A landmark structure in the 363-acre state park commemorates Mission San
Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in East Texas, built in 1690
to stem tide of French settlement. It was not successful and closed in 1693.
Re-established in 1716, the mission was never prosperous, and once the French
threat was gone, the mission moved to San Antonio in 1731.
Also in the park is Rice family log home-stagecoach inn, one of many
originally along El Camino Real de los Tejas (the Royal Highway).
Started as a one-room building in 1828, hostile Native Americans forced
abandonment for two years, but Joseph Redmond Rice Sr. returned and built this
substantial way station. Park activities include camping, picnicking, hiking and
nature study. Admission and camping fees. Park is just southwest of Weches off
Texas 21 (about 21 miles northeast of Crockett). 936/687-2394, 800/792-1112. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mission_tejas.
City: Weches
Region: Piney Woods
With so many amazing things to do in Texas, there’s not enough room to feature them all. So check out some popular attractions to see just how much fun your Texas vacation can be.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
City: Canyon
Region: Panhandle Plains
Lakes near Dallas
City: Dallas
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Lake Conroe Park
City: Conroe
Region: Piney Woods
Galveston Island Beach
City: Galveston
Region: Gulf Coast
Lakes near San Antonio
City: San Antonio
Region: South Texas Plains
Devil’s Backbone
City: Wimberley
Region: Hill Country
Balmorhea State Park
City: Balmorhea
Region: Big Bend Country
