 |
 |
Nacogdoches Texas 2025 Visitor and Travel Guide
 Welcome to Nacogdoches, Texas |
The City of Nacogdoches is located about 60 miles southeast of Tyler on U. S. Highway 59, and 140 miles north of Houston. State Loop 224 circles the east side of the city.
The population of Nacogdoches is near 32,000 residents as of the 2020 Federal Census. Elevation is 302 feet above sea level. The city is assigned Zip Codes 75961-75965, and is located in Area Code 936.
Nacogdoches is the home of Stephen F. Austin State University, and is rich in history. The downtown historic district is the location of many historic buildings and landmarks.
Popularly known as the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches has history dating back to the time of the Caddo Indians. The city has been under more flags than the state of Texas, claiming nine flags. In addition to the Six Flags of Texas, it also flew under the flags of the Magee-Gutierrez Republic, the Long Republic, and the Fredonian Rebellion.
The city was one of first to receive the "Texas Certified Retirement Community" designation. The program recognizes communities which excel in multiple categories such as housing, safety, healthcare, education, recreation, cultural events and spiritual enrichment.
Nearby communities include Alto, Rusk, Lufkin, Jacksonville, and San Augustine.
| Scenes in downtown Nacogdoches, Texas (Photos by Pierce Ingram - Travel Texas) |
|
 |
 |
Nacogdoches Area Hotels and AccommodationsNacogdoches has numerous motels, hotels, B&Bs, and other lodging including a Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Suites, Best Western, LaQuinta and others. Several are clustered on the south end of the City at U.S. 59 and Loop 224. Included below are highlights of lodging in Nacogdoches, with traveler reviews at TripAdvisor. Hampton Inn and Suites Nacogdoches Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Nacogdoches Super 8 by Wyndham Nacogdoches All hotels and B&Bs in Nacogdoches, with reviews
Vacation Home Rentals in NacogdochesPlanning a trip to Nacogdoches and need a vacation rental?
|
Fredonia Hotel
The Fredonia Hotel opened in 1955 and has remained the center of excitement in Nacogdoches throughout the decades. The hotel is a historic luxury boutique property offering Texas charm coupled with timeless opulence. The hotel is located downtown at 200 North Fredonia Street, less than a mile from Stephen F. Austin University. |
Nacogdoches Area Attractions
Nacogdoches is considered one of the most historic towns in Texas and its rich heritage attracts visitors from around the country. A major event in the spring is the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail.
 Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden on the campus of SFA, Nacogdoches, Texas |
The Mast Arboretum is a ten acre garden along LaNana creek at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Other popular Nacogdoches area attractions include antique shopping, art and athletic events at Stephen F. Austin, boating and outdoor activities on area lakes, the Blueberry Festival on the second Saturday in June, Deep East Texas Fall Foliage Trail, Holiday in the Pines, and more.
For those interested in fishing, boating, camping and hiking, consider a visit to one of the excellent lakes in the region, including Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Naconiche, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Sam Rayburn, and Lake Livingston.
For more information we recommend contacting the City of Nacogdoches, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, and the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Be sure to stop at the Charles Bright Visitor Center located in Plaza Principal in the historic downtown district for valuable area information, maps, and trip planning ideas.
Charles Bright Visitor Center
The Historic Town Center, also known as the Charles Bright Visitor Center, is home to the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, located in the heart of historic downtown. Here you will find useful information about the history and legends of Texas’ oldest town, stories of early settlers to historical artifacts. |
Nacogdoches Night LifeNacogdoches has long been a live music destination, and remains that today! Classic old venues make for great music, dancing and enjoying a night on the town. Take in live jazz poolside, dance at a local dance hall or simply relax and reconnect at a local wine bar. In Texas’ first city, the fun is always close by! |
Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
With over 7,000 azaleas, Nacogdoches is the home of the largest azalea garden in Texas, the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden located on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. In the spring the azaleas come alive, and visitors enjoy 25 miles of Azalea Trails through the city. For Azalea Trail events and calendar, visit the Nacogdoches Visitors Bureau. Also be sure to download the Mast Arboretum Visitors Guide (PDF)
Sterne Hoya Museum
|
Millard's Crossing
|
  |
Millard's Crossing Historic Village Traveler reviews and photos at TripAdvisor |
Stephen F. Austin UniversityStephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is a public university located in Nacogdoches. Founded as a teachers' college in 1923, the university was later renamed after one of Texas's founding fathers, Stephen F. Austin. Its campus resides on part of the homestead of Thomas Jefferson Rusk. SFA offers more than 120 areas of study, including more than 80 undergraduate majors, nearly 60 graduate degrees, and three doctoral programs. Enrollment is currently about 12,000 students. On May 10, 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1055 into law making Stephen F. Austin State University officially part of The University of Texas System.
|
Old University Building
Built in 1859, it is the only original building of a university chartered by the Republic of Texas still standing. The Old University Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 515 North Mound Street. Read more details at the website of the Old Nacogdoches University Building
Lanana Creek Trail
Need a place to enjoying walking or take a hike while in Nacogdoches? Lanana Creek runs from south of downtown Nacogdoches to the north loop. Originally a Native American footpath, this trail extends for 6.9 miles through cottonwood and oak dominated forests, past Father Margil’s Spring, through the SFA Mast Arboretum, to wide open floodplain prairies. Trailheads are located at Clint Dempsey Soccer Complex (600 E. Pilar St.), Liberty Hall (805 E. Main St.) and Jimmy Hinds Park on E. Austin Street. |
Stone Fort Museum
The campus of Stephen F. Austin is home to a fort that never served as a fort. Stone Fort Museum was a trading post, private home, church, jail, and saloon. Located at 1808 Alumni Drive North at SFA. 
Jones
|
Durst Taylor
|
Railroad MuseumIn August of 1954 Southern Pacific terminated passenger services through Nacogdoches. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. It is now home to the SFA Center for Regional Heritage and features rotating museum displays such as the Loblolly Model Train exhibit, history of railroading in Nacogdoches, and others. The museum is located at 101 Old Tyler Road in Nacogdoches. |
Interactive Map of Nacogdoches Texas
Map of Showing the Location of Nacogdoches in East Texas
More Nacogdoches Information
- Visit Nacogdoches
- City of Nacogdoches
- Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
- Nacogdoches County
- Mast Arboretum
- Nacogdoches Azalea Trails
- Nacogdoches Independent School District
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- East Texas Historical Association (SFA)
Other East Texas Attractions and Things to Do
While visiting Nacogdoches and the East Texas area, you may want to take other interesting day trips in several directions:
- Jacksonville - to the north of Nacogdoches on U.S. 69
- Love's Lookout - beautiful 30-mile vista to the East
- Athens - Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
- Canton - home of First Monday Trade Days
- Longview - historic buildings, shopping, restaurants
- Lake Palestine - boating, fishing, swimming, marinas, waterfront restaurants
- Toledo Bend Reservoir - boating, fishing, swimming, marinas, hiking, camping, golf, resorts, restaurants
- Bullard - home of wineries and the Freedom Museum
Carl Monk Overlook
If you are driving East from Nacogdoches on Highway 7 towards Center, be sure to see the Carl Monk Overlook which offers a beautiful vista of the hills of East Texas. It is located past the community of Swift, at the intersection of Highway 7 and 341.