Cleveland

Uncover the treasures of the Piney Woods when you visit Cleveland, Texas. Nestled just southeast of the Sam Houston National Forest, Cleveland has ample natural beauty to go along with its great restaurants and family-friendly events.

Located just a short drive from Conroe, The Woodlands, and Houston, the town’s laid-back charm makes it ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

If you love spending time outdoors and are looking for a weekend getaway from Houston, plan your next trip to Cleveland.

Modern-day Cleveland began in 1878, when local judge Charles Lander Cleveland deeded 63 acres of land to the Houston, East and West Texas Railway for one dollar with the condition that a station bear his name. The heavily forested area became a hub of lumber production, with sawmills proliferating and the railroads carrying the finished products to the rest of the country.

Though much has changed since Cleveland’s founding, its history can still be seen and felt at several places in town. In 1939, the same year the city of Cleveland incorporated, the Texan Theater opened its doors. The historic movie house was restored to its former glory in the mid-1990’s, and it is still the place to go for an inexpensive movie-going experience in a charming building. To see how the theater looked in its early days, check out the Cleveland Historical Museum. Housed inside the old City Hall building, the museum offers fascinating photos and artifacts of the city and surrounding area that span several decades.

One thing that never changes in Cleveland is the allure of the forest. The Sam Houston National Forest draws all kinds of lovers of the outdoors, from birders and hikers to hunters and fishers. One place to find all these activities is the Double Lake Recreation Area, a lovely campground area on the 23-acre Double Lake that offers excellent fishing and nearly 30 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Those who don’t “do” camping but still want to appreciate the natural beauty of the woods should head to The Retreat at Artesian Lakes. A stay here in a luxurious cabin on the edge of the Big Thicket National Preserve puts a world of fun activities at your fingertips, including horseback riding, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. For the ultimate hiking adventure, explore the 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest wilderness footpath Texas. The eastern trailhead is just a few miles away from Cleveland, making it a perfect starting point for your epic adventure.

With all the outdoor exploring you will be doing, you are sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, you’ll find just about every type of cuisine you can imagine in Cleveland. Enormous burgers, finger-licking ribs, flavorful enchiladas, and even an array of healthy options are served up at the town’s locally owned restaurants.

Visit Cleveland and you will discover a town imbued with small-town charm and natural beauty where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.