The Ellen Trout Zoo is another one of Lufkin’s gems and we are proud to feature it on our City Spotlight today. Housing nearly 800 reptiles, birds and mammals from around the world, the zoo provides hours of educational fun for the whole family.

The zoo was founded in 1967 by Walter Trout. It is currently owned and operated by the City of Lufkin, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Animals that zoo visitors may see include DeBrazza’s Monkey, Kestrel, Russell’s Viper, Jaguar, Jamaican Fruit Bat, Galapagos Tortoise, Fly River Turtle, Bontebok, Sulcata tortoise, Ruddy Duck, Malayan Tapir, Spectacled Owl, Chilean Flamingo, Toco Toucan, Saki Monkeys, Cotton-top Tamarin, Alligator, River Otter, Hippopotamus, Bali Mynah, Clouded Leopard, Maasai Giraffe, and White Rhinoceros.

Also nearby is the Ellen Trout Lake, a small lake in Ellen Trout Park, right across from the zoo. Stocked with channel catfish by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the lake is an excellent spot for children to practice their fishing skills with cane pole.

Visitors to the zoo will also have an opportunity to ride the Z&OO Railroad, a pre-Civil War replica train that tours the grounds of the zoo and lake. Children and adults alike will enjoy this fun and exciting experience.

The zoo holds many workshops and events throughout the year, the most recent of which took place last Saturday, January 28th, and was called “Growing up WILD.” An upcoming zoo event is “The Princess and the Frog Party” on February 18th. This party gives girls an opportunity to dress up in their favorite tiaras, have teatime at the zoo, and meet a real frog!

For more information about the zoo and its events, visit the website here: Lufkin Zoo or call 936-633-0399.

Lufkin is rich with East Texas history, and we are proud of the businesses and companies that have originated here. One of our favorite claims to fame is Atkinson Candy Company, also known as Atkinson’s Candy. Founded in 1932, Atkinson’s is renowned for producing the very popular “Chick-O-Stick” candy. Specializing in peanut butter and peppermint candies, Atkinson’s list of favorites also includes Coconut Long Boys, mint twists, Peanut Butter Bars, and Gemstone Candies. Under family ownership for four generations, Atkinson Candy Company is steeped in tradition. 80 years later, they continue to produce sweet treats, enjoyed by many all over the world.

Atkinson Candy Company, located on 1608 Frank Avenue, is open Monday thru Friday, 8am-5pm. Should you wish to stop by and see Atkinson’s for yourself, or perhaps pick up a fresh batch of peanut brittle, visitors and patrons are welcome. While tours are not permitted at this time, the store showcases a live feed of the production area, so that visitors are able to watch the candy as it is made.

There are many fun and interesting locations in Lufkin, and Atkinson’s Candy Company is no exception. For more information about the candy company or to order some Chick-O-Sticks for yourself, visit their website, or call 936-639-2333.

The Museum of East Texas is committed to bringing cultural development and art education to the City of Lufkin. Through their many programs and exhibits, the MET offers a charmingly creative element to our city.

The Museum of East Texas was founded in 1976, and has continued to grow ever since. In 1972, seven women had the vision and inspiration to renovate the oldest church in Lufkin, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, into a beautiful place for adults and children to celebrate art and history. Built in 1905, the church in which the museum resides is rich with stories of Lufkin’s past, present, and future. The museum’s anthology of paintings and sculptures are the work of a wide range of talent. The locations of these artists range from here in East Texas to all over America, Latin America, and Europe.

Along with art displays, the museum offers quite a few educational programs. Art Camp, a program designed for children to experience hands-on creativity, is offered during the summer months. Super Saturdays are free to the public and provide safe, fun, and family-friendly events such as the Pumpkin Party and Family Day. For students who are unable to travel to the museum, they offer themed Traveling Trunks, which are full exhibits in containers available to educational groups at no charge. Throughout the year, the MET presents an assortment of public lectures and programs for all ages.

Visitors to the Museum of East Texas will be dazzled by its beautiful grounds, gorgeous interior, and masterful art collection. The MET adds another dimension of beauty and culture to the City of Lufkin, and we are proud to call it ours. For more information, call (936) 639-4434 or visit their website, metlufkin.org.