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City in the United States
Photo: Robert Stringer from Jasper Texas, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Huntsville is a small city of about 45,000 residents, located in Walker County, part of the Piney Woods region of Texas. Huntsville is famous as the home of Texas hero, General Sam Houston with an enormous statue of Sam Houston next to Interstate 45, it's famous as a prison town, and is also home to Sam Houston State University.
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Museum and historical grounds for the Texan patriarch, including the Woodland Home and Steamboat House where he spent his final years, and a blacksmith shop and other buildings.
Dog-run log cabin Sam Houston built and lived in while first senator of the State of Texas, circa 1846.
An interesting, if whitewashed, view of life and death behind bars in Texas. History of criminal correction in Texas with artifacts and documents describing life in "the big house".
Memorial to armed forces servicemenbers with lots of military vehicles/aircraft.
Densely wooded park with shady campsites, picnic areas, a lake with fishing and canoe rentals, and a horse riding stable with horses for hire for guided trail rides. RV sites available.
NCAA Division I teams of Sam Houston State University, competing in 7 men's and 10 women's sports. In 2023, the Bearkats left the Western Athletic Conference for Conference USA, in the process upgrading the football team from the second tier of D-I football, FCS, to the top-level FBS. As with most large colleges, football and basketball are the hot-button sports on campus.
This 96-mile hiking trail connects various tracts of the Sam Houston National Forest. A part of the trail connects to Huntsville State Park. Access in Huntsville is via Trailhead #7, on the I-45 feeder lanes, south of town. This is an excellent place for backpacking and for nature watching. Bring food and water, there are usually no facilities other than parking lots at the trailheads.
Texas-style comfort food.
Casual hangout place with tacos, burgers, pizza. Located near SHSU campus.
Hip casual eatery featuring loaded baked potatoes including some unusual toppings and combinations.
Upscale restaurant in an historic home. Steaks and other grilled meats are the main attraction. Large cocktails and a tempting assortment of desserts.
Cozy dining room with a lively bar in the next room. Food is typical American cuisine with several sandwiches, chicken, salad, and oddly enough, a smattering of Costa Rican dishes, so you can get your chicken fried steak with a side of fried plaintains or gallo pinto.
Moderate hotel operated by the university and staffed by students. Convenient to campus but better quality amenities can be found at commercial hotels near the interstate.
Moderate hotel. Outdoor pool, breakfast and WiFi included. Pets allowed (extra fee).
Well-maintained moderate motel-style inn with basic but clean rooms. Outdoor swimming pool available.
By bus
Greyhound buses leave Houston's main bus station for Huntsville about every 2 hours. A ticket to Huntsville will cost $30-35.
By plane
Private planes can use Bruce Bros Huntsville Regional Airport (HTV, LIDː UST). Located 2 miles northwest of town.
Many travelers to Huntsville get around in the back seat of a police car or in a prison transit bus.
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Houston · International · IAH
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