It’s that time of year when we are all getting a little antsy for a vacation. Tyler, Texas, and its surrounding area is an ideal choice for a weekend trip, or longer, where families or couples can create delightful memories without a long car ride or plane trip. Tyler is only a couple-hour drive from the Metroplex and offers a plethora of fun and interesting things to see and do in an area filled with history, art, music, food, recreational opportunities and botanical wonders.
Camp Ford is located just 3 miles outside Tyler and easily captures the imagination of Civil War buffs and children alike. It was the largest Confederate POW camp west of the Mississippi. There is a short walking path with signs explaining about the camp and a cabin reconstruction that depicts life in the camp, which held captive more than 5,000 American Union soldiers. The park is open every day from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. If you enjoy picnicking, there is also a lovely, little shady picnic area in the park.
For those interested in learning about endangered wildlife, one of the best big cat sanctuaries in the U.S. is located just outside Tyler’s city limits. The 150-acre preserve, Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, has been caring for and rehabilitating neglected and abandoned tigers for more than 25 years. Recently, the refuge expanded its reach to include other wild cats such as lions, cougars and servals, as well as large birds and other formerly homeless wild animals. Guided tours are given daily for those who want to learn more about saving these magnificent creatures.
No trip to Tyler would be complete without taking time to see the iconic Tyler Rose Gardens. At 14 acres, it is the largest rose garden in the United States. Walk along the paths, and enjoy row after row of beautiful roses, labeled to help visitors find a favorite variety to grow themselves. Spend time at the reflecting pools and peaceful water fountains, and learn about native plants and perennials in the beautifully landscaped, cottage-style Idea Garden.
For those adventurous souls, about 10 miles outside of Tyler is the opportunity to zipline! The company, New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures, has been in business for 10 years and offers zipline escapades for everyone over the age of 5. They offer a 1 1/2-hour or a 2-hour course, all set in the peaceful, scenic landscape of East Texas. Find out everything about them at goziptexas.com, or check them out on Facebook.
The choices for staying overnight in the Tyler area are endless. They have multitudes of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages, cabins and RV parks. The Tyler State Park is a true gem. It offers not only 83 campsites, but also five cabins and 28 screened shelters for rent. The park has something to do for every kind of nature lover. Bird blinds, mountain-bike trails, fishing piers, hiking trails, watercraft rentals and wildlife viewing are just some treasures found in this awesome state park.
It is easy to see that finding something amazing to do is not difficult in the Tyler area. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to get away but don’t want to spend a lot of time driving. Have fun!
Photos by Susan Simmons
Written by Susan Simmons
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