In our series of Must Do Things Around Greater Houston, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods to bring you five fun, tasty, and enticing reasons you should give each a visit. Originally published in 2016, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
About 70 miles north of Houston, the city of Huntsville offers a taste of nature, history, and these five must do things (including the statue and burial site of a legendary Texas figure).
5 Must Do Things in Huntsville
- Go scuba diving in the Blue Lagoon – Some of the clearest water in the Lone Star State sits in Huntsville. Shaded by towering pines, the blue-green Blue Lagoon is worth a visit. The private grounds caters mostly to scuba divers, with a scuba training facility, lessons and dive gear available. Click here for directions.
- Unwind in nature at Huntsville State Park – Sitting in the northwestern belt of the Sam Houston National Forest, Huntsville State Park offers 21 miles for hiking, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, swimming, paddling, geocaching and more. Nature lovers can find white-tailed deer, opossum, moles, skunk, raccoons, eastern gray squirrels, and around 250 species of birds, plus alligators, largemouth bass, and crappie in the lake. The park also offers ranger programs for all ages and kids; and those who wish to stay overnight can choose from 160 campsites or rent a shelter. Admission is $7 daily; free for kids 12 and under. Click here for directions.
- Take a stroll down Historic Main Street – Explore the streets of Downtown Huntsville and you’ll find antique shops, art, boutiques, sweets, and eats. Check out live music, film screenings, and performing arts events at Old Town Theater; and look out for fun annual events, including Bacon & Brew Fest, the Christmas Fair, and a seasonal farmers market.
- Snap a selfie with the Sam Houston Statue – At 67-feet tall and set on a 10-foot sunset granite base, the David Adickes sculpture is the world’s tallest statue of America hero General Sam Houston. Visit to snap a pick and check out videos and brochures at the Visitor Center; then continue the history tour with a visit to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. You can also walk the ground of the beautiful Oakwood Cemetery, the final resting place of General Sam Houston himself. Click here for directions to the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center. Click here for directions to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Click here for directions to Oakwood Cemetery.
- Check out the Texas Prison Museum – Learn about the history of the Texas prison system, including a look inside the operations behind the fences and walls, at the Texan Prison Museum. Exhibits include looks the Texas Prison Rodeo, aka the “Wildest Show Behind Bars,” and the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. Admission is $5; $3 for kids 6 to 17; $4 for seniors, SHSU students, active/retired military, first responders, and TDCJ employee and retirees. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday noon to 5pm. Click here for directions.
