This city was chosen as the seat of Henderson County in 1850 and was named Athens because it was expected to become the cultural center of the state, as was its namesake. The city is located 76 miles southeast of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on U.S. 175. The city is also said to be the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich in the late 1800s.
Things to do in Athens
Athens Lake
This popular 1,520-acre impoundment offers boat ramps, a commercial marina, picnic sites, camping area with RV hookups. Swimming and fishing for crappie, bass and catfish. About 4 miles east of Athens. The Athens Marina provided public access for boating and fishing. For more information and fees, please contact us. Call 903-677-7490 for more information.
Athens Scuba Park
With underwater visibility of up to 70 feet, there's no telling what you might see. Divers flock to the park's clear blue waters for recreational diving and for diver certification. Sunken treasures include Ray Price's tour bus; Clint Eastwood's houseboat, the Take"2", an airplane, motorcycles and much more. Average visibility is 30 to 40 feet. Park also features camping sites, 12 dive platforms, a land volleyball court, barbecue pits, and more. At 500 N. Murchison Street. Located at 500 N. Murchison Street. Open May - November on Fridays from noon - 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am - 6pm. Call 903-675-5762 for more information.
Black Beauty Ranch
This is a 1,430-acre refuge that is home to hundreds of animals. Chimpanzees, burros and even elephants can be found here. This ranch, founded by children's book author Cleveland Amory, is a uniquely wonderful place to visit. Open Saturdays from 9am - 4pm but is closed during the month of August. Call 903-469-3811 for more information.
Cain Center
Nestled in the heart of 85 beautiful acres is the 50,000-sq.-ft. civic and conference center. Facilities include 25-meter pool, whirlpool, sauna, weight room, racquetball courts, tennis courts, two fishing ponds, walking/jogging trail, and 18-hole disc golf course. Located at 915 S. Palestine. Open Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm; Saturday 9am - 6pm; Sunday 1-6pm. Call 903-677-2001 for more information.
Cedar Creek Reservoir
Located 10 miles west of Athens you will find this huge 33,750-acre impoundment. The lake offers camping, picnicking areas, excellent fishing, swimming and boating. It is one of the most popular in North Central Texas.
East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
The 100-acre arboretum features walking trails and a bluebird trail. Site ranges from dry hills to large, permanent wetlands impounded by beaver dams to intermittent seasonal marshes. An outdoor pavilion provides a beautiful spot for picnics. Located off U.S. 175 on Patterson Road Call 903-675-5630 for more information.
Henderson County Historical Museum
Vintage and antique memorabilia are displayed in 1896 Faulk-Gauntt building. First floor exhibits emulate a turn-of-the-century dry goods store while the second floor is a re-creation of an early law office, parlor, bedroom, bath, kitchen and schoolroom. Located at 217 N. Prairieville Street. Open Friday and Saturday 10am - 3pm. Call 903-675-6199 for more information.
New York (Texas) Cheesecake
Mouth-watering cheesecake that was originally baked in a farmhouse near the hills of New York, Texas, but is now located right near Downtown Square in Athens. This delicious cheesecake is homemade from scratch and is available in 16 flavors. Call 877-698-9222 for more information.
Palestine Lake
This 25,560 acre impoundment is popular for boating, water sports and fishing. Facilities include a marina. Bait and tackle shops, swimming beach, boat launching ramps and camping areas. Take 155 south of Athens.
Purtis Creek State Recreation Area
1,533-acre park includes 355-acre Purtis Creek Lake. Following its construction, the reservoir was stocked with Florida largemouth bass, channel catfish, cooper-nose bluegills, shad and red-ear sunfish. Only 50 boats allowed on lake at one time (boating fee) and no-wake rule is strictly enforced. Fishing is restricted to catch and release. Campsites with water and electricity, picnicking, playground, hiking, rest rooms. Swimming is permitted in lake and hiking trails are available. Take U.S. 175 northwest about 9 miles, north n FM 316 from there it is only 3 miles to park. Reservations are accepted. Call 800-389-8900 for more information.
Richland-Chambers Creek Lake
A 44,752-acre reservoir built in the 1989s. The lakeside facilities are still under development. Visitors will find public boat ramps, a marina and a lakeside campground. Excellent fishing can be found here for native largemouth and Florida strain bass, sand bass, crappie, copper nose, bluegill and catfish.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
This innovative complex features over 300,000 gallons of aquarium exhibits, and for the first time, visitors can see nearly every major species of freshwater fish found in Texas in its natural habitat. Explore the Hill Country Stream, East Texas Farm Pond, or go below the surface of a Texas Reservoir to learn about fish and their behavior. Gaze into the eyes of an American alligator in a natural wetlands environment. Wander through a variety of galleries that feature replicas of most state record fish caught in Texas freshwater lakes and streams, Watch (and even talk) to divers as they hand-feed the largest largemouth bass in captivity. Located at 5550 Flat Creek Road. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 4pm; Sunday 1 - 4pm. Call 903-676-2277 for more information.
Visitor Center
Directions and information for local attractions, events, hotels, restaurants and shopping are availability here. Located on downtown square Call 903-677-0775 for more information.