LINCOLN PARK: Lincoln Park, having undergone renovations which were completed in 2025, now boasts a splash pad, all-ability play equipment, exercise equipment and concrete walking trail, along with its pavilions, tennis and basketball courts and updated restroom facility. The park is open from 6 a. m. until 10 p. m. daily. The 10-acre park is located at the intersection of Park Drive and Davis Avenue in Jacksonville. For more information, visit jacksonvilletx. org / 483 / Lincoln-Park.
LOVE’ S LOOKOUT: This designated rest area, located approximately four miles north of downtown Jacksonville, provides a scenic view with a terrace, a great place to watch the sun rise. Amenities include bathroom facilities, an information center and vending machines, as well as tables and benches for enjoying the view with a meal.
A city fire tower, standing 125 feet tall and topped by a 7-foot by 7-foot cab that bears the city’ s brand is also located at the site. It is one of the last remaining original 100 fire towers built by the Texas Forest Service and is now owned by the city.
A historical marker at the site explains the origins of the lookout’ s name.
Love’ s Lookout is located at 43822 U. S. 69 in Jacksonville. For more information, call 903-586-4868.
NECHES RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: The Neches River National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,000 acre protected area managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was established to protect wintering, nesting and migratory habitat for migratory birds and to ensure protection of the bottomland hardwoods.
The refuge is located off U. S. Highway 79, 12 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 15 miles northeast of Palestine. The entrance and a visitor kiosk are at County Road 3207.
While all groups are welcome, visitors are asked to make advance arrangements for special programs.
The address is 262 W. U. S. Highway 79 in Jacksonville. For more information, call 956-245-9426.
NICHOLS GREEN PARK: Jacksonville’ s flagship park, Nichols Green Park, offers a wide-range of activities for people of all ages including the scenic walking trail, disc golf course, skate park and splash pad. There are basketball courts, tennis courts and soccer fields, along with pavilions and restrooms. Nichols Green Park is the place for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is open from 6 a. m. to 10 p. m. daily. The entrances are Heritage Drive and 1923 S. Jackson St. in Jacksonville.
RIVER RUN ATV PARK: River Run ATV Park is more than 2,000 acres of private land located on the Neches River, west of Jacksonville. The park includes more than 150 RV sites, cabins and designated spaces for tent camping.
The park provides opportunities for fishing, swimming and trail riding – including extreme muddy trail riding, dry trail riding and scenic views of the river. Hot and cold showers are provided at no cost. An on-site convenience store provides many essentials.
River Run ATV Park requires anyone under age 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or have a notarized park waiver signed by a parent of legal guardian.
The park is located at 2001 CR 3315 in Jacksonville. For more information, including park hours, rules, map or rental pricing, visit riverrunpark. com.
RUSK FOOTBRIDGE: The city of Rusk can boast the longest footbridge, 546 feet, in the state of Texas. Originally created so residents of New Birmingham could cross the creek and occasional muddy terrain in order to shop and visit in Rusk, the bridge provides for a variety of photo ops. The bridge is located east of the downtown square off 5th Street. For information, contact the city at 903-683-2213.
Wineries
KIEPERSOL: Whether your wish is to enjoy the tasting room, the restaurant, a behind the scenes tour or the bed and breakfast with views of the vineyard, Kiepersol has it all on its 63-acre vineyard.
The Kiepersol restaurant and bed and breakfast are located at 21508 Merlot Lane in Tyler, just northeast of Bullard.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 903-894-3300, extension 1. Kiepersol’ s tasting room is located at 21556-B Merlot Lane in Tyler, and can be reached at 903-894-8995, extension 2. For information, visit kiepersol. com.
MAYDELLE COUNTRY WINES: Those willing to stretch their palate and try something fruity may want to visit Maydelle Country Wines.
Maydelle Country Wines is a small, family run winery that is located inside an old train depot, that produces a trademark lemon wine. The Texas State Railroad runs through the winery’ s forested backyard.
The winery offers a wine club with various membership levels.
Maydelle Country Wines is located at 175 CR 2108 in Rusk. The business can be contacted at 903-795-3915. For information, visit maydellewines. com.
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