Lufkin, a charming East Texas town in the Piney Woods region, is surrounded by forests and scenic lakes. Yet this lovely and historic city also has plenty to offer travelers and locals alike, from zoos to museums.
The town’s vibrant downtown district is a hub of unique retail and dining options, art studios, and professional businesses. Its 431-seat Pines Theater showcases local and international performers.
The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin is an AZA accredited zoo dedicated to quality animal care, education and conservation. It's an active participant in several Species Survival Plan breeding programs.
The zoo also offers educational programs in nearby schools to help educate children about different animals and their needs. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.
There are also a number of attractions for kids, such as a train ride that goes around the zoo and through Ellen Trout Lake. This is a fun experience for kids, but make sure to book your train ride early, because it only runs fri-sun.
The Ellen Trout Zoo is a small zoo that makes it easy to see all the animals in one afternoon. It's also kept clean and the people at the zoo seem to really care about the animals.
Pawsitive Animal Encounters is a private zoo that offers an up close and personal experience with exotic animals. It houses a collection of animals including pythons, bearded dragons, tortoises and fennec foxes that are carefully taken care of by experts.
The zoo has many fun and interesting features but the best part is that you can actually see these animals up close and personal! Located in the heart of Lufkin, the zoo is a great attraction for both kids and adults. It has a children’s petting area, two aquariums, a gift shop and even has a restaurant that overlooks an African savanna. To learn more about the zoo visit its official website or check out their social media page for up to the minute information.
Kiibbies Shaved Ice offers a variety of different flavored snow cones that will satisfy your appetite. Their snow cones are prepared in a healthy environment and are safe for both children and adults to enjoy.
If you are looking for a unique and fun way to cool down this summer then try a snow cone from Kiibbies Shaved Ice on 2109 West Frank Avenue in Lufkin. They have a variety of flavors available and they also offer shaved ice in the traditional Hawaiian style.
The place also offers a variety of shaved ice drinks like margaritas, pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris to name a few. They also offer grown-up popsicles and fruit cups.
If you are a history buff, then the Texas Forestry Museum is a must-visit. It is the largest forest museum in the state and houses many unique exhibits that tell the story of forestry in Texas.
Guests can learn about the complexity of trees and forests, the legacy of forestry and current forestry practices. They can also experience several outdoor exhibits and trails to understand the impact of forests on our lives.
Another pleasant surprise is that the Forestry Museum allows kids to touch and play on retired machines like a fire tower, logging locomotive and depot. It is one of the few museums that allows children to interact and be free and safe.
