Well-Traveled Paths in Tyler, TX

The region's parks and trails have historic significance.

By Karsen Titus on June 14, 2023

Jeff Adkins

For 100 years, Texas State Parks has protected the Lone Star State’s most valued resource: its glorious expanse of land.

Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. by geography, consisting of approximately 172,000,000 acres. However, 95% of that land is privately owned, making the work of Texas State Parks vital to the millions of visitors who seek to enjoy all the state has to offer.

The City of Tyler is no exception. Tyler is home to the famous Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the history-rich Tyler State Park, the Legacy Trail and the Half Mile of History, just to name a few great reasons to get outside.

Leanne Robinette, Tyler Parks & Recreation director, says parks and recreational facilities have always been popular with residents. Parks appeal to all age groups, increase property values, help combat crime, and contribute to the community’s overall health and wellness.

“Green spaces, in particular, sustain clear air, provide a wide array of benefits to wildlife, and are needed for environmental and economic sustainability,” she says. “East Texas is known for our beautiful trees and green spaces, so we want to make sure we are taking care of them for future generations to enjoy, as well.”

Rose Garden

Tyler is the Rose Capital, with the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden featuring the largest public collection of roses in the country. This astounding garden is home to over 38,000 rose bushes and more than 600 varieties. The garden was a 1938 federal Works Progress Administration project, and in 2019 was recognized as a national treasure on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the monthlong rose season, the garden hosts an estimated 200,000 visitors, making it the top tourist attraction in Tyler. Tourists contribute close to $2.4 million to the city’s economy during the Rose Festival.

“Thousands of people are drawn to the garden every year to be amazed at the sheer volume of color and beauty cascading down the terraces in massive arrangements, not to mention the many hues and varieties of roses grown in and around the City of Tyler,” Robinette says.

Visitors flock to the garden for the Texas Rose Festival, held the third week of every October. From the Queen’s Coronation to the Queen’s Tea to the Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, this colorful event is one you don’t want to miss. For 2023, the Rose Festival is slated for Oct. 10-22.

Jeff Adkins

Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park is set in the Piney Woods of East Texas, where an emphasis on forest reclamation and land rehabilitation has led to 100-foot-tall trees and a peaceful landscape.

Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp. in 1935, Tyler State Park is home to a 64-acre spring-fed lake, and is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. The more than 13 miles of trails include the Whispering Pines Nature Trail. You can enjoy an overnight jaunt by renting one of the park’s campsites, cabins or screened shelters.

The Half Mile of History

The Half Mile of History is a loop in downtown Tyler that honors the people, places and events that have helped develop Tyler’s rich history.

Amber Verona, Tyler Main Street director, says the Half Mile of History was developed in 2007 when the city created a comprehensive plan to commemorate Tyler’s history. Today, there are over 100 markers around the downtown square.

“Downtown and historic preservation were deemed vital enough to have their own chapters within this plan,” Verona says. “After over a yearlong process, one of the recommendations was to create the Half Mile of History marker program. This program provides a way to honor and educate the community on those who make major contributions and led Tyler to today’s prosperous and thriving city.”

Legacy Trail

The 4.5-mile Legacy Trail, located on the historic Old Cotton Belt train route, is a symbol of area growth. In 1877, the Tyler Tap Railroad was the brainchild of Maj. James Postell Douglas.

In 2019, the Legacy Trail was created by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to offer residents a safe foot (and bike) path south of town. Construction for a $3.1 million extension project will begin in 2023.

“Our goal with Legacy Trail is to have connectivity all throughout Tyler, so residents have ways to get around the city safely,” Verona says. “We are hoping in the next few years to have a trail that connects all the way from Gresham to the Tyler Rose Garden.”