About Grapeland

About Grapeland

Welcome to the Grapeland, Watermelon Capital of East Texas. Grapeland and the surrounding area is the place for music, fun, recreation and relaxation. Grapeland is centrally located and easily reached from Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. There is much to see and do year round while enjoying the small town charm and hospitality.

Salmon Lake Park is home to two of the largest Bluegrass festivals in Texas. Each Memorial Day Weekend, Salmon Lake Park hosts the Bluegrass Gospel Music Festival. This event features bluegrass bands from all over the country performing the very best gospel music.

Each Labor Day Weekend Salmon Lake Park is home of one of bluegrass music’s biggest events. This annual festival features the very best bluegrass bands across America.

Grapeland’s Peanut Festival each year is a harvest celebration in October to highlight Grapeland’s agricultural industry – past and present. Coincident with the Grapeland Sandies’ homecoming football game the weekend is filled with sports, dancing, parade, festival, and the Queen’s Coronation and Pageant. This year October 20th marks the 62st celebration of this event. Come celebrate with a carnival, arts & crafts, and food.

Grapeland Drive Thru Safari on the northern edge of Grapeland is a must stop for the young and old alike. It features a drive through a fenced natural environment for many rare species. Open everyday 9 a.m. until dark.

Houston County Lake is located a short distance southwest of Grapeland. The lake covers about 1500 acres and offers the opportunity for near-by camping, fishing, and boating. Acre for acre, this one of the premier trophy bass fisheries in the state. It also features outstanding springtime fishing for redear sunfish weighing almost one pound each.

Mission Tejas State Park is in Houston County, east of Grapeland. The park was constructed in 1935 as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas, which was established in 1690. Also in the park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and restored in 1974. The home is one of the oldest structures in the area and served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas.