Things to Do in Big Sandy, Texas
Big Sandy is a small Piney Woods town with outsized character — a famous football past, an unusual former-college campus, nearby fishing lakes, and a big-cat sanctuary all within reach. For a town its size, there's a surprising amount to do.
Here's what to do in and around Big Sandy.
Lakes and the Outdoors
Big Sandy's surroundings are made for the outdoors. Lake Hawkins, just to the west, offers fishing, paddling, and a county park with camping and an RV park on the water, while Lake Fork — one of the most famous trophy-bass lakes in Texas — lies a short drive northwest for serious anglers. The Piney Woods all around add hunting country and scenic back roads.
A short drive toward Tyler brings the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for rescued tigers, lions, and other big cats — a memorable, only-in-East-Texas outing. Between the lakes and the wildlife refuge, the area around Big Sandy keeps outdoor lovers and families busy.
History and the ALERT Academy
Big Sandy's history makes for an interesting visit in itself. The town grew up around a railroad switch in the 1870s, and in the 1960s it became the unlikely home of Ambassador College, drawing families from across the country. That campus is now the International ALERT Academy, which trains young people in disaster relief and emergency services and serves as a camp and conference center.
The town also carries one of the great small-school football legacies in Texas: the Big Sandy Wildcats' three straight state titles in the 1970s, led by David Overstreet. For visitors who enjoy local history and sports lore, Big Sandy tells a rich story for a town its size.
Nearby Towns and the Region
Big Sandy's spot on US-80 keeps several appealing towns within easy reach. Mineola, just west, has a beautifully preserved historic downtown, a restored depot, and the Mineola Nature Preserve; Gladewater to the east is known as the 'Antique Capital of East Texas'; and Tyler, a short drive southwest, adds the Rose Garden, museums, shopping, and dining of a small city.
The broader region offers still more lakes, antique shopping, and Piney Woods charm within a reasonable drive. Between the lakes, Tiger Creek, the town's history, and the nearby towns, Big Sandy offers a well-rounded menu of things to do.
Highlights
- Fishing at Lake Hawkins — bass, crappie, and catfish are all biting depending on the season
- Friday night Wildcats football at Big Sandy ISD stadium in the fall
- Community Center events — potlucks, holiday gatherings, and local fundraisers throughout the year
- Driving the back roads through Upshur County cattle country and pine timber
- Hunting whitetail and hog on private leases surrounding the town
- Day trip to Gilmer for the East Texas Yamboree festival every October
- Exploring rural heritage sites and old homesteads scattered around the area
- Kayaking or bank fishing at Lake Bob Sandlin, about 40 minutes northwest
FAQ: Things to Do in Big Sandy
Big Sandy offers lake fishing and camping at nearby Lake Hawkins and Lake Fork, the Tiger Creek big-cat sanctuary toward Tyler, local railroad and football history, and the International ALERT Academy on the former Ambassador College campus. Nearby Mineola, Gladewater, and Tyler add antiques, museums, and dining.
The International ALERT Academy occupies the former Ambassador College campus in Big Sandy. It trains young people in disaster relief and emergency services and serves as a camp and conference center, continuing the educational use of a campus that drew families to the town in the 1960s.
Yes. Lake Hawkins, just west, offers fishing, camping, and an RV park, and Lake Fork — one of the top trophy-bass lakes in Texas — lies a short drive northwest, making Big Sandy a good base for anglers.
Yes. The Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for rescued tigers, lions, and other big cats, is located in the countryside toward Tyler within easy reach of Big Sandy, where visitors can see the animals and learn about its rescue and conservation work.
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