If you haven’t had the pleasure to pass through Splendora, Texas, you’re missing out! Splendora is a quaint little town located in southeastern Texas within several hours of the Gulf of Mexico. While Splendora may be small with a population of just over 1,800, it’s a beautiful town with plenty of things to keep you occupied.
Splendora was founded in the late 1800s and originally known as Cox’s Switch because it was a railroad stop for people traveling on the Houston, East, and West Texas Railway. In 1896, the town’s name was officially changed to Splendora because of the “splendor of its floral environment.” If you’re passing through Splendora, Texas, here are some of the top things to do.
(Related: Is Splendora, TX Safe?)
Things to do in Splendora, TX
1. Creekside Off-Road Ranch
If you brought your Jeep, ATV, or another off-road vehicle, Creekside Off-Road Ranch is one of the top off-roading areas in Texas.
Creekside Off-Road Ranch features miles of challenging trails, mud pits, sand dunes, and hills for off-roaders. It also has the beautiful Peach Creek that runs right smack through the middle of it all.
If you want to spend extra time at the Off-Road Ranch, there’s also a campground with full RV hook-ups and tent sites on the property.
You can camp as long as you want and off-road to your heart’s content when you roll into Creekside Off-Road Ranch in Splendora.
2. Ipes Sports Park
Ipes Sports Park is another top-notch stop in Splendora if you’re looking for a game of softball or baseball. Ipes Sports Park is a beautiful and well-maintained sports complex located on 32 acres.
The park includes five lighted baseball fields, five softball fields, two concession stands, restrooms, a playground, and a great picnic and pavilion area.
Ipes is the perfect location if you’re organizing a baseball or softball tournament or simply want to take in some mid-summer action.
Make sure you send a thank you to the Splendora Youth Baseball Association and the Splendora Softball Association for taking care of this incredible complex.
3. Splendora Motocross Park
If you haven’t picked up on the theme yet, Splendora is an excellent place for outdoor and motorsport activities.
The Splendora Motocross Park consists of 168 acres and a 1.8-mile track meant specifically for dirtbikes, four-wheelers, and other motocross activities.
This Motocross Park is second to none in the area and one of the best in the state. The track contains jumps, twists, and turns that are challenging for riders of all skill levels, and it’s sure to test you.
Outside of scheduled race days, the track is open for practice from 9 to 5 on Friday through Sunday.
4. Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures
Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures is one of the top attractions in Splendora. It’s treasured by locals, and tourists come from all over to take advantage of one of the best water and adventure parks in Texas. Start your adventure by taking on the challenging high ropes course or rock climbing walls of various levels of difficulty.
Next, take on the Wild Isle floating waterpark that will make you feel like you’re on Wipeout. Once you’ve had enough fun and action, cool off and take a break at the waterpark itself. No matter what time of year it is, Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures has something fun to do! It’s great for groups of all sizes and people of all ages.
5. Splendora Gardens
A trip to Splendora wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Splendora Gardens. Splendora Gardens is a representation of everything that’s right about the charming town of Splendora. It’s a multi-dimensional space in the Piney Woods of East Texas with one sole purpose – to reconnect modern Splendora with the past.
Splendora Gardens is a delightful representation of human expression and nature located on 177 acres of land. Splendora Gardens has a goal to provide the community with opportunities for imagining, learning and growing through reconnecting with nature and art.
You can enjoy the day on your own or take a group to Splendora Gardens. Either way, you’ll leave a better person than when you arrived.
6. People’s Village Flea Market
There are few things more American or Texan than a good ole fashioned flea market. The People’s Village Flea Market is located in Splendora and is a favorite among locals.
They take local history and tradition, and combine it with a mixture of delicious food and goods. You can buy anything from hats to produce to pets and everything in between at People’s Village.
They are open on Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 3, Saturday from 8 to 7, and Sunday from 7 to 6.
7. Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Once you’re done at the Flea Market or waterpark, it’s time to get back into nature at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Lake Houston Wilderness Park (LHWP) is a beautiful, lushly forested expanse of nearly 5,000 acres, located three miles east of New Caney off highway 59.
It’s the only park in the department that allows overnight stays in either the cabins or campsites on the premises.
Take some time to escape the hustle and bustle of life on over 20 miles of hiking and horse riding trails.
The park also offers kayaking, biking, canoeing, birding, and fishing, in addition to hiking, horse riding, and camping. The park and trails are open year round and the temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees!
8. City of Splendora Heritage Park and Splashpad
One of the best ways to beat the heat of a Texas summer is to hit up the City of Splendora Heritage Park and Splashpad. It’s one of the only splashpads in the area and a great place to bring your kids for some time out of the sun. There’s also a playground and a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to make a day of it and have a family outing.
Whether you’re a Splendora local or just passing through, there are plenty of awesome things to do. From motocross to mudding to a world of artistic and outdoor activities, Splendora is a small treasure in southeastern Texas.
Facts about Splendora, TX
- The population of Splendora in 2019 was 2,255 people.
- The city covers a land area of 3 square miles.
- The racial makeup of the city: 9.8%% Hispanic or Latino, 92.6% White, 1.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 3.3% Asian.
- The median income for a household in the city was $37,431. The per capita income for the city was $19,609.
- The median home value in Splendora is $269.9K in 2022.
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