Jefferson, located in East Texas about eighteen miles from the Louisiana border, is rich in legend, history, and folklore. On any road trip, it’s a fascinating place to stop.
The 1,900-person hamlet offers a surprisingly wide range of attractions, including muddy bayous to explore, historic saloons, and Bigfoot stories. Take Jefferson into consideration if you wish to visit a more unusual area in Texas.
Lakes Close to Jefferson
Jefferson is a well-liked fishing and boating destination, sandwiched between Caddo Lake and Lake O’ the Pines. With 26,810 acres, Caddo Lake is home to more than 70 different species of fish.
Guests can join a fishing charter with local professionals, like Caddo Lake Guide Service, to benefit from the lake’s many fish species. The guide will lead guests through the shallow, marshy, cypress-filled waters.
Another chance to explore the lake is provided by Caddo Lake Bayou Tours, which leads guests into the bayous, rivers, and swamps to observe natural species, Spanish moss, and bald cypress trees. Do you want to take your time exploring the lake?
To experience the peace and quiet of the swamp while seeing local wildlife at your own pace, think about renting a kayak with Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours.
Situated on 16,919 acres and encircled by tall pines, Lake O’ The Pines provides a distinct lake experience compared to Caddo Lake.
Historic Restaurants
Many of Jefferson’s dining establishments are designed to transport patrons to bygone eras. Located in a building from the 1850s, Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club has been serving traditional American fare and live music on weekends since 1983.
Another excellent place for a burger or beer is McGarity’s Restaurant & Saloon, which has a retro atmosphere with unique ceiling-mounted items.

For even more live music, guests can visit 1852 on Austin, which is housed in a historic 1852 building and hosts comedy acts and performances several evenings a week.
The Haywood House Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, which was first established as a hotel in 1865 and then converted into a high-end bar after first being used as a private home and history museum, is a great place for anyone looking for a sophisticated cocktail.
Historical Sites
The sites of Jefferson bring up memories of the American past. The ideal illustration is the Jay Gould Railroad Car, a sumptuous 19th-century parlor rail car with four staterooms, a lounge, kitchen, dining area, ballroom, and butler’s pantry that guests are welcome to explore.
Another significant site is the Carnegie Library, which was built in 1907 with assistance from Andrew Carnegie to improve Jefferon’s access to higher education.

Lastly, the Howe Truss Lighted Bridge, which was constructed in 1879 using diagonal structural beams, will be appreciated by individuals who are interested in architecture. Visitors can enjoy the bridge’s stunning LED light show every evening starting at nightfall and continuing until morning.
Make sure to visit the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum for a broader picture of Jefferson’s past. In order to accommodate additional exhibits, the museum moved from its original location in the Carnegie Library to the large Federal Building in 1949.
Jefferson’s Bigfoot
With a rich history of Bigfoot sightings, Jefferson is known as the Bigfoot Capital of Texas. Over a century ago, the town saw one of the first Bigfoot sightings ever documented.
According to the Texas Folklore Society’s 1924 Legends of Texas book, “The Wild Woman of the Navidad” was a swift-moving, short-haired animal that eluded capture by frightening the horses that were pursuing her. Craig Woolheater, the director of the Texas Bigfoot Research Center, adds to the mystery by claiming that adjacent Caddo Lake is a Bigfoot hotspot right now.
The Port Jefferson History and Nature Center is the starting point for a local quest to locate five hidden Bigfoot figures strewn throughout Jefferson.