SILSBEE

Population 6,557

Altitude 85.

General

Established in 1894 by John Henry Kirby as a sawmill town; today it is the home of the giant Kirby Forest Industries. Silsbee is the largest city and principal commercial center in Hardin County. The Silsbee Little Theater is one of the best known amateur theaters in Southwest Texas. Excellent city parks include tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. Excellent hunting and fishing in the immediate area.

The Cultural Center is located in an old ice house has a small museum on county history as well as a gift shop and meeting rooms.

ROY E. LARSEN SANDYLAND SANCTUARY

TIMBER RIDGE TOURS

VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK

Attractions

• ROY E. LARSEN SANDYLAND SANCTUARY - A Texas Nature Conservancy Preserve of 2,138 acres. It exhibits a curious intermingling of forest and wetland communities. Of special interest is area of sandy lands where desert plants such as prickly pear cactus and yucca are found with longleaf pines and drought resistant oak. Rare orchids and carnivorous plants grow here among acid loving ferns and sphagnum moss.
• Village Creek flow 8 miles through the Sanctuary providing an enjoyable canoeing experience. Contact preserve manager for information on canoe trail.. Sandylands Nature Trail is open daily from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. located 4 miles west on Texas 327. Call 409-385-4135 for information.
• TIMBER RIDGE TOURS - Guides/outfitters offer 1.5 hour Neches River boat rides exploring the Big Thicket biosphere, introducing forests, swamps, flowers, mammals, reptiles, and birds that inhabit the dense preserve. Weekends at 1,3, and 5 p.m. from April through September. Boat rides depart from public boat ramp on U.S. 96 at the Neches River. Also custom, charter excursions for fishing, camping, nature hiking, and historical tours, are offered from February 15 through November 15th. Call 409-246-3107 for additional information.
• VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK - Named for the 63-mile long creek which flows through the heart of the Big Thicket. The stream is renowned as a float stream, and several canoe outfitters in the area can arrange for a tour to float down the creek. The densely forested park includes softwood and hardwood trees, providing habitat to abundant wildlife. It's an excellent site for birding: some 64 species of birds have been seen during a one-day baseline survey. RV hookup sites, picnic sites, playground, hiking trails, and shower/rest rooms are available. South of the city of Lumberton; on Alma Drive. For information call (409) 755-7322.

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