Small Town Mineola is worth a visit to explore its downtown area and natural surroundings.
East Texas certainly has some lovely small towns. The charming town of Mineola, a National Register Historic District, boasts antique shops, gift stores, fashion boutiques, fine dining establishments, coffee shops, and even bed-and-breakfast inns. And we can’t forget the museums and the restored Depot, which the town is all giddy about. Here are the top things to do in Mineola, TX.
Mineola is situated in the Piney Woods of East Texas, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, and just under 2 hours from Shreveport, Louisiana.
On my way home from spending a weekend in Lindale, Texas, I drove through Mineola to explore its history, murals, and what makes this town so lovely. Mineola will be one of the 50 small towns in my book titled “Small Town Texas,” which is due out in the fall of 2026. I have been to Mineola three years in a row, attending a yoga retreat, but that was long ago. On Saturdays, we had time to stroll downtown or do whatever we wanted. I decided to do some shopping. I love the quaint town.
Things To Do In Mineola, TX
If you’re a mural connoisseur, you’ll love what you see here. I saw quite a few colorful ones, took photos of a few, and was told I missed the best. Younger ones will love playing in the Iron Horse Square and seeing the red caboose. For outdoor enthusiasts, go to the 3,000-acre Nature Preserve, just outside of town (not far). There’s plenty to do for a day and some say, for a weekend!
This is the first small town I’ve visited where the Amtrak’s Texas Eagle passenger train has a depot right in the downtown area. I happened upon it when GPS took me to the Railroad Museum, which is right inside the depot. The museum showcases the early days of railroads in Mineola. Be sure to see the red caboose nearby. Not hard to miss.
NOTE: The Amtrak train departs twice a day.
Explore Downtown Mineola
Follow the red brick road to the lovely downtown area, where you’ll find boutiques, antiques, various shops, stores, dining options, and a historic hotel.
Marvel At All The Murals In Mineola
I know I missed a few – and some good ones. However, I did capture some good ones as well. A commenter on Facebook stated that internationally recognized artists typically create most murals, and that Mineola is part of a countywide street art trail. Thanks, Todd W. He also told me who painted the murals that I posted on FB. So, I’ll mention the names in this article.
There is a website where you can view their locations, as well as murals in other areas. It’s woodcountywalls.org.
Beckham Hotel & Ballroom
Address: 115 E Commerce St, Mineola, TX 75773
Once a boarding house and the temporary home to railroad workers, loggers, and cattlemen, it is now a beautifully historic hotel in downtown. The 1892 Beckham Hotel offers ornate ballrooms, luxury guest rooms, a cigar bar, and more. I should have taken the time to get out of my car and go inside. I’ll do that next time!!
So, by all means, go inside even if you’re not staying there!
Iron Horse Square
Ride the mini train here, and as you can see, it has a kids’ playground. The train runs on the second and fourth Saturdays from April to October, as well as during special events, and it’s free!
Mineola Historical Museum
Exhibits comprise 150 years of historical memorabilia from Mineola.
Mineloa Nature Preserve
Mineola Nature Preserve, situated on the Sabine River, is an ideal location for hiking and biking. It also offers miles of equestrian trails, a playground, a pavilion, a pond, wildlife viewing, and a championship disc golf course. It’s open 7 days a week.
Mineola Coffee House
Had a quick coffee here and used the restroom. It’s a darling coffee and gift shop with plenty of seating options both inside and outside. I used my GPS, and this is where it took me. Not sure what’s in the rest of the house, but it’s huge!
More Things To Do In Mineola, TX
- Take in a movie or concert at the Select Theater, the oldest continuously operating theater in Texas.
- Outdoor sports such as pickleball, basketball, golf, fishing, and tennis
- Mineola Country Club with a 9-hole golf course
- Several RV Parks
- Lake Hawkins – camping, picnics, swimming, and fishing
- Lake Holbrook – camping, picnics, swimming, and fishing
- Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms hosts a family-friendly date night farmers’ market every Thursday, 5-8 pm, featuring live music, mini homestead workshops, food, drinks, and shopping from local farmers.
- The Iron Horse Festival
- Fiesta de Mayo
- Mineola Art Festival & Quilt Show
- Music in May
- Magical Mineola Christmas
As they say in Mineola, “Get Sidetracked in Mineola.”
For more information, visit the City of Mineola and explore these family-friendly activities in Mineola.
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