Lace up those hiking boots because it’s time to head to the great outdoors in Lufkin, TX. Start at Boykin Springs with a 2 ½ mile hike through Angelina National Forest. The hike ends at the historic Aldridge Sawmill constructed in 1905.

Plan a fishing trip on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. If you’re skilled at fishing, sign up to compete in the Brandon Belt Fishing Tournament. You can win up to $100k. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefit the Father’s Heart Orphanage, a non-profit organization that protects children in Brazil.

Here’s something that the whole family will enjoy. It will feel like you’re journeying through a jungle at Ellen Trout Zoo. They are an ETZ accredited zoo which means they put conservation first. You’ll see one of the nation’s oldest Maasai giraffes, a free roaming white peacock, hippo feedings up close, and so much more.

After all of that exploring, end your day with a delicious meal from Pelican Pointe. Owner Blake Cuccio is from Louisiana, so he brought his Cajun flavors to Texas. Taste the biggest and juiciest crawfish, devils on horseback, and his grandmother’s famous crawfish etouffee.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Lufkin.