Location: Palestine
Top Things to do in Palestine
Top Restaurants in Palestine
10 Things to Do in Palestine That You Shouldn't Miss
Palestine (/ˈpælɪstiːn/ PAL-i-steen) is a city in Anderson County, Texas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 18,712. It is the county seat. Palestine was named for Palestine, Illinois, by Daniel Parker.
Restaurants in Palestine
1. The Polar Express
Overall Ratings
4 based on 221 reviews
Texas State Railroad begins service to the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ starting on Saturday, November 11, 2017. The magical story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. (The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas!) Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train. St. Nick gives each child the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell (only believers can hear ringing!). On the ride back to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train depot, chefs lead passengers in singing joyous Christmas carols.
Reviewed By Minetta S
This was a wonderful family experience. We took the 5:00 ride which left in daylight and returned in twilight which was perfect! We had children ages 6,4, 3, and 12 and me (70ish)! The waiters in our car were so fun. They went up and down the aisles and served the hot cocoa and cookies with smiles on their faces. The Santa came on and presented the Golden Ticket holders their silver bells and spoke to each of them. The conductor looked much like the character in the book and movie. The children got up and marched up and down the aisles singing Christmas carols with the waiters. I had bought autographed copies of the book which I presented to the children. I can not say enough good things about this experience. I would definitely do it again.
2. Davey Dogwood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Mary E - San Angelo, Texas
We went there to see the dogwoods blooming but most of them were finished blooming so it was not as pretty as we expected but we saw a few blooms. Even though it was the first week-end of the dogwood festival the trees bloomed early this year but the park is pretty anyway
3. Museum for East Texas Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Steve G - Palestine, Texas
This museum is great to see the history of Palestine Texas. During Palestine's annual 2-weekend Dogwood Days Festival this museum hosts an excellent dulcimer concert that provides fiddle, guitar, auto harp and other instruments. Lovely concerts. A terrific Appalachian feel. And, the museum itself reveals many delightful details of the local history.
4. Duncan Depot Antiques
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By bencodes - Cypress, Texas
Duncan Depot has so many unique items. There many items where you just have to ask, "What in the world is this?" And then Lilly gives you the (very entertaining) story. The building is also very neat as it has been beautifully restored to reflect...MoreThank you! So glad you enjoyed visiting our store. We look forward to your return visit to our store and historic town. Lilly
5. Texas Jail House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Patti W - Dallas, Texas
I was with a group of 7 other ladies and we decided to see the Grinch's Lair. So glad we did. At first I thought it would be just for children, but all of us had a great time! It is $10 and in the lobby you can get hot cocoa and cookies. Then there is a movie you can watch about the Grinch. When you go upstairs, you see all the old jail cells and everything is decorated, even the table the prisoners would eat at. Then you meet the Grinch, who is wonderful, funny and very knowledgeable about the history of the jail. He is great with the kids when they take pictures with him. There is an area to write to Santa on "magic paper" and an area where you can take your own mug shot. If you go up to the 3rd floor, you will see Max the dog's house. (really a kid in a dog suit). There is a giant bone, a dog house, and lots of other toys he plays with. All in all, a great place to take kids, but don't let it stop you if you don't have a kid to bring along.
6. Anderson County Courthouse, Palestine Texas
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Steve G - Palestine, Texas
Built in 1914, this is a historical landmark. A statue of Justice stands on top of the dome (your kids will ask who it is up there). Be sure to walk inside and see the interior.
7. Reagan Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Steve G - Palestine, Texas
Nice grounds, playground, bandstand. The old high school, built in 1916, is now the Museum for East Texas culture is at the top of the hill at this park. Tennis courts, picnic shelters. The splash park is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
8. Palestine Texas Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Steve G - Palestine, Texas
Stop by and pick up a map of the city, there are scores of things to do, places to eat, sights to see, and the friendly folks here know the town pretty well. Housed in a historic train depot, it's visible and parking is easy.
9. Palestine Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By jgj2019 - Longview, Texas
The Palestine Public Library is a one-stop wonderland for every age. If you want to check out a book or video, use a computer, hear a guest lecture, enroll in a program...this is your spot! The staff is super friendly and helpful and if they don't know the answer, they will find it for you. There is year round programming for all ages and special sections for kids and teens. There is also a geneology special collection that can be used to help trace ancestors. This library is especially good for homeschoolers.
10. Historic 1836 Chuckwagon Races
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Steve G - Palestine, Texas
My family was amazed at the crowds, the schedule, the equestrian community that arrived from all over. Several camping areas. The chuckwagon races themselves were the culmination of a day of rodeo, music, entertainment, shopping. Fun!. Very pleasant grounds for the event. Nice people both attending and hosting!
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