PINEY WOODS REGION: RUSK TEXASS

RUSK TEXAS

Map of the Rusk Area & Additional Rusk Information

Rusk Texas State Railroad
At last count the population of Rusk was 5,085. Rusk is the county seat of Cherokee County.

Rusk is named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. In modern day Rusk you can stay in the Thomas J. Rusk Hotel.

Two Texas Governors, James Stephen Hogg and Thomas, M. Campbell, they being the first and second native born Texans elected governor, called Rusk home. Rusk was also the home to John B. Kendrick who became the governor of Wyoming. James Stephen Hogg is probably best known for his daughter, Ima Hogg.

Speaking of Governor Hogg. In Rusk you can visit Jim Hogg Historic Park, a 175 acre forest of scenic pines serving as a memorial to the governor.

Footbridge Garden Footbridge in Rusk Footbridge Garden Park contains what is billed as America's longest footbridge. It was built in 1861 so settlers could cross the valley during rainy season.

The former Rusk/Palestine State Park is no longer part of the Texas State Park system. The former Texas State Park is now privately operated. The park consists of two units, one in Rusk, one in Palestine. Both units serve as terminals of the Texas State Railroad. You will find hiking, camping, picnicking and pedal boating.

The Texas State Railroad vintage coaches will take you from Rusk to Palestine and back, traveling along America's longest, skinniest state park through dense East Texas Piney Woods.

When in Rusk you can also visit two wildlife parks, Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari and Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari.

You will find 4 campgrounds in Rusk, all family and kid friendly.

If you are a history buff, Rusk has 32 historical markers.

WHERE TO STAY IN RUSK

Rusk has three lodging options, those being Weston Inn, Southern Motor Inn and Thomas J. Rusk Hotel

WHERE TO EAT IN RUSK

You will find TJ's Cafe in the Thomas J. Rusk Hotel. Other non-chain local restaurants include KT Seafood Grill, Cherokee Coffee Company, The Daily Grind Coffee, All Star Bar-B-Q, Sweet Shoppe Rock, Striker Lakeside, Rusk Donut Shop and El Rancho El Jaripeo. Of the fast food/chain type you will find Pizza Hut, Subway, Dairy Queen, Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bell and Whataburger.

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