Tyler State Park: 15 Facts You Should Know!

Tyler State Park’s scenic beauty and variety of outdoor sports along with its rich history attract visitors from around the globe. The park is must see opportunity in Texas due to below reasons – 

  • It has strong beautiful woods, steep loops, and crystal-clean rivers spread over approximately 1,700 acres of land, resulting in various outdoor funs for the visitors. 
  • Tyler Mansion is the oldest building in the park which was built in 1930 and attracts an enormous amount of history lovers.  
  • Along with the beautiful surroundings, the park also holds a wide rang of flora an fauna in it.

History and Facts

  • The land currently known as Tyler State Park was originally occupied by the Lenni Lanape before being captured by Europeans in 1682. They cultivated the area and erected mills, homes, and barns in the early 18th century. The park’s asphalt pathways were previously country roads. 
  • The park’s original stone houses are examples of early rural Pennsylvania farm residences. The Buckman Barn is a bank barn constructed into a slope to make wagon access easier.
  • The Spring Garden Mill is still found in the park near the intersection of Route 332 and Neshaminy Creek. 
  • The Tyler Estate was bought between 1919 and 1929 by George F. and Stella Elkins Tyler. The Tyler House, which is currently part of Bucks County Community College, was built in the 18th century.
  • It was built in the French Norman style and had 45 major rooms, 12 fireplaces, a Dutch Room, and an English Brewery. Mr. Tyler developed Tyler Barn in the 1920s to house his staff and horse groomers as well as board 25 horses.
  • Tyler State Park’s property was purchased using Project 70 funds and developed with Project 500 monies. By engaging young men to work on habitat restoration, the Civilian Conservation Corps offered employment and job skills. 
  • The lake was emptied in 1963 after a 100-foot piece of the earthen barrier broke. The TPWD restored the dam and upgraded the park, finishing in 1975. Smith County’s 985.5-acre park is located north of Tyler.

Location

  • Address: 789 Park Road 16 Tyler, TX 
  • Location: Texas, USA
  • Zip code: 75706-9141

Tyler state park (texas) map

  • Tyler State Park is in northern Pennsylvania and is famous for its geologic formations, which are characterized by sandstone and shale. 
  • The Triassic sandstone rocks were later raised and bent during the Appalachian orogeny. 
  • Many tiny lakes and ponds produced by glacial action during the Pleistocene epoch may be found in the park.

Weather Conditions

  • The climate of Turkey Run State Park is humid continental, with hot summers and chilly winters. Precipitation can fall all year long, with May and June becoming the wettest months. Guests should dress appropriately for changeable weather conditions.

Wind speed Range (mph): 

Rainfall Range (in):

Snowfall Days:

Flora & Fauna

Plants:

  • Red and white oak
  • Maple
  • Hickory
  • Black cherry
  • Sassafras
  • American beech
  • Tulip poplar
  • Rhododendron
  • Mountain laurel
  • Wildflowers such as trillium, violets, and lady slipper

Animals:

  • White-tailed deer
  • Wild turkey
  • Ruffed grouse
  • Gray squirrel
  • Eastern chipmunk
  • Red fox
  • Coyote
  • Beaver
  • Muskrat
  • Numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and hawks

Activities

Tyler State Park is a popular site for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anybody interested in the surrounding world’s splendor. These are some things to do in Tyler State Park:

  • Hiking: Park pathways provide beautiful views of the park and neighboring countryside and are suitable for both short walks and lengthy treks.
  •  There are markers on the route that identify flora and trees, as well as sites of interest including the CCC-built wading pool, rock cascade, and Beauchamp Springs. 
  • It’s exclusively for hiking.
TrailsLengthLevelTime
A – Loop2.6 mi.Moderate1.5 hrs
B – Loop
3.1 mi.Moderate2 hrs 
BLACKJACK NATURE TRAIL (hiking only)0.3 mi.Easy20 min
C-Loop 1.5 mi.Challenging.1 hr. 
D – Loop2.2 mi. Challenging before connecting to Trail 3 at Bear Hollow.1.5 hrs.
EZ – Loop0.8 mi. Easy45 min.
LAKESHORE TRAIL (hiking only)2.1 mi.Easy1.5 hrs.
WHISPERING PINES TRAIL (hiking only) 1.0 mi. Moderate1.5 hr. 

For Further Info – Tyler State Park Trails Map (texas.gov)

  • Enjoying Flora & Fauna: Tyler State Park’s Spring Garden Mill Dam is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mixed hardwood woods, natural grasses, wildflower meadows, and wetlands. 
  • The park also has unusual vegetation including skunk cabbage, ferns, and waterwort. Turtles and wood ducks visit the creek north of the park.
  • Agriculture has been a part of the park’s history for over 300 years, and field crops such as winter wheat, cereals, corn, legumes, and hay provide a magnificent pastoral environment. 
  • Several animals prefer to live on native grasslands.
  • Mountain Biking: Inside the park, there are 13 miles of hiking trails, a few of which is open for biking enthusiasts.
  • While mountain biking, consult with park headquarters to ensure that the path is appropriate for one’s ability level. Use a helmet to safeguard yourself in the case of an accident.
  • Geocaching: Park offers a technologically advanced treasure hunt in which geocaches are hidden all over the place. 
  • They are disguised but not buried and their dimensions vary from tiny to huge. To locate a geocache, use a GPS unit or a smartphone app and go on an expedition.
  • Safety Tips –  Leave no record of your visit, remain on trails as long as feasible, leave what you discover, respect animals, don’t park in campgrounds, keep voices down, remove your garbage, and help maintain natural areas lovely.
  • For further info, visit – Geocaching — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
  • Events and Activities: The park authorities organize various events for families and groups of visitors throughout the year.

To get the latest info. regarding events, visit – Tyler State Park Events — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

  • Swimming: Park allows visitors to enjoy swimming but guests should follow water safety warnings  and be safe.
  • Camping: Tyler State Park features many campsites with electric and water connections, showers, and Electric Campsites that are shaded or sunny.

    Amenities – 

  • Picnic table
  • Lakeview Camping Area
  • Tent pad
  • Water hookup
  • Sewer hookup
  • Electric hookup
  • Lantern post
  • 30/50 amp hookups
  • Fire ring with grill
  • Restrooms with showers nearby
  • Tents allowed
  • Two-night minimum Friday & Saturday
  • Three-night minimum Memorial & Labor Day weekends
  1.  Full Hookup Campsites $32/night
  • People/Site: 8
  •  Number of Sites: 18
  1.   Full Hookup Campsites (Big Pine)$28/night
  • Number of Sites: 39
  •  People per Site: 8
  • 2 nights minimum
  1.  Campsites with Electricity (Cedar Point)$24/night
  • Number of Sites: 12
  • People/Site: 8
  1.  Campsites with Water$18/night
  • People/Site: 8
  •  Number of Sites: 30
  1. Double Campsites (Cedar Point)- $48/night
  • Number of Sites: 2
  • Picnic Areas: Park offers various areas for enjoyment that can accommodate up to 30 visitors/ site. The areas are shaded by trees but it does not have a stable shelter.

Amenities – 

  • Six long picnic tables
  • Fire ring(square) with grill
  • Stand-up grill

Fees – $25/day

Fooding

Few of the options inside Tyler State Park are – 

  • Tyler Park Center for the Arts – This eatery mainly serves during winters with snacks and munchies.
  • The Boathouse -It is situated near the park’s main entrance and offers a variety of ice creams and snacks on a seasonal basis (Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day weekend).
  • Picnic Areas – Park offers a variety of picnic spots where visitors can enjoy their food.
  • Nearby Restaurants – 
  1. Burger King

#20 of 28 Restaurants in Lindale

3404 South Main

5.5 miles from Tyler State Par

  1. Pop’s Honey Fried Chicken

#11 of 28 Restaurants in Lindale

802 N Main St

7.4 miles from Tyler State Par

  1. Subway

#21 of 28 Restaurants in Lindale

13354 County Road Suite 472

5.5 miles from Tyler State Park

Lodging

Visitors to Tyler State Park can choose from a range of accommodation alternatives, including:

  • Camping: Tyler state park offers a variety of camping sites to enjoy and accommodate visitors.
  • Group Sites: 

 Group Hall with Kitchen – $150/Day

Accommodation/ Site – 60

Amenities – A/C unit

  • Water
  • Electricity
  • Interior light
  • No pets
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove with oven
  • Ceiling fans
  • Double sink
  • Freezer
  • Eight plastic dining tables
  • Chairs
  • Outside grill/smoker
  • Restrooms with showers nearby
  • Cabins $60/night
  • Sleep: 2
  • People/Site: 4
  • Number/Sites: 6

Amenities – 

  • A/C unit
  • Heater
  • tents are restricted
  • Water
  • Electricity
  • Interior light
  • Lantern post
  • No pets
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Table and chairs
  • 1 queen bed
  • linens and pillows are not provided
  • Fire ring with grill
  • Restrooms + showers nearby
  • 2 minimum Friday & Saturday.
  • 3 minimum Memorial & Labor Day weekends
  • Nearby Lodges: 
  1. Hampton Inn Lindale/La Quinta Inn & Suites by 
  2. Wyndham Lindale Tyler
  3. Best Western Lindale Inn
  4. Comfort Suites Lindale – Tyler North

Facilities

The park features a variety of amenities, including:

  • Campgrounds: There are two campgrounds totaling 213 campsites. Modern facilities such as power and water connections, modern bathrooms and showers, and playgrounds are available at the campgrounds.
  • Picnic spots: Several picnic sites around the park are ideal for family gatherings or group vacations.
  • Trails: Tyler Run State Park contains more than 13 miles of hiking paths ranging in difficulty. The paths are well-marked and offer a terrific way to enjoy the park’s beautiful splendor.
  • The Nature Center is an excellent site to discover the park’s evolutionary biology and fauna. It has interactive displays, a live animal presentation, and educational activities.
  • Swimming pool: During the summer season, the park features a swimming pool. The pool has water slides, diving boards, and a snack kiosk.
  • Amphitheaters: They can accommodate up to 75 people/site.

Fees – $25/day

Best Time to Visit

  • The best time to visit Tyler State Park is during the fall season, which has beautiful autumn colors and cooler temperatures. Spring is also a great time to visit, with mild weather and wildflowers in full bloom. Avoid visiting during the summer months.
MonthProsCons
JanuaryLess crowded, the chance of snow, good for winter sportsCold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, some facilities may be closed
FebruaryLess crowded, chance of snow, good for winter sportCold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, some facilities may be closed
MarchMild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, good for hiking and birdwatchingSome facilities may still be closed, some muddy trails due to melting snow
AprilMild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, good for hiking and birdwatchingIncreasing crowds, potential for rainy weather
MayWarmer temperatures, spring foliage, good for hiking, camping, and fishingIncreasing crowds, potential for rainy weather, bugs starting to emerge
JunePeak camping season, warmer temperatures, good for swimming and water activitiesCrowded, potential for thunderstorms and high humidity
JulyPeak camping season, warmer temperatures, good for swimming and water activitiesCrowded, potential for thunderstorms and high humidity
AugustPeak camping season, warmer temperatures, good for swimming and water activitiesCrowded, potential for thunderstorms and high humidity
SeptemberMild temperatures, fall foliage, good for hiking and campingIncreasing crowds, potential for rainy weather
OctoberMild temperatures, fall foliage, good for hiking and campingIncreasing crowds, potential for rainy weather
NovemberFewer crowds, fall foliage, good for hiking and birdwatchingShorter daylight hours, colder temperatures
DecemberFewer crowds, chance of snow, good for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeingCold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, some facilities may be closed

Sightseeing

These are some sites to view while visiting Tyler State Park:

  • Explore Tyler, (“America’s Rose Capital.”)to further learn and enjoy in science museums.
  •  Discovery Science Place .-  It is the best place for kids to have fun along with learning.
  • In Athens, surely explore Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center along with the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, or the Salt Palace Museum in Grand Saline. 
  • First Monday Trade Days in Canton is the best place to explore and shop for local artifacts. 

Reservations

The steps are as follows:

  • Visit the official website: Texas State Parks Online Reservations.
  • Choose “Tyler State Park” from the drop-down list of parks and input all relevant information.
  • To browse the accessible campsites or cabins for your selected dates, click the “Search” button.
  • After selecting desired lodging/ facility option click the “Book Now” button.
  • Proceed with the payment via card.
  • Cross-check all the filled details and proceed to  “Submit Reservation” button.
  • After final confirmation, an email will be received for confirmed reservation.

Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Fess Charges-

$7/adult – Daily

$70/ adult – Annual pass/year

Rules for Pets

  • Pets are permitted in approved in some specific areas of the park.

Specific Rule or Restriction

These are some ground rules to follow when exploring State Park:

  • No structure, rock, tree, flower, bird, or wild animal should be injured or damaged. NO branches, shrubs, or trees (dead or living) should be collected for firewood! They MUST be let to stay to replenish the natural humus.
  • Pets must be on a collar, should not be left alone, and must be vaccinated against rabies. 
  • Camping is only authorized at the campsite. Adult supervision is required for youth groups.
  • Fires must be built only in the designated areas.
  • Avoid leaving a trace, leave feeding to nature, only take memories and photos, check with park headquarters, wear a helmet, remain on trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and monitor for trail restrictions.
  • In all-day use areas, please follow the Bring In/Carry Out garbage policy. Overnight visitors must dispose of their trash in the containers supplied.
  • Motorists shall follow posted speed limits and park in authorized zones.
  • Drinking water should only be obtained from designated pumps, hydrants, or fountains. The quality of this water is verified regularly.
  • Please notify the park office of any lost or discovered items.
  • All powered vehicles must stay on the paved road. Snowmobiles are not permitted.
  • Metal detectors are not permitted.
  • Please keep on the designated trails.
  • With permission, advertising filming, and shooting are permitted. Instructions
  • Motorized airborne devices (RC airplanes) should only be used in authorized locations or with permission from property management. Drones are presently not authorized on DNR property.

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