New Resident’s Guide

Nestled in the piney woods of Southeast Texas deep within the Big Thicket National Preserve, Silsbee offers a hometown atmosphere with modem conveniences set in one of the most beautiful natural environments in Texas. Any season is a great time to canoe the densely forested sections of Southeast Texas. Each season brings its own splendor to the Piney Woods and the Big Thicket. It has landscape filled with natural beauty and wildlife. There is so much to discover here.

The Big Thicket Visitor's Center is located 15 miles northeast of Silsbee on U.S. Highway 69 at the junction of FM 420. The visitor center offers opportunities to discover a wide array of facts regarding the rich diversity of resources found in the Big Thicket Preserve. You can view an orientation film, browse the exhibits, and experience nature hands-on in the Discovery Room

The Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary, located 2 miles west of Silsbee on Hwy. 327, harbors a variety of plant communities, including one of the last remaining Longleaf Pine communities in Texas. A rare combination of swamp, open-floor forest and Southern pine lands create a preserve with remarkable diversity, sustaining 727 plant species and 234 animal species. Visitors can hike, bird watch and study nature, or rent a canoe from local vendors on Village Creek.

Paddling a canoe allows you to be a silent witness on a vast stretch of water where a world of nature completely surrounds you. Canoe tours can be started from locations along Village Creek in Silsbee. Camping is also available at nearby Village Creek State Park, 1003.9of heavily forested acreage located 5 miles south of Silsbee. Acquired in 1979 and opened April 20, 1994, Village Creek State Park takes its name from Village Creek, a free flowing stream that rises near the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation. It meanders in a southeasterly direction 69 miles to a junction with the Neches River. Village Creek is an extremely popular flat water, canoe float stream in what remains as the heart and soul of the Old Texas Big Thicket. Other activities include canoeing, picnicking, swimming (one mile hike to sandbar swimming area), hiking, fishing, nature study, and bird watching.

The City of Silsbee Parks Department offers a variety of activities for area citizens. Tennis lessons, softball, and volleyball play are offered. The city also has a number of parks for citizens to enjoy. The main city parks are Knupple Park, Sante Fe Park, Waldo Mathew Park, Exquissette Park, and Silsbee Veteran Park--a memorial park for our local veterans.

Downtown Silsbee offers a variety of activities in a historical setting. Specialty shops, hair salons and the public library are located off Fifth Street along Avenue H. First-run movies can be viewed at bargain prices at the historic Pines Theater on Fourth Street. Just two blocks away on Earnest Avenue at Fourth Street, The Ice House Museum features the work of respected regional artists and hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. Silsbee Little Theater is the traditional home to some of the finest theatrical productions in the region. Silsbee Veteran Park, a $350,000 public park project, is located just beside the Ice House Museum on Earnest Avenue between 3rd and 4th street. The park was designed to honor those proud and courageous men and women from Silsbee and Hardin County who have served in the U.S. military during war and peace, at home and abroad. The main feature of the park will be a monument surrounded by the flags and insignias of each branch of the service.

In addition to all the fun things to do you can enjoy the privilege of worshiping in any one of approximately 39 churches in the Silsbee area. Churches vary with many different doctrines and beliefs. There are 39 churches, 30 civic organizations and a Community Center located in Silsbee.