You will see him before you reach town. Huntsville-born artist David Adickes built the Sam Houston statue, 67 feet tall on a 10-foot granite base, between 1992 and 1994, and it towers over I-45 south of town with a visitor center and gift shop at its feet. Pull off, crane your neck, then drive in to meet the man behind the legend. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum sits on a 15-acre, park-like complex tied to Sam Houston State University, and it includes two homes where Houston and his family lived, the Woodland Home and the Steamboat House. For fresh air, Huntsville State Park wraps 21 miles of trails around 210-acre Lake Raven under tall pines. Add a stop at the Texas Prison Museum if you're curious about the city's other famous institution, then grab lunch downtown.
What to expect
- The museum's roomiest free parking is at its Education Center, 1402 19th Street.
- The museum's 15 acres are free to stroll dawn to dusk; expect some walking between homes.
- Ramps reach the historic homes' ground floors, and the main museum has an elevator.
- Huntsville State Park has a marked swim area on the lake with no lifeguards.
- Self-service kayak rentals sit near Raven Lodge in the state park.
What to do
- Stand at the feet of Big Sam at the statue visitor center
- See the Woodland Home and Steamboat House at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum
- Hike the pine trails around Lake Raven at Huntsville State Park
- 67 feet tall on a 10-foot granite base, by David Adickes, built 1992 to 1994Statue
- Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.; closed MondaysMemorial museum hours
- 210-acre Lake Raven, 21 miles of trails, open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.Huntsville State Park