Rusk

Although only one family was living here in 1846, Rusk was chosen as the seat of Cherokee County. The town is named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Rusk is also famed as the birthplace of James Stephen Hogg and Thomas Mitchell Campbell who were the first and second native-born Texans to serve as governor.

Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Birmingham Forest Lake & Golf Club

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes

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Things to Do in Rusk

Keep moving.

Even slow progress opens up new places and perspectives.

Bonner Bank Building

Cherokee County's first bank, established 1884, in 1865 building. Euclid St. and U.S. 69.

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Find your way.

There's no single right route, just the one that fits you.

Old Rusk Penitentiary Bldg.

Central administration building of present Rusk State Hospital built as main building of former Rusk…

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Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Texas State Railroad

Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, antique steam engines power vintage coaches 25 miles…

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Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Jim Hogg Historic Park

175-acre scenic forest area of lofty pines. Dedicated as memorial to Governor Hogg, attractions include…

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Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Fairchild State Forest

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Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Rusk/Palestine State Park

Each of the two units of the park offers outdoor fun and recreation, such as…

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Start early. Stay late.

The edges of the day tend to hold the best experiences.

Scenic Drive

Several routes near Rusk offer excellent woodland scenery: U.S. 69 both north and south; also…

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Go where you feel alive.

Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.

Footbridge Garden Park

Wooded setting for 546-foot footbridge, said to be nation's longest, originally built 1861 for crossing…

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Upcoming Events

No upcoming events listed yet.

Nearby Lakes & Parks