While doing research for the launch of The Heritage Tourist, I came across an article in the Houston Chronicle that highlighted five great state parks in Texas. I don’t know how they whittled the number down to just five – there are over 100 listed on the Texas Parks & Wildlife web site. For the article, the author chose Caddo Lake, Pedernales Falls, Mustang Island, Palo Duro Canyon and Brazos Bend, in that order. While I have yet to visit Pedernales Falls or Mustang Island – add those to my Bucket List – I can attest to how great the others are. Caddo Lake has an other-worldliness about it with all of the bald cypress and Spanish moss. It also has one of the best sets of cabins I’ve seen at the parks. I admit to making only a quick visit to Palo Duro Canyon on my way to conference in Albequerque, but what I saw of it was incredible. And Brazos Bend is truly a great state park with the wildlife, education center and observatory.
Of course, publishing in list “best of” list can generate much debate. The reader comments were no exception. Many pointed to Garner State Park as being one of the best – from what I hear it is one of the best…we have another Bucket List nominee! Other suggestions included Lost Maples, Birch Creek, Enchanted Rock, Bastrop and Inks Lake. All great suggestions, but what of the other 80 or so parks not mentioned.
Of course, publishing in list “best of” list can generate much debate. The reader comments were no exception. Many pointed to Garner State Park as being one of the best – from what I hear it is one of the best…we have another Bucket List nominee! Other suggestions included Lost Maples, Birch Creek, Enchanted Rock, Bastrop and Inks Lake. All great suggestions, but what of the other 80 or so parks not mentioned.
Sure, I haven’t visited all 101 state parks…yet, but I have visited a number of them and believe each one deserves its own “greatest” moniker for the unique qualities, activities and sights they offer visitors. Here are some of my favorites (listed by region):
Gulf Coast Region – Battleship Texas, Brazos Bend, Galveston Island, San Jacinto Battleground, and Sheldon Lake.
Hill Country – Blanco and Enchanted Rock
Panhandle Plains Region – Caprock Canyons, Lake Brownwood, Palo Duro Canyon, and Possum Kingdom.
Pineywoods Region – Atlanta, Caddo Lake, Daingerfield, Lake Livingston, Martin Creek, Mission Tejas, and Tyler.
Prairies & Lakes Region – Bastrop, Dinosaur Valley, Kreische Brewery, Lake Mineral Wells, Meridian, Monument Hill, and Washington-on-the-Brazos.
South Texas Plains Region – Goliad
In the end, if nothing else, an article like this one gets people talking about Texas’ great state parks, and, hopefully, encourages people to make the drive to visit and support them.
What do you think? What are some of your favorite state parks in Texas or in your state?
In the end, if nothing else, an article like this one gets people talking about Texas’ great state parks, and, hopefully, encourages people to make the drive to visit and support them.
What do you think? What are some of your favorite state parks in Texas or in your state?
Photo credits: Caddo Lake State Park (top), Kreische Brewery State Park (bottom). Copyright 2010 Mark C. Osborne, III. All rights reserved.
