Lufkin, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Lufkin is a city in Angelina County, in the Piney Woods region of north-east Texas. It has its origins in railroad lines, as it became a stop along the Houston, East and West Texas Railway in 1882 and a depot where cotton could be stored. Not long after, commerce gave way to the timber industry with several sawmills and the Angelina County Lumber Company operating, which in turn saw the addition of foundries and paper mills.

Even though much of this industry has subsided, Lufkin still holds on with chicken plants, retirement homes, churches, etc, plus a handful of tourist attractions.

One distinction about the area is that it witnessed the demise of the Space Ship Columbia during reentry in 2003, which can be appreciated at the Naranjo Museum.

6 sights · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Lufkin

Ellen Trout Zoo

Pleasant small zoo with shady areas and typical zoo-type members but including white rhinos, hippos, and jaguars. A notable feature is a cadre of free-roaming peacocks, plus a miniature train ride around the park (surcha…

Ellen Trout Park

One notable feature that might strike you about this place is that live alligators inhabit the pond.

Lufkin Azalea Trail

Naranjo Museum-Natural History

Dinosaur replicas, weaponry of the ages, gems and fossils, even artifacts from the Space Shuttle Columbia, or at least a display thereof.

Texas Forestry Museum

Forestry museum that is neat as a pin with emphasis on the logging side of things, with a train, old-timey vehicles and equipment displayed outside.

National Forests

Angelina and Crockett National Forests in the vicinity.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GGG East Texas Regional Airport, Longview — 72 mi away. Directions
TYR Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Tyler — 81 mi away. Directions
IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 100 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin Azalea Trail
Afternoon Texas Forestry Museum

Day 2

Morning Ellen Trout Park, Naranjo Museum-Natural History
Afternoon National Forests

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder