The Texas Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on April 25, 2024(Originally published August 19, 2023)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Anahuac, Texas is one of my favorite hidden gem destinations that’s worth a trip from any corner of the state. A haven for nature lovers, this expansive preserve features lush greenery, pristine bodies of water, and abundant wildlife – including plenty of alligators! Seldom crowded and virtually undisturbed, this remarkable place stole my heart the very first time I visited. Come with me on this adventure to explore one of the best wildlife refuges in Texas.
Welcome to the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge! Located about an hour and a half northeast of Galveston, this 30,000-acre oasis protects critically important coastal wetlands and the wildlife that inhabits them.
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, 4318 FM1985, Anahuac, TX 77514, USA
Open right after sunrise to about one hour before sunset, the refuge offers a variety of walking and driving trails that showcase the pristine beauty of this relatively untouched piece of Texas.
Some of the trails, such as the .5-mile, ADA-accessible Cypress Trail at the park's Visitor Center, lead through dense forests and towards the calm and peaceful waters of Lake Anahuac.
You may even get the fascinating opportunity to watch nature in action. This lucky guest got to see an alligator trying to wrangle a snake for its next meal.
All of the trails are relatively short, at roughly one mile or less (save for the auto loop, which is 2.6-miles long), so you can squeeze several (or maybe even all of them!) into your visit.
The Visitor Center is also worth a stop, not just to learn the lay of the land from park rangers, but also to enjoy several exhibits and a souvenir shop. Restrooms are available here as well.
Please note: the Visitor Center is about 20 miles away from the main refuge.
Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website for more information, such as a complete list of trails and a trail map. Or download a free trial of AllTrails+ to gain access to offline maps as well as some cool perks.
Have you ever visited this magical place? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby treasure trove that’s one of the largest flea markets in Southeast Texas.
