Jefferson’s charms lie in its rich collection of historic attractions and its place on the Texas map. The latter lends it proximity to two beautiful lakes located just a short drive away, as well as convenient access to the casinos and resorts in nearby Shreveport. As for the former, there are more than 100 historic homes and buildings spread across the area just waiting to be seen by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or boat. Mix in a few quirky museums and an old-timey general store, and you’ve got the makings of a one-of-a-kind Texas town. Below are just a few of the top attractions in Jefferson.
Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park
Mon-Sun: 10am last car admitted 3 to 4 depending on time of year
1100 W Prospect Rd. - 6 Miles north of Jefferson
903-665-4093
Canoe/Kayak Rentals at Made in the Shade
118 E. Henderson St.
903- 665-8966
Excelsior House Hotel & Jay Gould Railcar
Oscar Wilde, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes are just a few of the famous folks who have hung their hat at this historic hotel since it opened in the late 1850's. It still features the rosewood and mahogany furniture that helped develop its elegant ambiance, with a few updates like Wi-Fi and cable TV added for 21st-century travelers. The hotel sells tickets for tours of railroad magnate Jay Gould’s private rail car located across the street, a fascinating exhibit led by knowledgeable docents.
211 West Austin Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-2513
Historic Jefferson Narrated Tour
Guided Narrated Tour
217 W. Lafayette
903-665-0359
House of the Seasons
Take in the lovely Victorian Garden and beautiful interior design of this Greek revival bed and breakfast from the 1870's and you’ll understand why presidents and first ladies have made it their lodging of choice in Jefferson.
409 South Alley Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-8000
Jefferson Ghost Walk
TOURS: Friday & Saturday nights at 8:00 pm
W. Austin & S. Vale
903-665-6289
Jefferson General Store
Jefferson’s beloved General Store has been a local favorite for pecan pralines, root beer floats, and nickel songs on the new-fangled jukebox since the 1870's. It is open seven days a week, so make sure to stop in for some retro candy and vintage toys.
113 East Austin Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
Jefferson Historical Museum
Four floors worth of history await you at the museum of the Jefferson Historical Society, set in what was once the federal courthouse building constructed in 1890. Beautiful artifacts and relics from Marion County and around the world tell the story of Jefferson’s heyday as “Baghdad on the Bayou.”
223 West Austin Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-2775
Jefferson Texas Carriage Rides
by the Sacred Spur Carriage Company
222 W. Austin St.
903-790-2693
Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari
Wed.-Sun. 10:30am to 4:30pm weather permitting
1782 Hwy 59 N - 2 Miles north of Jefferson
903-665-0053
Museum of Measurement and Time
Peruse an extensive collection of American clocks, surveying tools, and salt and pepper shakers at this museum on Polk Street. Proprietors Johnny and Edith Ingram make your visit memorable with personal stories and rich knowledge of the items on display.
301 North Polk Street
Jefferson TX 75657
(903) 665-6668
Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum
Owner Bobbie Hardy shares her extensive collection of lithographs, figurines, posters, dozens of versions of the eponymous book, and more with fellow fans of Gone with the Wind. The museum is open during normal business hours Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday through Wednesday by appointment.
408 Taylor Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-1939
Singleton’s Virginia Cross Home
The Singleton home, built in 1859, is a Greek Revival home located in the older portion of Jefferson, close to the Jefferson Historic District, and an easy walk from downtown.
(903)665-3938
The Grove
In addition to being one of the most historic tourist attractions in Texas, this 1861 home is also “the most haunted house in Jefferson.” Reserve an hour-long tour and hear tales of the mysterious Lady in White, the hurried man in the garden, and the other spooks and spirits that many claim to have seen or heard on the grounds over the years.
405 Moseley Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
Turning Basin Tours
Tours / Boat Ride
200 Bayou
903-665-2222
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