Chamber of Commerce Athens 2020 | Page 22

East Texas Arboretum The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society has sites of interest for everyone to enjoy. Two miles of nature trails are connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge and a bog with a platform overlook for hiking and nature enthusiasts. The areas surrounding the trails are great for bird watching and wildlife viewing! Stroll back to the 1800’s as you tour the historical buildings including a farmhouse museum furnished with period memorabilia, a milking barn, farm equipment display and a replica one-room schoolhouse. For our younger guests, the Arboretum offers a children’s play garden area complete with butterfly gardens, picnic area and a caterpillar model. In addition, the majestic Henderson County Veterans Memorial Wall and surrounding area is something for everyone to see. Come explore the 104 acre grounds to relax, exercise or take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Weddings, showers, birthday parties, reunions, receptions, and kid’s camps are some of the happenings at the arboretum. There are several venues available to rent. Professional photography is encouraged after signing a contract with us. School students from surrounding areas frequent the arboretum for field trips. The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society is open daily during daylight hours. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Memberships are available and include free admission along with admission to reciprocal gardens throughout the United States. We are located just inside the loop and Highway 175, at 1601 Patterson Road in Athens. Contact us at 903-675-5630 and check out our website at easttexasarboretum.org. 2 0 A T H E N S C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E