Events & Attractions in Jefferson, Texas
Step back in time and experience the charming historic town of Jefferson, Texas. Full of Southern grace and romance, today's Jefferson is reminiscent of its heyday with its original brick streets lined with antique shops and restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
Local Attractions, Museums, & Historic Home Tours
Historic Tours of Jefferson - A one-hour guided shuttle tour of the downtown historic district, including the old business district, historic homes, and a trip out to Oakwood Cemetery. Go to www.tourjefferson.com to book, or call (903) 665-0359 to reserve, or 'Book Now' via the Facebook page (Historic Tours of Jefferson).
The "Original" Historic Jefferson Texas Ghost Tour - A 2-hour narrated walk through historic Jefferson with haunted and historic stories. Call (903) 665-6289 for information. Can book online at www.jeffersonghostwalk.com.
Turning Basin Riverboat Tours - A one-hour narrated tour of the Big Cypress Bayou. Call (903) 665-2222 to reserve. www.jeffersonbayoutours.com
Made in the Shade Kayak & Canoe Rental - Paddle through the Big Cypress Bayou by kayak or canoe. Free shuttle from any Bed & Breakfast or Historic Hotels in Jefferson. Drop off and pick up at the boat ramp. 2 hours, 4 hours, or all-day rentals are available. Call (903) 665-8966 to reserve.
Howe Truss Train Trestle - Built in 1897, it is the only remaining Train Trestle of its kind in the world. It is lit up each evening from Dusk to Dawn for viewing.
Lonesome Dove Exotic Drive-Through Safari - Call (903) 240-6180 for information.
Lonesome Dove Trail of Lights - December 1-31, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Call (903) 240-6180 for information.
Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park - Call (903) 665-4093 for information.
Jefferson Historical Society and Museum - www.jeffersonmuseum.com or call 903-665-2775. Four floors of Marion County and Jefferson history.
Museum of Measurement and Time - www.museumofmeasurementandtime.org or call 903-665-6668. Private collection of Johnny and Edith Ingram of maps, clock, and surveying equipment. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
Jefferson Carnegie Library - www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com or call 903-665-8911. An original Carnegie Library built in 1907.
The Grove Home Tour - A one-hour guided tour of one of the most haunted homes in Jefferson. Tour times: Saturday @2:00 pm and Sunday @11:00 am. Call (903) 665-8018 to book. Reservation required.
House of the Seasons - www.houseoftheseasons.com 903-665-8000 The House of the Seasons was built in 1872 during the glory days of Jefferson, the largest inland port in Texas at that time. Colonel Benjamin H. Epperson who built the house was a prominent lawyer, political leader, entrepreneur, and confidante of Sam Houston. Available for tours. Call for reservations. The house is a fine example of the transition period between the Greek Revival and Victorian styles of architecture. The most unique features of the house are the cupola and the murals. In the cupola, under the picture, each wall contains a different colored stained glass that creates the illusion of the seasons of the year.
Gone with the Wind Museum - www.scarlettohardy.com or call 903-665-1939. A 1,700-square-foot museum, dedicated to Gone With the Wind, features one of the world’s largest private collections of memorabilia from this epic story of the Old South.
Singleton Virginia Cross Home Tour - www.virginiacross.com or call 903-665-3938. Historic antebellum home furnished with antiques of the period. Guided tour of the home at 1.00 PM on Saturdays.
Excelsior House Tour - www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. The Excelsior House is the second oldest continuously running hotel in the state of Texas. The Excelsior House is open for tours on weekdays at 2 pm and at 1 pm and 2 pm on weekends.
Ruth Lester Playhouse - www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. Built in 1860 and having been everything from a convent to a Jewish Synagogue, the Ruth Lester playhouse has been lovingly restored and is full of period antiques.
Jay Gould’s Rail Car Atalanta - www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. The “Atalanta” has a luxurious interior with four staterooms, a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry, and a bathroom. Open daily 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Civil War Powder Magazine - www.VisitJeffersonTexas.com or call 903-665-3733. Join Jefferson’s Tourism Director, Jeff Campbell, for an out-and-back walk for an “Across the Bayou View” of the Jefferson Confederate Powder Magazine. The structure is the only surviving powder magazine in Texas. The walk is approximately 1/3 Mile each way. Reservations are required.
TOURS OF CADDO LAKE
CADDO LAKE BAYOU TOURS Tours of Scenic & Historic Caddo Lake. Pontoon boat tours available 7 days a week, including sunrise & sunset. Guided fishing trips. Call to set a time: 903-570-2169 www.caddolakebayoutours.com
OLE’ JIGGER’S CADDO LAKE ADVENTURES Private Lake Tours – Pontoon (1-15 people) or Swamp Boat (4 people). 7 Days a week – including sunset tours 198 W. Sesame St., Karnack, TX Call to book your next adventure - (903)930-6778 www.olejigger.com
CADDO LAKE GUIDE SERVICE (903) 455-3437 www.caddolakefishing.com
CAPTAIN RON'S SWAMP TOURS - CADDO LAKE Pontoon boat tours of Caddo Lake Adults: $30, Seniors: $25, Children: $20 Departs from Big Pine Lodge; 756 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX Fri, Sat, Sun. Call for appointment - (903) 679-3020 https://captronswamptours.com/
MOSSY BRAKE CAMP Private tours on Caddo Lake for individuals or groups up to 5 people 612-735-7625 mossybrakecamp.com
RIVERBEND OUTFITTERS Kayak & Canoe Rentals with delivery and/or pick-up. Big Cypress Bayou, Caddo Lake, & Lake O’ the Pines Kristi & Jerry Thomas (903)926-0203 www.riverbendoutfitters.com
Antiquing & Shopping
Blackburn’s Factory Outlet - call 903-665-1128. Factory Outlet Store for Blackburn’s jellies, preserves and syrups, gift baskets, custom framing, local cookbooks, knives, pottery, and gift items. UPS Shipping Outlet.
Brayden and Co Antique Mall - www.braydenandcompany.com or 903.665.2762 Upscale antique furnishings.
G G’s Antiques - call 903-601-5019 Large collection of antiques.
Gold Leaf Antiques - call 903-665-2882. Two floors of collectible glassware, furniture, books, and CASE® Knives.
Jefferson General Store - www.jeffersongeneralstore.com or call 903-665-8481. Authentic general store with a soda fountain, old-time toys, and gifts. Fresh-made pralines & candy counter. Texas souvenirs. Famous Moody Dogs.
Jefferson Antique Mall - www.jeffersonantiquemall.com or call 903-665-8852. Retail-Antiques-Collectibles-Miscellaneous. 18 dealers under one roof.
Jefferson Fudge Store - www.jeffersonfudgestore.com or call 903-665-3562. Offer a wide variety of homemade fudge, candies, jellies, jams, and preserves as well as a wide selection of gifts, collectibles, and antiques.
The Front Porch - call 361-788-3369 Unique gifts, Bigfoot items, and more.
The Old Vault - call 903-601-4428 Large collection of antiques and collectibles.
The Jefferson Outpost - Antiques, collectibles, and gift shop. Includes a cafe, ice cream, fudge, and malts.
Made in the Shade - Boutique, unique fashions, jewelry, home decor, and gemstone mining.
Old Mill Antiques - 20,000 sf of antiques and collectibles.
Texas Treasure - call 903-665-3757. Wind spinners, homemade quilts, rustic custom stars, Texas Souvenirs, College Collectibles, and more
Three River Antiques Antiques and Collectibles - 10,000 square feet of antique furniture, pottery, books, depression glass, old tools, railroad lanterns, and signs.
Walnut Street Market - antiques and collectibles including a large assortment of old doors and windows.
Willow Tree - thewillowtreejefferson.com or 903.601-4515 The Perfect gifts for all occasions.
Yesteryear Nick Nacks - www.ynntx.com or call 903-720-8692. Gifts, collectibles, Christmas all year. Trendy clothes and shoes for ladies. New jewelry.
Rentals
MADE IN THE SHADE - Golf Cart Rentals with delivery & pick-up, 118 E Henderson St., Jefferson TX (903) 665- 8966.
ROY’S RAILS & RIDES - Golf Cart Rentals – 2 seater, 4 seater, and Specialty carts available; 602 N Polk St, Jefferson TX (903) 742-9449
BULLDOG RIDES - Golf Cart Rentals – 317 N Polk St.; 4 or 6 passenger - 903-930-4984 or 903-930-4992; bulldogrides.com.
KENNEDY MANOR - Bicycle Rentals: ½ day- $10, 1 day-$15, weekend-$25; 217 W Lafayette St., Jefferson, Tx (903) 665-0359.
Favorites
Below are our favorites that are a bit outside of Jefferson
Enoch's Stomp Winery - call (903) 240-1587 Enjoy a glass of wine, dinner and a beautiful view in the heart of East Texas. A short 15-minute drive from Jefferson in Harleton, Texas. enochsstomp.com.
Big Pines Lodge - call (903) 679-3655 Steaks and catfish on the shores of Caddo Lake. bigpineslodge.com.
Uncertain General Store and Gifts - call (888) 325-5459. Enjoy delicious food while sitting and enjoying the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake. uncertaingifts.com.
5D Cattle Company Steakhouse and Meat Market - fivedcattle.com or call (903) 562-1291. Best steakhouse in East Texas only 15 minutes from Jefferson in Avinger, Texas.