Starr Family State Historical Park

This day-use park features historical study. There are guided and self-guided tours of the three homes, as well as the school house (which was converted into a laundry in the 1930s) and the extensive gardens, which are a popular spot for receptions; tour fees apply. There are special Christmas and spring tours, a Texas history bookstore and gift shop, art exhibits, and traveling exhibits can be seen throughout the year. From the weekend after Thanksgiving through January 2, the Starr homes are decorated for a Victorian Christmas, with candlelight tours to the spectacular Wonderland of Lights festival. More than a half-million people visit Marshall each year for this unforgettable experience in which the local landscape comes alive each evening with millions of white Christmas lights. Candlelight dinner/tours are available at the site during the wonderland of Lights.

The site is available year-round for weddings, receptions, meetings, and group events. Group tours are given by reservation.

Rosemont Cottage Bed and Breakfast is fully furnished including a kitchenette. It can sleep a maximum of 4 people (including children) on one queen size bed and one hide-a-bed sofa. The four room cottage offers spacious accommodations for visitors who want to stay overnight and truly absorb the Victorian era in luxury. On the front porch, a pair of rocking chairs sway invitingly. Past the front door, a large living room, enveloped by floral wall paper and rose-colored carpet, is furnished with period antiques. Beveled windows and wood paneled walls create a cozy dining experience. A continental breakfast is served in the cottage. The roomy bedroom which sleeps two on a queen sized bed has an attached combination dressing and bathroom area. The fee is $85 + 6% tax = $90.10 per night. For more details call the park or park information at 1-800-792-1112 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday). For reservations call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Central Reservation Center at 512/389-8900 (9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. - noon Saturdays).

Attractions - The central focus to this State Park are the site's artifacts that date the 150 year history of the Starr family in Texas. There are three main main building through which visitors can explore the Maplecroft, Starr-Blake Home, and Rosemont cottage. It is possible take a self guided tour and or an interpretive group tour.

The grounds feature majestic east Texas timber and magnificent azaleas, roses, fruit trees, red maples, camellias, dogwoods, wisterias, and other fragrant plants. In late March and early April, the Starr complex is aglow with the vivid colors of Southern blossoms.

Caddo Lake State Park is nearby. Marshall features the Michelson Museum of Art, eight pottery makers, bed-and-breakfast lodging, and historic inns. Marshall also celebrates its rich history with the Stagecoach Festival and Cultural Potpourri in mid-May and hosts the wacky Fire-ant Festival in October.

For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities offered by the Starr Family State Historical Park include, guided tours and historical study.

Climate - Starr Family State Historical Park is located at an elevation of 489 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January minimum of 33 degrees to an average July maximum of 94 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 46.4 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Starr Family State Historical Park is situated within the Pineywoods area of Texas. The park can be reached by exiting Interstate 20 onto US Highway 59 north; then going west on Travis Street to the corner of South Grove Street.