Local Attractions

Explore the following attractions to become more aquainted with beautiful East Texas. Note that these attractions are well within 45 minutes of the resort.

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge - Our favorite cause! Tiger Creek provides rescue and rehabilitation for big cats that have been abused, neglected or displaced. The Refuge is only a few miles from Whispering Pines. If you hear an unusual sound in the Resort, it's probably the roar of the Lions at Tiger Creek. Awesome! Please visit the Big Cats.

Tyler Rose Festival – In the October, Tyler celebrates the rose with the annual Texas Rose Festival. Rich in heritage and tradition, the Festival offers enchanting ceremonial events including the Queen's Coronation, the Rose Show, the Queen's Tea, the Rose Parade and more. All of these events are amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent. Also visit the Tyler Rose Gardens which is open year-round and it covers fourteen acres and 400 rose varieties.

Azalea & Spring Flower Trail – Mile after mile of azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flowers that you have to see to believe. The breathtaking beauty of Tyler's Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has been praised by visitors as a floral wonderland and a photographer's paradise. Enjoy the vivid colors and sweet scents that only an East Texas Spring can provide. The trail courses through eight miles of residential gardens and historical home sites, many on our famous brick streets.

Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store – Step into Brookshire's Country Store and you go back 70 years to a time when coffee was ground, meat was carved and sliced to your specifications and groceries were gathered for you. While visiting, look inside Brookshire's World Of Wildlife Museum to see animals from A to Z. Alaskan Polar Bear to Zebra, and every fish, fowl and four-legged creature in between! All of them have been carefully preserved through the ages. You'll love the picnic area and children will love the playground!

Caldwell Zoo – More than 2000 animals from 250 species from Africa, North and South America live in natural habitats at the 85-acre park. The zoo includes a children's petting pen, two aquariums, picnic areas, a café that overlooks an African savannah and gift shops with original African items. The zoo also has seasonal presentations including: a bird show, alligator feedings, giraffe feedings, and elephant demonstrations.

Discovery Science Place – Hands-on family fun for kids of all ages. View bats in the bat cave, trigger an earthquake into motion under your feet, snake your way through mysterious tunnels and explore the depths of a limestone cavern. Investigate the bones of "Big Ethel", the triceratops dinosaur. The Discovery Science Place offers two exhibit halls where kids of all ages are free to move around and explore.

Fire Mountain Amusements – Great Fun for the entire family! Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Video & Redemption Arcade and Miniature Golf.

Canton 1st Monday Trade Days – The World's largest flea market with over 7,000 dealers on over 350 acres of land. You'll find arts and crafts, antiques, animals, new merchandise, old merchandise and anything else that you can imagine. It has been said "If you can't find it in Canton, you just can't find it anywhere". First Monday is ALWAYS the Thursday through Sunday before the First Monday of each Month – even on holidays.

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum – An incredible display of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia as a tribute to pioneers of flight.

Hudnall Planetarium – Multimedia presentations and "star parties" make for great family fun.

Green Acres Bowl – This 32 lane bowling center in Tyler offers all varieties of family entertainment.

Goodman Museum – A delight for antique lovers and historians, this Tyler landmark brings the past to life with original furnishings, photographs and memorabilia dating from the mid-1800's.

Moore Farms – Moore Farm's goal is to educate the public about agriculture and farm life as well as market organic produce and homemade Texas goods. The Farm has a Corn Maze from September 25-November 21, which is located on 5 acres, with almost 3 miles of winding trails throughout. From the last full weekend in September through October 31, the Farm offers U-pick pumpkins and activities. Smith County Historical Museum – Home to Smith County artifacts dating back to the Indian Era and the Caddo Indians, The Republic era, Early Settlement, Civil War/Reconstruction with original Confederate Battle flags, the Gilded Age, and The Twentieth Century.

Tyler Museum of Art – Exhibitions free to the public with other programs including films, musical and theatrical performances, lectures and seminars.

Camp Ford Historical Park - Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The site of the camp is now a public park, managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. Open daily, dawn to dusk. FREE admission!

Cherokee Trace Drive Thru Safari Park - Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, Cherokee Trace Drive Thru Safari Park is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals. These amazing animals thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. Enjoy a leisurely, self-guided drive through the hills and open savanna of the 300 acre preserve. From the comfort of your own vehicle, observe, feed and photograph these beautiful creatures.

Cotton Belt Depot - The Cotton Belt Depot was built in 1905 and began serving passengers on the Cotton Belt Line in 1907. Visitors are encouraged to take a look around and step back in time, remembering the thousands of travelers who passed through this historic structure in the early and mid-1900’s. In addition to touring this historic building, visitors can also enjoy The Bragg Model Train Collection on permanent display at the depot. FREE admission!

Dewberry Plantation - Myrtle-Vale and the surrounding gardens can be rented for weddings, receptions, private parties, tented functions or general meetings. Please call for prices. Food service can be catered. Located immediately west of the mansion, the site can accommodate over 250 people with all of the charm, ambiance and a glimpse into the life and times of Antebellum East Texas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the house is the oldest two-story structure in Smith County. Guided tours take visitors back to the era of an 1850's Southern plantation.

Harrold’s Model Train Museum - 1200 pieces of rolling stock on more than 300 feet of track. 1100 trains in lighted showcases

Kiepersol Winery - Kiepersol Estates Winery is nestled in a beautiful 33-acre vineyard hand-planted in April 1998 and May 1999. Kiepersol's first vinatge was in 2000 and continues to grow in acclaim as well as production. Visitors are invited for wine tastings, tours of the winemaking process, and to relax on the veranda overlooking the expansive vista of the vineyard. Available for private parties.

Roseland Plantation - Originally a 3,300 acre cotton plantation established by Mr. Burwell Hambrick, Roseland Plantation is now 14 acres of combination manicured lawn and beautiful east Texas wood. Roseland Plantation has five historic buildings, all dating back to the 1800’s, and a rich and colorful history starting from pre-civil war to today. Tours are described as interesting, informative, with happy and sad tales and an unexpected surprise at the end! Voted 2006 east Texas’ #2 attraction by the East Texas Motorcoach FAM tours.

Tyler Skateplex - Tyler Skateplex has the largest skating floor in the country. Over 22,000 square feet of maple and an additional 6,000 square feet skate park gives skaters over 28,000 sq ft to skate on. The rink itself is nearly 1 acre under roof.