Lone Star Travelers Blog

On Saturday December 13th, 2008 bring the family to Cedar Hill State Park for an evening of Christmas caroling.  At 6PM a lantern lit tour of the historic Penn Farm kicks off the activities which include a sing-along around the campfire, hot chocolate and  apple cider will help to keep you warm and cozy as the cookie plate is passed your way.  Christmas caroling will continue until 730PM.  972-291-3900×232 Cedar Hill State Park is an 1826 acre urban nature preserve located on the shores of the 7500 acre Joe Pool Reservoir, just 10 miles from Dallas, Texas in the Prairies and Lakes Region..  

Lake Texana State Park invites you to come out and explore their Haunted Halloween Trail.  The entire family will enjoy carnival games, a pumpkin carving contest (bring your carved pumpkin for judging) and a costume contest for children 12 years of age and under.  The fun begins at 7PM on Saturday, November 01, 2008.  Lake Texana State Park is located halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi in the Gulf Coast Region.  The event is free however state park entrance fee does apply, or show your Texas State Park Pass.  361-782-5718.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park invites your family to an evening of Haunted Halloween Fun on Saturday, November 01, 2008 from 6PM-8PM.  There will be a Halloween Trail to explore where you may come across scary monsters!  Cozy up to the campfire where the monsters dare not venture to cook your hot dog and roast marshmallows.  Later on play games, win prizes and get a terrifying Halloween tattoo.  This event is free however park admission does apply, or show your Texas State Parks Pass.  Martin Dies Jr, State Park is located in Jasper Texas in the Pineywoods Region.  Note:  The park is closed until the end of October, 2008 due to damage from Hurricane Ike.  Call 409-384-5231 to confirm availability of this event.

As of September 01, 2007 operational control of Rusk and Palestine State Parks along with the Texas State Railroad was transferred to American Heritage Railways.  Camping is still available at both the Rusk and Palestine parks.  The Rusk Park offers shaded sites, some are full hook-ups, under the big trees with front row views of the historic steam and diesel trains chugging in and out of the depot  Tent camping only is available at the Palestine Park.  On selected dates beginning November 28th thru December 27th The Polar Express will depart Palestine Depot on a magical trip to the North Pole.  Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas as they read along with the story and excitedly make their way to a visit with Santa.  The sounds of Christmas carols across the clear night air with hot chocolate to warm you up will stay in your memories long after the journey ends.  Each child will receive a special gift.  Ticket prices range from $28-$49.95  for adults and $18-$24.95 for children ages 2-11.  polarexpressride.com  1-888-987-2461  The Palestine Park is located in Anderson County in the Pineywoods Region.

From Thanksgiving through December the grounds around  Goliad State Park’s Mission Espiritu Santo will glow with Holiday Lights.  The Mission was established more than 250 years ago by Spanish missionaries and soldiers at Goliad on the San Antionio River.  It stands today, rising above the landscape, an imposing image on a vantage point overlooking the park.  Goliad State Park is located just south of Goliad Texas on U.S. 83 and 77A in the South Texas Plains Region.