About two hours away from Houston, nature-loving adventurers can find Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, Texas. This intriguing destination gained national preserve status in 1974, alongside Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. These two spots were America’s first national preserves. The National Park Service established the national preserve category to help protect precious natural resources. As an area where “multiple habitats meet,” Big Thicket is a key region for preserving biodiversity. Within the preserve, visitors can discover fascinating ecosystems, from bayous to forests. Plan your journey through the wilderness with this list of the eight best things to do and see at Big Thicket National Preserve.
Plus, find even more curiosities to explore with this guide to Texas’s top five nature destinations. Or, start planning your spring break getaway to the state’s beloved South Padre Island.