15 Best Things To Do When Visiting Winnie, Texas
Long before the rides spin and the scent of smoked brisket fills the air, Southeast Texas was—and still is—rice country. Fields of green stretch along Highway 124, where water-fed rows have fed communities for generations. In the heart of this landscape sits the small but spirited town of Winnie, population just over 3,000. While it may be modest in size, every October this town swells with pride and people as it hosts one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations: the Texas Rice Festival.
Winnie’s location, about 60 miles east of Houston, makes it a natural gateway for exploring both the coastal wetlands of Anahuac and the cultural depth of Port Arthur. Visitors often extend their stay to explore birdwatching at the 34,000-acre Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, shop vintage finds at Larry’s Old Time Trade Days, or unwind with wine at nearby family-owned vineyards.
Even the area’s pop culture claims are strong: Janis Joplin, the rock-and-roll legend, was born just down the road in Port Arthur, where her legacy lives on through museums, historical markers, and annual tributes. And for those drawn to more quiet escapes, Winnie and its surroundings offer parks, splash pads, scenic marshes, and friendly libraries—each a reminder that small-town Texas still knows how to welcome with both arms.
For those looking to explore beyond the main streets, let's see some of the best things to do in Winnie, Texas. Let's get started!
1. Celebrate with the Locals at the Texas Rice Festival
📍 Location: 321 FM 1663, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
This annual festival began in 1969 and includes a rice cooking contest, parades, a carnival, and a Rice Festival Queen.
Held annually in Winnie, the Texas Rice Festival is more than a seasonal gathering—it’s the heartbeat of the community. Since its founding in 1976, the festival has grown into a massive celebration of Southeast Texas’s rice farming heritage, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year and involving more than 500 local volunteers. Taking place the first weekend of October at the 55-acre Winnie-Stowell Park, the event honors the region’s agricultural roots while serving up carnival rides, livestock shows, a rice cooking contest, and live music that spans genres and generations.
The Texas Rice Festival is also a powerful engine for local support. Since 2008, it has awarded over $553,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors and invested more than $203,000 in community improvements, including park facilities and youth programs. Families from across the region come to reconnect, celebrate, and pass on traditions—from dance contests to the crowning of Miss Rice Festival.
The event’s significance extends beyond nostalgia. It’s an opportunity to taste authentic Texas rice dishes, learn about farming techniques, and experience the kind of small-town pride that’s increasingly rare.
2. Go RV Camping at Meadow RV Park
📍 Location: 16433 US-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Meadow RV Park offers over 40 spacious hookups and is known for its quiet, pet-friendly atmosphere just minutes from the Texas Rice Festival grounds.
For those craving a quieter base during the high-energy festival season—or a peaceful stop on a Texas road trip—Meadow RV Park offers comfort, space, and convenience just minutes from downtown Winnie. Designed with long-term travelers and weekend campers in mind, the park features full hook-up sites with 30/50-amp electric, sewer, and water connections. Wide pull-through lots accommodate rigs of all sizes, and amenities like laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms ensure a smooth stay for solo travelers and families alike.
The park sits close to the main festival grounds, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the excitement of the Texas Rice Festival while retreating to quiet, shaded lots in the evening. Wildlife sightings are common, especially birds from nearby wetlands, and the surrounding area offers easy access to coastal attractions such as the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and High Island, known worldwide for birdwatching.
Meadow RV Park’s friendly management and well-maintained grounds have earned it a loyal following, particularly among snowbirds and RVers passing through the Gulf Coast. It's a place where neighbors chat over coffee, pets roam freely in grassy areas, and sunsets mark the close of easygoing days in the heart of rice country.
3. Shop for Unique Items at Larry’s Old Time Trade Days
📍 Location: 14902 FM 1663, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
This is the largest flea market in Southeast Texas, held the weekend after the first Monday every month—with over 500 vendors.
Every first weekend of the month, the quiet town of Winnie springs to life as Larry’s Old Time Trade Days welcomes thousands of visitors to one of Southeast Texas’s largest open-air markets. Sprawling across more than 20 acres, the market features over 500 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and vintage collectibles to local honey, tools, antiques, and boutique clothing. It’s not just a flea market—it’s an evolving community gathering with roots stretching back more than two decades.
Whether you’re hunting for rustic farmhouse décor or a rare vinyl record, Larry’s offers an eclectic mix of treasures that appeal to serious collectors and casual shoppers alike. Many vendors are local artisans and small business owners, making the event a showcase of regional creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. There’s also no shortage of Southern food trucks and snack stands serving favorites like funnel cakes, boudin, and barbecue—adding irresistible aroma to the air.
Conveniently located off I-10, Larry’s is free to attend, with plenty of parking and shaded areas for relaxing between booths. It’s a place where deals are made with handshakes, stories are swapped over lemonade, and every visit feels a little like stepping into a modern-day Texas bazaar.
4. Have a Picnic at Safari Park
📍 Location: 13552 US-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Safari Park offers shaded picnic spots, fishing, and even seasonal petting zoos, making it great for laid-back outdoor fun.
While the name might suggest wild animals, Safari Park in Winnie is all about open skies, shaded lawns, and the quiet pleasure of a family picnic. This green space is beloved by locals for its laid-back atmosphere and well-maintained amenities. Whether you bring a picnic basket filled with festival leftovers or grab takeout from one of Winnie’s food trucks, the park offers the perfect backdrop for relaxed outdoor meals.
The park includes picnic tables, covered pavilions, open play areas, and ample parking. Its walking paths and grassy expanses are ideal for frisbee, catch, or a post-lunch stroll. On weekends, families often gather here to unwind, while children chase one another across the open fields. For visitors attending the Texas Rice Festival or Larry’s Trade Days, Safari Park is a peaceful break from the hustle—just a few minutes away, but a world quieter.
There are no entry fees, and the park’s central location makes it a convenient meet-up spot. You might even spot local wildlife like rabbits or songbirds passing through. Whether you’re stretching out on a blanket or watching the clouds drift by, a picnic at Safari Park reconnects you with simple joys—and maybe reminds you that slowing down can be the highlight of your trip.
5. Raise Your Glass at Rollins Vine 2 Wine Vineyard & Winery
📍 Location: 14731 TX-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Family-owned and operated, this winery is known for sweet muscadine wine and live music on the weekends.
Tucked away in the quiet countryside near Winnie, Rollins Vine 2 Wine Vineyard & Winery is a local gem that brings handcrafted Texas wine to the heart of rice country. Family-owned and operated, the vineyard grows several grape varietals on-site, including Blanc du Bois, a white grape well-suited to the Gulf Coast’s humid climate. Rollins specializes in small-batch wines that reflect the soil and seasons of Southeast Texas—a refreshing contrast to the mass-produced bottles found on supermarket shelves.
Visitors are welcome to tour the vineyard, stroll between rows of sun-drenched vines, and enjoy guided tastings in the cozy tasting room. The selection typically includes dry reds, off-dry whites, and fruit-forward blends, many of which have won accolades at regional wine festivals. Tastings are often paired with local cheeses, crackers, and good conversation. On weekends, the winery hosts live acoustic music, turning casual visits into memorable afternoons.
Just a short drive from the Texas Rice Festival grounds, Rollins offers a peaceful escape and a chance to sip something truly local. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or even solo travelers looking for a slower pace and a scenic stop. For a region known for rice, it’s a delicious reminder that Texas terroir has more than one story to tell.
6. Get Your Tacos at Chef Finny Seafood Tacos And More
📍 Location: 1196 TX-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
This roadside food truck has built a cult following for its fusion of Cajun and Mexican seafood—especially the grilled shrimp tacos.
If there's one food truck that locals whisper about with the reverence usually reserved for family recipes, it’s Chef Finny Seafood Tacos And More. Stationed in Winnie and often seen at local events, Chef Finny serves up some of the region’s freshest, most flavor-packed tacos—drawing from both Gulf Coast seafood traditions and bold street food innovation. The shrimp tacos are especially popular: seasoned, grilled to perfection, and topped with house-made slaw and citrus aioli that hits all the right notes.
Chef Finny’s menu goes beyond tacos to include seafood platters, loaded fries, and seasonal specials, all of which celebrate the local catch and Cajun influences of Southeast Texas. The portions are generous, and each dish is plated with the kind of care that reveals a chef who takes pride in every detail. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible, and everything—from the tortillas to the sauces—is made fresh.
7. Read a Book at Juanita Hargraves Memorial Library
📍 Location: 108 W Magnolia St, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
This local library also hosts free children’s reading programs, tech classes, and community movie nights.
Located in the heart of Anahuac, just a short drive from Winnie, the Juanita Hargraves Memorial Library offers a quiet, welcoming refuge for readers, researchers, and curious minds of all ages. Serving a population of fewer than 2,500 residents, this small but mighty library plays an outsized role in its community. It provides access to a wide range of books, digital media, genealogy resources, and educational programming that connects generations.
More than just a place to check out novels, the library hosts weekly story times for children, literacy workshops for adults, and seasonal events that bring residents together. Its calm reading rooms and public computers make it a practical stop for visitors needing to catch up on email or simply take a break from outdoor activities. Local history buffs will appreciate the archives, which include materials on Chambers County and the broader southeast Texas region.
Named after longtime community educator Juanita Hargraves, the library honors her legacy by remaining open, accessible, and enriching to all who walk through its doors. For travelers looking to recharge, reflect, or dive into a local story, this library offers not just books—but a sense of place and connection.
8. Take the Kids to Winnie Stowell County Park Splash Pad
📍 Location: 335 FM 1663, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Open seasonally, the splash pad is part of a larger park that also includes baseball fields, a skate park, and shaded playgrounds.
When the Southeast Texas heat hits its stride, there's no better family escape than the Winnie Stowell County Park Splash Pad. Open seasonally and free to the public, this kid-friendly oasis features colorful fountains, spraying arches, and ground-level jets that keep children laughing and cool for hours. It’s a favorite among local families and a must-stop for visitors with young kids in tow—especially during the warm fall afternoons of festival season.
The splash pad is part of the larger Winnie-Stowell Park complex, which also includes walking trails, a duck pond, covered picnic areas, and playgrounds shaded by mature trees. Its central location—just steps from the Texas Rice Festival grounds—makes it a convenient spot for families to unwind without straying far from the action.
Parents can relax at shaded benches or bring picnic lunches while the little ones burn off energy safely. The area is well-maintained by the local Parks Department, and restrooms and water fountains are available nearby.
9. Catch a Friendly Game at the Buccaneer Stadium
📍 Location: 780 TX-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Home to the East Chambers Buccaneers, this stadium gets packed on Friday nights—real Texas high school football energy.
For a true taste of Texas small-town pride, spend a Friday night at Buccaneer Stadium in Anahuac. Home to the Anahuac High School Panthers, this modest but spirited venue transforms during football season into a hub of energy, music, and community connection. With seating for more than 2,000 fans, it’s a place where the bleachers shake with cheers, the marching band keeps the beat, and local families come together under the glow of stadium lights.
Football is more than a sport in Southeast Texas—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. The players on the field often represent local legacies, while cheerleaders, dance teams, and ROTC cadets round out the experience. Even visitors with no connection to the teams are welcomed into the fold, swept up in the rhythm of touchdowns, halftime shows, and concession stand chatter.
The stadium is centrally located in Anahuac, with easy parking and ADA-accessible seating. It’s a great option for festivalgoers extending their stay into the weekend, or travelers curious to witness an authentic piece of Texas culture.
10. Enjoy a Night of Good Food and Music at Charlie’s Bar and Grill
📍 Location: 1223 TX-124, Winnie, TX 77665
Fun Fact:
Known for its hand-cut steaks and live weekend bands, Charlie’s is a favorite among locals for casual nights out.
For a relaxed evening of local flavor and live entertainment, Charlie’s Bar and Grill in Anahuac is the go-to spot. A beloved watering hole for locals and a pleasant surprise for travelers, Charlie’s combines classic Texas comfort food with a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. Known for its generous portions and live weekend music, it’s a place where you can dig into smoked brisket tacos or chicken-fried steak while enjoying acoustic sets, country covers, or the occasional blues jam.
The menu features hearty Southern staples and coastal influences—think grilled catfish, spicy wings, and burgers piled high with fixings. Daily specials and cold drinks add to the draw, especially after a day exploring wildlife refuges or nearby museums. The bar is family-friendly during dinner hours, with a lively, grown-up vibe kicking in later at night when the dance floor opens up.
Charlie’s often hosts community events, karaoke nights, and local fundraisers, making it more than just a restaurant—it’s part of Anahuac’s social fabric. Located off TX-61 with ample parking, it’s an easy stop for those craving good food, local music, and genuine Texas hospitality.
11. Learn about the Firefighting History at the Fire Museum of Texas
📍 Location: 400 Walnut St, Beaumont, TX 77701
Fun Fact:
Home to one of the world's largest working fire hydrants—spotted Dalmatian-style and standing over 24 feet tall.
In downtown Beaumont, just a 45-minute drive from Winnie, the Fire Museum of Texas stands as both a tribute and a time capsule dedicated to the evolution of firefighting. Housed in the city’s former Central Fire Station, the museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage fire engines, firefighting gear, uniforms, and historical artifacts dating back to the 1800s. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest working fire hydrants, standing 24 feet tall—a favorite photo op for visitors of all ages.
Inside, interactive exhibits guide visitors through the development of firefighting tools and techniques, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how brave men and women have battled blazes over generations. Children especially enjoy the fire safety house, where they can “practice” escaping smoke-filled rooms and learn about fire prevention in a hands-on, engaging way.
Admission is free, and guided tours are available by request, making it an accessible and educational stop for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about the evolution of emergency response. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, with plenty of nearby parking and dining options within walking distance. A visit here adds depth to your regional exploration and offers an unexpectedly powerful look at community courage and service.
12. Visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast
📍 Location: 700 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Fun Fact:
This museum celebrates Gulf Coast history and famous natives—like Janis Joplin, Jimmy Johnson, and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
Located in Port Arthur, the Museum of the Gulf Coast offers a rich, immersive experience that celebrates the cultural, historical, and musical heritage of Southeast Texas. Spanning over 39,000 square feet, the museum houses an eclectic array of exhibits—from the region’s prehistoric past and oil industry roots to its impressive lineup of famous sons and daughters. Among them is the legendary Janis Joplin, born in Port Arthur in 1943, whose story is vividly brought to life through a dedicated gallery featuring personal artifacts, a replica of her painted Porsche, and interactive displays.
The museum also highlights other notable figures such as rock ’n’ roll pioneer The Big Bopper, NFL Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, and Olympian Babe Zaharias. Alongside these pop culture icons, the museum explores topics like local marine life, early settlement, and industrial development, making it a comprehensive portal into the Gulf Coast’s layered identity.
Open Monday through Saturday, the museum is family-friendly, air-conditioned, and easy to navigate. Admission is affordable, and guided tours are available for groups.
13. See Janis Joplin's Birthplace Historical Marker
📍 Location: 4330 32nd St, Port Arthur, TX 77642
Fun Fact:
The marker honors Janis Joplin’s early years in Port Arthur, where she developed her bluesy style long before becoming a rock icon.
For music lovers and cultural pilgrims, visiting Janis Joplin’s birthplace in Port Arthur is a meaningful moment that ties the raw emotion of her music to the quiet streets of her youth. The historical marker, located at 4330 32nd Street, marks the site where the iconic blues-rock singer was born in 1943. Though the original home no longer stands, the marker has become a place of reflection for fans who want to honor her legacy in the town that helped shape her.
Joplin’s story is one of defiance, creativity, and uncompromising spirit. Though her time in Port Arthur was complicated—marked by both inspiration and alienation—her roots here are undeniable. The marker offers context on her early life and rise to international fame, and pairs well with a visit to the Museum of the Gulf Coast, which houses a more expansive tribute.
Visitors often leave flowers, messages, or guitar picks as quiet tributes. There’s no admission fee, and parking is easy along the street. While brief, the visit resonates—reminding travelers that even global legends often begin in humble neighborhoods. For those who’ve ever been moved by Janis’s voice, this stop brings the legend back to earth.
14. Reconnect with Nature at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
📍 Location: 4017 FM 563, Anahuac, TX 77514
Fun Fact:
This refuge spans over 34,000 acres and is a premier birdwatching site, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
Spread across 34,000 acres of protected wetlands, marshes, and coastal prairie, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife lovers and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the natural world. Located just 15 miles south of Winnie, this sprawling refuge is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and plays a crucial role in conserving habitat along the Gulf Coast. It’s especially known for birdwatching, drawing over 70,000 visitors annually—including passionate birders eager to spot snow geese, roseate spoonbills, mottled ducks, and even rare species like the Amur stonechat, which made national headlines in 2024.
The refuge includes a visitor center, elevated boardwalks, observation platforms, and a scenic auto tour route that lets you drive through prime wildlife viewing zones. Depending on the season, you might see alligators basking, migratory flocks landing in the marsh, or butterflies flitting across the tall grasses. The trails are accessible, and entry is free, though donations support habitat preservation.
Rangers are available for questions, and seasonal events like nature photography workshops and guided bird walks enhance the experience. If you’re looking to unwind after the buzz of the Rice Festival, Anahuac offers quiet, beauty, and the wild heartbeat of Southeast Texas.
15. Hike around Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk
📍 Location: 4233 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont, TX 77705
Fun Fact:
This 900-acre marsh offers a mile-long boardwalk and is home to more than 250 species of birds, plus frequent gator sightings.
A visit to the Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk in Beaumont is like stepping into a sanctuary where time slows and nature takes center stage. This 900-acre freshwater marsh is part of the Beaumont Municipal Water Reclamation System, but it doubles as one of the most vibrant wildlife habitats in Southeast Texas. With over 250 species of birds recorded, including herons, egrets, ibis, and roseate spoonbills, it’s a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers.
The half-mile boardwalk extends deep into the wetlands, providing panoramic views and access to elevated observation decks ideal for spotting everything from sunbathing alligators to migratory birds in mid-flight. Trails surrounding the marsh add an additional 8 miles for walking, jogging, or biking, with flat, accessible paths that suit all fitness levels.
Free to the public and open daily from sunrise to sunset, Cattail Marsh also features an education center with exhibits and information on regional ecosystems and conservation. Regular programs like sunrise yoga, guided hikes, and family nature days make it more than just a scenic stop—it’s an interactive experience.
Only 30 miles from Winnie, this spot offers a restorative escape where the wild feels close, and even a short walk can feel like a journey through something timeless.
Conclusion
From the rice fields of Winnie to the wetlands of Beaumont, this region of Southeast Texas is layered with richness—agricultural heritage, wild natural beauty, cultural legends, and small-town spirit. Whether you’re attending the high-energy Texas Rice Festival, savoring seafood tacos by a food truck, or listening to birdsong echo across the Anahuac marsh, every stop tells a story. It’s a story of people who celebrate hard, welcome generously, and live closely with both land and legacy.
This list is more than a travel guide—it’s an invitation to slow down, explore with intention, and let the local rhythm guide you. You’ll find that Southeast Texas isn’t defined by a single destination but by its collective heartbeat: in a farmer’s market handshake, a splash pad’s laughter, a concert under the stars, or a Janis Joplin lyric echoing in your head as you drive past her birthplace.
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FAQ
1. What is Winnie, TX known for?
Winnie is perhaps most famous for the annual Rice Festival it hosts. This festival celebrates the local rice-growing industry with carnival rides, music, and other activities.
2. How did Winnie get its name?
Winnie was named after Fox-Winnie, a horse owned by one of the town's founders that was known for its racing victories.
3. What is the economy of Winnie like?
Historically, Winnie's economy has been driven by agriculture, especially rice cultivation. However, like many places, it also has businesses and services that cater to local residents and visitors.
4. How far is Winnie from major cities like Houston and Beaumont?
Winnie is roughly halfway between Houston and Beaumont. It's approximately 60 miles east of Houston and 40 miles southwest of Beaumont, making it easily accessible from either city.
5. When is the best time of year to visit Winnie?
While Winnie can be visited year-round, many prefer the fall for the Rice Festival and spring for bird watching at the refuge. However, always check the local weather and event schedules to make the most of your visit.
6. Where can I spot local bird species?
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird watchers. You can expect to see a variety of species, especially during migration seasons, such as snow geese, roseate spoonbills, and various species of ducks and shorebirds.
