Mission Tejas State Historical Park
in the Southern Section
of the Texas Lake Country
On the edge of The Texas Lake Country Region, Mission Tejas State Historical Park is a 363.5-acre park in Houston County, just 5 miles west of Alto on the historic Texas Highway 21. The park was constructed in 1935 and acquired in 1957 by Legislative Act from the Texas Forest Service, at which time it was open to the public.
The park was built in 1934 by Co. 888 of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas, which was established in 1690. Also in the park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and restored in 1974. The home, which Joseph Redmund Rice, Sr. constructed between 1828 and 1838, is one of the oldest structures in the area. The home served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas.
Activities:
Activities include camping; picnicking; hiking; and fishing. A pond located near the picnic area offers an excellent opportunity to explore aquatic life and fish. Hiking and nature trails provide access to the natural beauty of the east Texas Pineywoods. The dogwood are beautiful the last week or so of March, usually around the 25th.
School tours of the two historic structures can be arranged by calling the park headquarters in advance.
Facilities:
Facilities include commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas; the restored Rice Family Log Home; picnic sites; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water, electricity, and sewer; group picnic areas; a group picnic pavilion; restrooms with and without showers; a group camping area; an amphitheater; a trailer dump station; 3 1/2 miles of hiking trails; a playground; and a nature pond (approximately 1 acre in size). Winter rates are available. Be sure to visit the Texas State Park Store.
Natural Features:
Situated near the northern end of the Davy Crockett National Forest, the park offers an atmosphere of rustic beauty and tranquility, among the tall pine trees. You can fish for perch and bream.
Directions:
The park is located 21 miles northeast of Crockett and 12 miles west of Alto on State Highway 21. The entrance to the park is in Weches, where Park Road 44 intersects with State Highway 21.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information:
Elevation: Elevation ranges from 167 to 552 feet. Weather: Average rainfall 42.2 inches. January average low is 35 degrees. July average high is 95 degrees. Open: 7 days a week year-round. Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year.
Camping fees vary; entrance fee.
For reservations, call 512/389-8900.
Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
Mission Tejas State Historical Park
RR 2, Box 108
Grapeland TX 75844
936/687-2394
For more information go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page.