15 parks complete with new jogging
trails, modern playground facilities, and grassy, green
picnic areas. Located deep in the heart of East Texas,
Lufkin is the perfect escape for outdoor recreational
activities. For more information, contact the Parks and
Recreation Department at (936) 633-0250.
Festivals and Events
Angelina County Youth Fair – March
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
This
annual event allows Angelina County students to present
their projects for competition in divisions of livestock,
arts and crafts, home economics, and ag mechanics. The
event culminates with the Annual Youth Fair Auction where
students sell their projects to local businesses and
supporters.
Downtown
HoeDown – April
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
The Downtown HoeDown is a street festival that includes arts
and crafts, children’s activities, a classic car show,
wrestling, live entertainment, celebrity dunk tank, and
more.
Angelina Benefit Rodeo – April
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 637-3976
Held the
last full weekend in April, this is one of the finest rodeos
in Texas. It is an official stop on the PRCA circuit and
attracts more than 25,000 people each year.
Angelina County Science & Technology Fair – May
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
This
annual event allows 6th-12th graders
to compete in science and technology-related competitions.
Competitions include Egg-Car-Go, Web Page Design, Logo
Design, Glider, Wooden Bridge, Invention, Eggstraction, and
Life Science Project.
Neches River Rendezvous – June
Neches River – (936) 634-6305
Held each
summer, the Neches River Rendezvous is a scenic 10-mile trip
down the Neches River. It’s a unique canoe trip where
numerous birds, squirrels, wild hogs, and alligators have
been observed.
Flag Day – June 14th
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
A
celebration of patriotism observed across the USA and held
in downtown Lufkin at City Hall Park, this celebration
includes a flag presentation and patriotic program.
Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments are served
to Flag Day supporters.
Texas State Forest Festival – September
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 634-6644
Held the
fourth week in September, this festival features several
events including the Southern Hushpuppy Championships, a
master chain saw sculptor, petting zoo, giant carnival,
lumberjack show, concerts, specialty acts, and more.
Pineywoods Purgatory – October
Lufkin’s Pitser Garrison Civic Center – (936) 634-6305
The
Pineywoods Purgatory is a 25-, 52-, 72- and 102-mile bicycle
ride through the rolling hills of East Texas that attracts
the majority of its riders from out of town.
Gala Night on the Town – Fall
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
Held each
fall, it is a special evening of fine dining, dancing and
fun, sponsored by Main Street Lufkin and hosted by downtown
businesses.
Red Ribbon Week – October
Angelina County – (936) 634-6644
Red
Ribbon Week is a community awareness campaign held each year
in October that celebrates the positive effects of
a drug-free lifestyle. All those involved show their
support by wearing a red ribbon to signify intolerance to
drug/alcohol abuse.
Halloween Main Street Trick-Or-Treat – October 31st
Downtown Lufkin – (936) 633-0205
Downtown
Lufkin merchants dress in costume and offer area children a
safe and fun opportunity to trick-or-treat for Halloween.
Lufkin
Area Holiday Events – November & December
Lufkin – (936) 634-6305
Share
with us some magnificent Christmas events that are sure to
put you in the holiday spirit, including Rudolph the Red
Nosed Pumping Unit, Santa Claus Express, Living Nativity
Scene, CASA Tour of Homes, and the Festival of Trees. Also,
don’t miss out on the Night of Giving, lighting of the
courthouse, Evening in Old Bethlehem, and downtown Christmas
parade.
Evening in Old Bethlehem – December
George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center – (936) 637-3976
This
holiday celebration includes the Christmas story recreated
in special Friday and Saturday night shows. You’ll enjoy
strolling through the streets of Bethlehem and talking with
the townspeople about the news of the newborn King.
Cultural Events
Angelina Arts Alliance
The
Angelina Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with a
mission to provide a comprehensive and diverse series of
performing arts programming for the citizens of Angelina
County.
Angelina
Arts Alliance Announces 2006-2007 Season
Marvelous
music, daring dance, and a fabulous funnyman will light-up
the Temple Theater stage during the Angelina Arts Alliance’s
2006-2007 season.
The
Premier Season enters laughing with An Evening with Groucho
(September 16, 2006). Frank Ferrante’s astonishing portrayal
of comedy legend, Groucho Marx, has won him enthusiastic
acclaim both here and in Europe. Mr. Ferrante recreates some
of Groucho’s best moments, as he sings, dances, and jokes
his way through a remarkable show that delights audiences of
all ages. An Evening with Groucho will be an evening to
remember. The show is sponsored by Brookshire Brothers Food
and Pharmacy.
One of
the best known country acts in America, The Oak Ridge Boys
(October 24, 2006), brings to the stage the songs and
harmonies that have won the group almost every possible
award in the music industry. For many years the talented
performers who make up The Oak Ridge Boys have entertained
audiences with hits such as “Elvira”, “Dream On”, “I Guess
It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes”, “Bobbie Sue”, and “Fancy
Free”. Come share a down-home good time with The Oak Ridge
Boys. The show is sponsored by First Bank & Trust East
Texas.
Maureen
McGovern (December 9, 2006) has enjoyed a career that spans
over 30 years, and includes recordings, concerts, Broadway,
films, television and radio. From her first hit, “The
Morning After” to her triumphant turn as Marmee in the
Broadway and touring companies of Little Women, The Musical,
Maureen McGovern is a consummate entertainer. It comes as no
surprise to her audiences that she is known as “The
Stradivarius Voice”. The show is sponsored by Memorial
Health System of East Texas.
Begin the
new year with a rich pageant of authentic folk music and
dances as presented by the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble
(January 30, 2007). Considered one of the top folkloric
dance ensembles in the world, the company boasts 60 dancers
and musicians, and has thrilled audiences around the world
for over five decades. The New York Times says, “The
Hungarian State Folk Ensemble is marvelous—crackling with
dancing that snaps like a whip!”
The hit
Broadway musical, Wonderful Town (March 7, 2007), brings to
life the story of two Ohio sisters who arrive in 1930s New
York City with suitcases full of ambition and dreams. The
creative talents of Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and
Adolph Green combine to deliver a musical comedy which won
the Tony Award for its 2004 revival. This National Tour of
Wonderful Town includes an 18-piece onstage orchestra. The
show is sponsored by Goodwin-Lasiter, Inc./Scott & Strong,
Architects.
Part
modern dance, part mesmerizing acrobatics, the modern dance
company Diavolo (March 27, 2007) was founded in 1992 by
Jacques Heim—the choreographer of the newest Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil show, Ka. The dancers, gymnasts, and actors
of Diavolo employ surrealistic and outrageous set pieces, as
they leap, twirl, and fly across the stage in a performance
guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The
show is sponsored by Angelina Radiation Oncology Associates.
From the
West Coast of Canada comes The Bills (April 27, 2007), an
inventive, talented, and extremely entertaining quintet of
extraordinary young musicians. Their music is an infections
mix of hot bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, reggae, jigs and sea
shanties, Cajun, klezmer, and more. Since forming in 1996,
The Bills have toured theatres and festivals from Copenhagen
to California, thrilling audiences with their breathtaking
musical explorations and their natural onstage humor and
charm. The show is sponsored by Lufkin Industries, Inc.
Subscriptions for the 2006-07 season are available now at
the Temple Theater box office on the Angelina College
campus. Subscribers save money over the cost of single
tickets and are guaranteed the same seats all season long.
Other
subscriber benefits include priority seating, free admission
to “An Evening with James Earl Jones” (presented by The
Pineywoods Foundation and Lufkin Industries, Inc.),
discounts on additional single ticket purchases, and a new
Diners’ Discount Card.
For a
season brochure or more information, call the box office at
(936) 633-5454 or visit
www.angelina.edu/finearts/angelina_arts_alliance.htm.
There is
so much to see and do in Lufkin. For more information on
the various attractions and activities Lufkin offers, go to
www.visitlufkin.com. You can also call the Lufkin
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-409-5659.
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