Attractions in Athens 

Athens is a quaint and lively community nestled in the middle of East Texas, a veritable hotbed of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that many of the best attractions in Athens are outdoors. Fishing and hiking are popular pastimes here, but you can also go scuba diving or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through a carefully tended flower garden. And after a full day of adventure, is there any better way to end the day than by sipping a glass of locally crafted wine in the middle of a scenic vineyard?

These are just a few of the experiences you can have in Athens. Read on to learn more about all the other attractions that will keep you busy while you’re here.

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Athens Scuba Park
Athens Scuba Park is a scuba diving facility located in a spring-fed lake on the northeast side of Athens. The park has 11 diving docks, a full service dive shop, equipment rental, camp sites, and many sunken wrecks to explore.
500 North Murchison Street
Athens, TX 75751
(903) 675-5762

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Cain Park and Cain Center
Athens’ Cain Park is an 85-acre natural area that includes a walking-jogging trail, four tennis courts, a catch and release fishing pond, picnic areas, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Cain Center, located within Cain Park, is a public exercise facility with treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, stationary bicycles, a free weight room, sauna, and more.
915 South Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
(903) 677-2000

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East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
Two miles of semi-rugged hiking trails weave through colorful flower gardens and past a red-walled replica of a school house and a historic home at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society. Admission to the arboretum is free and the facility is open every day of the year, except for holidays.
1601 Patterson Road
Athens, TX 75751
(903) 675-5630

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Henderson County Historical Museum
Step back in time at the Henderson County Historical Museum, situated in the historic Faulk-Gauntt Building one block north of the Athens downtown square. The museum was first built in 1896 as a grocery store, and the first floor today closely resembles a dry goods store of that era.
217 North Prairieville Street
Athens, TX 75751
(903) 677-3611

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Lake Athens
Lake Athens is a picturesque 1,800-acre lake located about five miles east of Athens. The lake is known as a hotspot for anglers because of the wealth of largemouth bass, although sunfish, white bass, and crappie are common as well.
FM 2495
Athens, TX 75751

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Tara Vineyard & Winery
Tara Vineyard & Winery is a resort winery that provides guests gorgeous scenic views, a wide range of handcrafted wines, and delicious food at its on-site restaurant. The winery calls the historic Murchison house, located just five miles northwest of Athens, its home.
8603 County Road 3914
Athens, TX 75752
(903) 675-7023

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Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Get to know the many aquatic animals that call Texas home at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The fisheries center provides numerous fun and educational ways to learn about Texan wildlife, including a nature trail, 300,000 gallons of aquaria and other exhibits, a freshwater fishing museum, and a production hatchery.
5550 FM 2495
Athens, TX 75752
(903) 676-2277

 

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New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures
Soar over some of the most scenic landscapes in East Texas with New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures, which has six and nine zip line tours that offer up to 40 miles of views.
7290 CR 4328
New York/LaRue, TX 75770
(903) 681-3791