Texas State Railroad and Park

"Fun with the Family"

The state’s most unusual state park is the Texas State Railroad. This century-old steam train runs for a 50-mile round-trip through scenic forests and pastures and across the Neches River between Rusk and Palestine, over twenty-four bridges. The depots at each end of the trip re-create early twentieth-century stations, and the Rusk depot has a theater that shows a film detailing the railroad’s history. This rail line was begun in 1896 using convict labor, and prisoners renovated it when it became a state park in 1972. Engines date from 1901 to 1927.
 
Adjacent to the depots, you’ll discover the Rusk Palestine Park is available which has playgrounds and picnic areas. The Rusk unit also offers overnight camping, fishing, and hiking. The Palestine unit is a day-use facility with excellent hiking.