Huntsville, Texas

From its founding as a trading post in the 1830s, Huntsville quickly established itself as a prominent Texas town. In 1847, this Texas Main Street city became the site of the Texas State Penitentiary. For a fascinating look at life and death behind prison walls, visit the Texas Prison Museum, which houses the electric chair nicknamed “Old Sparky.” The Sam Houston Memorial Museum features the Woodland Home, which Houston sold to pay campaign debts, and the relocated Steamboat House, where Houston’s body lay in state in 1863 before being laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery. A 67-foot-tall statue of the Texas hero and a visitors center greet travelers to Huntsville.

Scenic Drive: Several routes through Sam Houston National Forest offer woodland beauty. Take F.M. 1374 (not shown on most maps) to nearby Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area. F.M. 1375 east from New Waverly to Walker Lake Recreation Area.