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Piney Woods Region
Mission Tejas State Park
Mission Tejas State Park © Andrea Short
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MISSION TEJAS STATE PARK
MISSION TEJAS STATE PARK
120 State Park Rd. 44
Grapeland, Texas   75844

Phone: 936-687-2394
Mission Tejas State Park is a 363.5-acre park in Houston County, 22 miles northeast of Crockett. The park was constructed in 1935 and acquired in 1957 by Legislative Act from the Texas Forest Service, at which time it was open to the public.

The park was built in 1934 by Co. 888 of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas, which was established in 1690. Also in the park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and restored in 1974. The home, which Joseph Redmund Rice, Sr. constructed between 1828 and 1838, is one of the oldest structures in the area. The home served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas.


Location
Mission Tejas State Park is located near Rusk

Picnicking
1. Mission Tejas State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a meal by the park's tranquil pond or under towering pines.
3. Some areas provide covered shelters for picnicking, ideal during hot summer days.
4. Bring your own food as there are no concession stands in the park.
5. Picnic near historical sites like Rice Family Log Home or San Francisco de los Tejas mission replica.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a variety of trails, though caution is advised due to the park's hilly terrain.

The 3-mile trail system offers moderate difficulty levels and requires careful navigation.

Riders should be aware that some paths are shared with pedestrians, demanding respectful cycling etiquette.

Helmets are strongly recommended for safety as certain sections may have loose gravel or steep inclines.

Please note biking isn't allowed on all trails; adhere strictly to posted signs indicating permitted areas.

Remember: wildlife encounters could occur while riding - always maintain safe distances from animals you encounter.

Lastly, ensure your bike is in good condition before embarking on any ride within this natural haven.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot various species like the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Pine Warbler and Brown-headed Nuthatch. The park is part of the Big Thicket Birding Trail. It's also home to migratory birds in spring and fall seasons.

Area Attractions
Nearby attractions include Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site, Jim Hogg Historic Site; Rusk and Palestine State Parks, and Texas State Railroad State Park; Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas Forestry Museum, in Lufkin; and Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area (a U.S. Forest Service park, 12 miles away, that has a nice swimming beach).

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 19 Beautiful Park by trish
park review stars; one to five Nice small park with a small number of campsites. Lots of easy hiking trails.
October 20 Beautiful trees
park review stars; one to five This park has a lovely picnic area with nice nature trails nearby, and two historic buildings. I have taken 7th graders there several times, and we have always enjoyed it.
April 2 We just loved it in this park by Dinga
park review stars; one to five
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Directions
The park is located 21 miles northeast of Crockett and 12 miles west of Alto on State Highway 21. The entrance to the park is in Weches, where Park Road 44 intersects with State Highway 21.

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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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