Explore Cherokee County
Old Rusk Penitentiary Bldg.
Central administration building of present Rusk State Hospital built as main building of former Rusk State Prison, 1878. Iron structures, including dome of State Capitol, fabricated here by prisoners. Ave. A and U.S. 69. Historical marker gives details.
Rusk, TX Historic MarkersFootbridge Garden Park
Wooded setting for 546-foot footbridge, said to be nation's longest, originally built 1861 for crossing valley during rainy season. Two blocks east of town square.
Rusk, TX GardensTexas State Railroad
Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, antique steam engines power vintage coaches 25 miles to Palestine in the nation's longest, skinniest state park through dense East Texas forestlands. Reservations recommended. (In Texas call toll-free 1-800-442-8951.)
Rusk, TX Railroad HistoryScenic Drive
Several routes near Rusk offer excellent woodland scenery: U.S. 69 both north and south; also F.M. 347, F.M. 747 (neither shown on most maps) that lead north from U.S. 84
Rusk, TX Scenic DrivesCaddoan Mounds State Historic Site
A chief archaeological site in Texas. Park includes two ceremonial and one burial mound, visitor center with exhibits, interpretive trail. Two ceremonial mounds of 300 by 350
Alto, TX Historic SitesDavy Crockett National Forest
Nearest entrance southwest 6 miles on Texas 21
Alto, TX National ForestsLove's Lookout Park
View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35
Jacksonville, TX Scenic ViewsScenic Drives
Beautiful hill, forest and lake scenery both north and south on U.S. 69; also along F.M. 747 and F.M. 2138 (neither shown on most maps)
Jacksonville, TX Scenic DrivesRusk/Palestine State Park
Each of the two units of the park offers outdoor fun and recreation, such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and pedal boating, along with watching native birds and small mammals. Rusk/
Rusk, TX State ParksScenic Drive
Exceptional scenery of forested hills and streams lies along U.S. 69, Texas 21 (El Camino Real)
Alto, TX Scenic Drives