Palestine, Texas

A mural that says Palestine Texas and has symbols of the town.
Palestine, Texas.

Known for its famous Dogwood trees, the town of Palestine makes an excellent weekend getaway in Northeast Texas. The town is the county seat of Anderson County, Texas and has a population of about 19,000 people. Palestine was founded in 1846, making it one of the older towns in Texas. There is a historic downtown that is part of a vibrant Main Street district.

Many of the historic buildings Palestine have been well preserved and are still functioning. The best known is the train depot, which is still in operation as part of the Texas State Railroad.

Palestine is a certified Film Friendly Texas community. Many shows were filmed in Palestine including portions of the television show 1883. Palestine is also a Main Street Community and a Preserve America community.

A red rail car in Palestine, Texas that says welcome to Palestine, Texas.
The railroad is an important symbol of Palestine, Texas.

The Courthouse Square

Start your trip with a visit to the courthouse square. As the county seat of Anderson County there is a bustling courthouse surrounded by a historic square. Many of the buildings around the square are for businesses that conduct business at the courthouse such as law firms and title work.

If you are pressed for time, skip the courthouse square, and start with the Visitor’s Center in the Historic Downtown.

Anderson County Courthouse

500 N Church St # 43, Palestine, TX 75801

Anderson County was established in 1846 by the Texas Legislature. This courthouse was opened to the public in 1914.

The front of a courthouse with a flag.
The Anderson County Courthouse was built in 1914.
A side angle view of the courthouse in Anderson County, Texas.
The courthouse is built in the Beaux-Arts style.
The historical marker in front of Anderson County Courthouse.
This is the fourth courthouse in Anderson County.
The front of a law firm with an American flag.
There are many buildings on the courthouse square.
A window that is painted for an abstracting company's office.
Most of the buildings on the courthouse square pertain to county business.
A sign telling the history of a duel that occurred in Anderson County.
A sign about a duel.
A sign with the history of the building on the courthouse square in Anderson County, Texas.
Information about the businesses that existed on the courthouse square including a bookstore, a saloon, and a blacksmith shop.

Historic Anderson County Jailhouse

1200 E Lacy St, Palestine, TX 75801

The old jailhouse has been preserved, and is open to the public for events around Halloween and Christmas. You can also rent out the space for paranormal investigations.

An old building that functioned as a jail.
The historic Anderson County Jail is located on the corner of the courthouse square.

Historic Downtown Palestine

Unlike most other towns in Texas, the historic downtown is not around the courthouse. This is a several block stretch of buildings including the Carnegie Library, antique shops, and the historic Redlands Hotel. Wander around this area and check out the murals on the walls.

Palestine Visitor Information Center

825 W Spring St, Palestine, TX 75801

The Palestine Visitor Information Center is located near the grounds for the Palestine Farmer’s Market. They have brochures about many of the major tourist attractions in the area.

An old train station with a sign that says Palestine Visitor Information Center on the front, and a decorative sign with directions to major tourist attractions in town.
The Palestine Visitor Information Center.

Railroad Heritage Center

808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX 75801

An old building with a train behind it, and a sign that says railroad heritage center.
Railroad Heritage Center in Palestine, Texas.
The suggested donation signs for the railroad heritage center in Palestine, Texas.
Suggested admission fees for the Railroad Heritage Center.

The Carnegie Library

502 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801

Palestine, Texas was the recipient of a grant from Andrew Carnegie to build a library for the town. It is one of the remaining Carnegie Libraries and the building has been refurbished and is operating as the current library of Palestine. The library is located in the historic downtown.

A yellow brick building with a stairway to the door.
The Carnegie Library in Palestine, Texas.
A plaque with a description of the history of the library.
Historical marker on the Carnegie Library, which was built in 1914.

Texas Theatre

213 W Crawford St, Palestine, TX 75801

The Texas Theatre building has been preserved and is used for live events. You can check out the building itself, or see a show.

A historic theater.
Texas Theatre is home to Palestine Community Theatre.

The Redlands Hotel

400 N Queen St # 101, Palestine, TX 75801

The Queen Street Grille is located inside the Redlands Hotel. This hotel is a great option for if you are staying in Palestine to ride the Texas State Railroad.

A row of historic buildings with the Redlands Hotel at the end.
The Redlands Hotel is located in the historic downtown area.

Duncan Depot Antiques

106 W Main Street Palestine, Texas 75801

There are many antique shops in the historic downtown of Palestine, Texas. Duncan Depot Antiques is a particularly nice one, with lots of space inside.

A sign that says Duncan Depot Antiques and has dogwood flowers on top.
Duncan Depot Antiques in Palestine, Texas.
Antique kitchenwares on display in Duncan Depot.
Kitchenware items inside of Duncan Depot Antiques.

Texas State Railroad

Located on the outskirts of Palestine, the railroad connects with the town of Rusk, Texas. There are special themed train rides available. During the fall the route travels through an area known for having great fall colors. During Christmas there are Polar Express themed rides.

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot

789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801

A train station that says Palestine.
The Palestine station of the Texas State Railroad.
A red train car with a yellow stripe that says Texas State Railroad.
Texas State Railroad in Palestine, Texas.

Old Town Palestine

Walk around Old Town Palestine and get something to eat.

A metal sign on a fence that says Old Town Palestine.
Old Town Palestine has local bars and restaurants.

Oxbow Bakery and Antiques

 215 E Crawford St, Palestine, TX 75801

They are known for their pie, but be sure to plan ahead because they have limited hours.

The front of an old building with signs painted in the window about a bakery.
Oxbow Bakery and Antiques in Palestine, Texas.

Texas Dogwood Trails

Palestine known for the beautiful Dogwood trees that have white blossoms on them. They bloom every spring near the end of March.

Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration

Every year the town of Palestine celebrates the Dogwood trails the last two weekends of March and the first weekend of April. There are many activities in the town, and you can see the flowers in bloom.

Davey Dogwood Park

4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803

The park is home to many Dogwood trees. People come from all over to see the trees in bloom in the spring.

A forrest with a sign that says Davey Dogwood Park.
Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine, Texas.

What to do near Palestine, Texas

Rusk, Texas

Rusk, Texas is a town 30 miles from Palestine, Texas. The two towns are connected by the Texas State Railroad.

Mission Tejas Texas State Park

Mission Tejas Texas State Park is located in Grapeland, Texas. The park has historic buildings, hiking trails, and camping.

Caddo Mounds State Historical Site

Caddo Mounds State Historical Site is a 45 minute drive from Palestine, Texas. The site preserves important religious locations for the Caddo people who lived in the area, and also has a recreation of a Caddo house.

Driving through Palestine, Texas: