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Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
Huntsville Texas Hotels
Have you ever driven past a place countless times, only to finally decide to stop and explore? That was me with Hunstville, Texas. Every trip from Houston to Dallas, I’d see the towering statue of Sam Houston and wonder about the stories this quaint city of 40,000 people had to tell. On my latest journey to H-Town, I made a promise to myself: this time, I’d uncover the charm and history of Huntsville and its most famous resident, Sam Houston.
As I approached Huntsville, the air was filled with the scent of pine trees and the distant hum of cicadas. The city, just 70 miles north of Houston, is perfect for a day trip, whether you’re a traveler based in Houston or a Houstonite looking for a fun and interesting day out. Did you know Huntsville started as a trading post in 1836? Today, it boasts excellent museums, art galleries, and a charming downtown area with antique shops and vibrant murals.
If you’re searching for the best tips and insights, as well as what to do in Huntsville, you’ve found the right article. With my firsthand experience and passion for exploring, I’ll guide you through everything this delightful city has to offer. So, let’s dive into the heart of Huntsville and discover its hidden gems together.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if experiencing any of these activities to do in Huntsville appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the fascinating sights of Hunstville, or indeed, a general tour of Texas itself.
Activities to Do in Huntsville Texas
The Sam Houston Statue Visitor Centre
My day started at the Sam Houston Statue, which was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes. He dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville on October 22, 1994. It is the world's tallest statue of an American Hero at 67 feet tall on a 10-foot sunset granite base and it makes an impressive sight when driving past on the I-45, but even more so when up close. There is also a visitor center at the statue that has a range of facilities and plenty of information on one of the most fun things to do in Huntsville.
So, who is Sam Houston, this man of such great stature that warranted this memorial? Well, Sam was born in Virginia in 1793, descending from Ulster Scots settlers. He grew up on the family farm and also worked in their store, before embarking on a colourful youth when he ran away from home and lived with the Cherokee for three years and then serving in the army with Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 and eventually being elected as governor of Tennessee in 1827. This would have been enough excitement and achievement for most men, but not for Sam. He decided to move to Texas, which at the time was owned by Mexico.
Within nine years of his arrival, Sam Houston was leading the Texan Army to victory over the Mexicans at the Battle of San Jacinto. Subsequently, he served twice as the President of the new Republic of Texas, then, after being instrumental in the annexation of Texas by the US in 1845, he served as a US Senator for 13 years, then as Governor of Texas. His public service ended disappointingly in 1861, when he was forced from the office of Governor due to his opposition to the secession of Texas from the US to join the Confederate side during the Civil War. Sam Houston then died just two years later of pneumonia. Sam Houston was truly a giant in the history of Texas and there are plenty more interesting life events to recount and he deserves more than just this paragraph.
Texas Prison Museum
From the visitor center, I headed over to the other side of Huntsville to check out The Texas Prison Museum. The museum is home to the history of the Texas prison system. Huntsville has become infamous for its connection with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which operates the state's correctional facilities based in the city. But don't let that put you off from visiting, since any undesirables are safely incarcerated!
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The museums most famous exhibit has got to be Old Sparky, the Texas electric chair! Texas prison inmates referred to the electrocutions as “riding the thunderbolt”, with executions beginning in 1924. In all, 361 men died in the electric chair, between 1924 and 1964.
However, I soon found that inmate made arts and crafts were actually more fascinating, such as a chess set made from soap. Displays also cover the weapons guards have used, some now illegal; knives and other weapons illegally made by the inmates; the history of the death penalty; the pistol taken from Bonnie and Clyde's 'death car'; and a look at some of Texas' infamous inmates. There is also a life size replica cell that you can step inside. Certainly one of the most unique things to do in Huntsville Texas!
The most surprising display was one on the Texas Prison Rodeo. I had never heard of this event, but in its day, it was tremendously popular, with the last rodeo held in 1986 attracting 50,000 fans and grossing $450,000! The rodeo was originally held in the prison’s baseball park in 1931, but as it became more popular, a dedicated stadium was constructed. The Texas prison inmates themselves would perform the usual rodeo events such as bronco and bull riding. Initially participation was restricted to those who had been ranch hands, but by the 1940s it was opened to any inmate who was brave enough!
As the event gained popularity, the entertainment became more spectacular, with the likes of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson performing at the rodeo, and would you believe that Johnny Cash played his first-ever concert at the Texas Prison Rodeo in 1956 before hitting the big time? Fascinating!
H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas
H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas is handily located next door to the Texas Prison Museum, and this was my next stop of the day. This military museum in Texas honours all military Veterans by displaying and preserving their memorabilia, photos, medals, uniforms, weapons, and covers every branch of service and all wars and conflicts that the US has been involved in.
The displays of large equipment outside the museum, such as the tank and helicopters, are impressive. I found the interior of this military museum in Texas an absolute treasure trove of militaria. There is so much to read and discover in this museum and it seems every inch of wall and floor is crammed with information and displays. Unlike many military museums that I have visited, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas really focuses on the service men and women themselves and their experiences, and it seemed the majority of the items and stories on display regarded men and women from the local area. I spent just over an hour in the museum, but you could double that if you wished to read everything available.
Farmhouse Café
By now, I had worked up a massive appetite, so I headed towards downtown Huntsville to have lunch at the Farmhouse Café. This turned out to be a great choice of restaurants in Huntsville Texas. The Café is a casual, Texas-themed restaurant. I found it had a very welcoming vibe and there was a great selection of Southern meals and desserts, at a reasonable price too.
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Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The sweet potato and mac n' cheese sides are to die for!
Read on to discover Sam Houston's restored homes, his final resting place, and what there is to see in downtown Huntsville.
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum
Just a couple of minutes’ drive from my lunch stop was my next attraction - The Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The museum occupies a historic site of some 18 acres of the original farm owned by Sam Houston from 1847 until 1858 and is one of the essential things to do in Huntsville.
The complex contains a museum and ten historic buildings, set in areas of natural woodland and landscaped spaces. Among the buildings is Woodland Home, which was built in 1847 when Houston was serving as one of the first United States Senators from Texas. The traditional-style, double-pen "dogtrot" log cabin was home to the Houstons until 1858 and four of their eight children were born here. There is also the amusingly named Steamboat House, a building of unusual architectural design, which was built by Dr. Rufus Bailey. It was rented by the Houstons when General Sam Houston returned to Huntsville in 1861 following his dismissal as Texas Governor. On July 26, 1863 he died in the house and was buried from the front parlor.
The main museum is housed in an impressive building and has an excellently set out display, taking us from the origins of Sam Houston’s family in Scotland, all the way through his eventful life events. In all, I’d suggest setting aside an hour and a half to see the museum and the historic buildings.
Oakwood Cemetery
To end the story of Sam Houston, I made the short drive to the Oakwood Cemetery to see his final resting place. Sam Houston's grave was very simply marked until the present monument was erected in 1911. It was sculpted at a cost of $10,000 by Pompeo Coppini, who also sculpted the Alamo Cenotaph in San Antonio. The relief shows Houston on his horse riding off into battle, with the monument being unveiled on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. The quotation from Andrew Jackson below Houston fittingly says, "The world will take care of Houston's fame." A further connection with Sam Houston is that the Steamboat House, where Sam Houston died, was originally located in the Adickes Addition section of the cemetery.
Other notables buried at Oakwood Cemetery include: Joshua Houston, who was Sam Houston's slave; Henderson King Yoakum, who wrote the first comprehensive history of Texas in 1855; Pleasant Williams Kittrell, who introduced the legislation to create the University of Texas; and George FItzhugh, pioneering American sociologist and the first person to use the word "sociology" in the title of a book.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If you are looking for a specific grave, use this Oakwood Cemetery Map to help find it.
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Downtown Huntsville Texas
My day trip to Huntsville was coming to a close, but I couldn’t leave without first checking out the quaint downtown area of Huntsville. It is a treasure trove of history and local charm, with an array of unique shops, cozy cafes and cool antique shops to visit ensuring that there are plenty of things to do in downtown Huntsville. There were also some excellent trompe l’oeil murals by Richard Haas to check out.
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More Huntsville Tourist Attractions
Huntsville State Park boasts lush piney woods and the serene Lake Raven, creating an idyllic setting for hiking, fishing, and camping. The park’s well-maintained trails cater to all levels of hikers, and the tranquil waters are perfect for kayaking or a leisurely paddle. Meanwhile, for a unique aquatic experience, head to the Blue Lagoon. This hidden gem is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and swimming. For a taste of local history and culture, visit the Wynne Home Arts Center. This historic home has been transformed into a cultural hub, offering art exhibits, workshops, and community events.
Huntsville Texas Hotels
There are number of large chain hotels along Huntsville's stretch of the I45, with the likes of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Huntsville and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Huntsville being popular choices. However, if you are looking for something a little more homely and quirky, you should have a look at this unique art house, just off the town centre.
When to Visit Huntsville
The ideal time to visit Huntsville, Texas, is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons also coincide with various local events and festivals, making it an ideal time for tourists. Notable annual events include the Sundown At Sam's music event and the General Sam Houston Day, which celebrate the rich history and culture of the area.
Conclusion
It’s clear that this charming town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the rich heritage at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum to enjoying the serene landscapes of Huntsville State Park, every moment here is a testament to the town’s vibrant spirit. There's plenty of fun things to do in Huntsville. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Huntsville has something special to offer. So pack your bags and set out on an adventure to discover the hidden gems of this delightful Texan treasure.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out what there is to see in and around Houston, Texas, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Further Reading
Sam Houston: The Life And Times Of The Liberator Of Texas, An Authentic American Hero, by John Hoyt Williams
Sam Houston: The Life and Legacy of the Man Who Led the Texas Revolution, by Charles River Editors
Texas Bucket List Travel Guide, by Forrest R. Cowan
Road Trip To Texas Travel Guide, by Alexander Wheeler
Have you tried any of the activities to do Huntsville? If so please leave us a comment and let us know what you did
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Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if experiencing any of these activities to do in Huntsville appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the fascinating sights of Hunstville, or indeed, a general tour of Texas itself.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
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Map of Huntsville Texas
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