Jackson County between Lake Texana and regional history

Lake Texana is a reservoir on the Navidad River, 8 miles east of Edna in Jackson County. Its shoreline scenery and recreational fishing meet trails through the parkland.

Lake Texana and the Parks Along Its Shore

The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority operates two parks and campgrounds at Lake Texana, as well as additional boat ramps. The parks offer day use, overnight camping, lighted boat ramps, and opportunities for shore fishing. Check public facilities and operating status again before your visit. The lake is home to catfish, bass, and crappie for recreational fishing; fish populations and management may change.

Brackenridge Park covers 240 acres and offers views of Lake Texana. Visitors looking to spend time on the trails will find a 5-mile hiking and biking trail along the lake shore. Texana Park and Campground has 141 campsites; the number of available sites may change. Lake Texana State Park was formerly the name used for this park.

Trails, Wildlife Watching, and Programs

At Texana Park, seven hiking and biking trails total 6 miles. These two figures describe different ways to explore the parkland on foot or by bike: a single lakeside trail in Brackenridge Park and a network of trails in Texana Park. Trail conditions may change due to weather or maintenance work. For horseback riders, the Brackenridge Equestrian Trail is another option: It is 12.5 miles long and forms a loop. Check trail conditions and access requirements before setting out.

Wildlife watching is also one of the county’s nature-related attractions. Nine sites in Jackson County are located in the Central Coast section of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. During winter birding drives on back roads, eagles may be spotted over harvested rice fields; sightings are seasonal.

The Texana Community Education Center features more than two dozen live animal exhibits. The center hosts weekend programs, nature camps, and children’s camps year-round. Dates and participation requirements may change, so it’s a good idea to check the current program before visiting.

Edna and the County’s History

The history of Texana Presbyterian Church dates back to the founding of its congregation in 1855; it was the earliest Presbyterian congregation in Jackson County. The church building was constructed in Texana in 1859–60 and moved to nearby Edna in 1884. The founding of the congregation, the building’s history, and its relocation are therefore chapters in the same local history.

Edna Theatre also offers a tangible glimpse into architectural history: It was completed in March 1950 as the flagship location of the Long Theatre Company. The modernist-style building is distinguished by a vertical fin and a large, curved canopy with multicolored neon lights. The Texana Museum in Edna has an exhibit about the Karankawa. The collection also includes artifacts recovered by the Texas Historical Commission during an excavation of Fort St. Louis.

Another historic site in the county is the Jackson County Monument: The memorial is 8 feet tall, made of pink granite, and bears a bronze plaque. The Texana Chili Spill was held at the Main Event Center; this refers to a past event, not a current event date.

Plan Your Trip Around Your Interests

You can focus on different aspects of nature and culture: At the lake, the emphasis is on shoreline trails, fishing, and parkland; in Edna, the museum, church, and theater offer historical connections. Visitors can sample wine at Lavaca Bluffs Vineyard and Winery. Tasting availability and dates may change, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Whether you plan your stay around trails and wildlife watching or Edna’s history, these places and activities offer different reasons to explore Jackson County. Discover more destinations: Ganado, Edna, Gaines County, Guadalupe, Angelina County, Galveston, Floyd County, Polk.

For the main travel overview: Texas.