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Huntsville is a city of about 45,000 people in Walker County in East Texas, about 70 miles north of Houston along Interstate 45 and surrounded by the pine forests of the Piney Woods. Founded as an Indian trading post in the 1830s, it is best known as the home of Sam Houston, hero of Texas independence, who lived here and died here in 1863.
Huntsville is also home to Sam Houston State University, founded in 1879, and has been the headquarters of the Texas prison system since the 1840s. The historic Huntsville Unit, known as the Walls, still stands near downtown, and the Texas Prison Museum tells the story of prison life. The Samuel Walker Houston Museum honors a pioneering Black educator from the town.
Visitors come to see the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, his grave at Oakwood Cemetery and the giant statue that greets drivers on the interstate. Huntsville State Park and the Sam Houston National Forest offer lakes, camping and long hiking trails in the pines.
A museum complex on Sam Houston's former homestead, with exhibits on his life and Texas independence, his restored Woodland home and the Steamboat House where he died in 1863. Admission is free, and the wooded grounds have a pond and trails. Allow at least two hours.
A museum on the history of the Texas prison system, with exhibits on prison life, escapes, inmate art and the former electric chair known as Old Sparky. It gives insight into a town shaped by the prison system for nearly two centuries. Plan about an hour; a small admission fee applies.
A 67-foot statue of Sam Houston by sculptor David Adickes, standing beside Interstate 45 south of town since 1994 and visible from miles away. A visitor center at its base has information and a gift shop. Stop for photos at the foot of the statue; the path is short and easy.
A public university founded in 1879, with a hilly campus near downtown that includes Austin Hall, one of the oldest university buildings in Texas. Visitors can walk the grounds and catch Bearkat football and other events. Park in visitor lots, and combine it with the nearby museum.
A historic cemetery near downtown where Sam Houston is buried beneath a large granite monument, alongside many early Huntsville families. Markers explain the history of the graves. It is free to visit during daylight hours; please be respectful, as it is still an active cemetery.
A museum honoring Samuel Walker Houston, son of a man once enslaved by Sam Houston, who founded a pioneering school for Black children near Huntsville. Exhibits cover his work and local African American history. Opening hours are limited, so call or check ahead before visiting.
The oldest prison in Texas, opened in 1849 and known as the Walls for its tall red brick walls near downtown Huntsville. It is still a working prison and cannot be toured, but its walls and clock tower are a striking sight from the street. Learn its story at the Texas Prison Museum.
A state park of about 2,000 acres surrounding Lake Raven, with tall pine forests, campsites, cabins, paddleboat and kayak rentals and miles of hiking and biking trails. Look for alligators and herons on the lake. Book campsites ahead for spring and autumn weekends.
A historic home owned by the city and used as an arts center, with changing art exhibits, classes, concerts and community events. The house and its grounds make a pleasant stop near downtown. Check the calendar for current exhibits and events before you go, as hours are limited.
The historic square around the Walker County Courthouse, lined with older brick buildings that now hold shops, cafes and restaurants, including the long-running Cafe Texan. Walk the square to see historic markers and murals, and visit on weekends when events often take place.
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