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Lake Livingston
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The Lake Livingston Region is located in the southeast area of Texas. Davy Crockett National Forest, Sam Houston National Forest, and Lake Livingston are a few of the area's geographical landmarks. One of the nearest big cities near Houston, though a few cities within the territory's boundaries, includes Crockett, New Waverly, Groveton, and Lufkin. Visiting Lake Livingston State Park is one of the main attractions within the destination. The state park offers various opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, swimming, and hiking. The lake is known for having a large amount of white bass population and one of Texas's largest lakes.[1]

What Lake Livingston is known for

One of the draws to the Lake Livingston Region is the Lake Livingston State Park. The lake is one of the largest lakes in Texas and offers a wide variety of recreation for visitors. The lake is known for the large amount of white bass within the lake. Fishing is a big reason for visiting the state park. Catfish, crappie, bass, and perch can all be caught while fishing at Lake Livingston. Boat ramps and fishing piers are accessible for visitors' convenience. Swimming and boating are two popular activities that are frequently enjoyed at the lake. Visitors have the option of renting canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. The Lake Livingston State Park offers a few free ranger programs. Guests can have an educational experience and be coached by a ranger.[1] 

The Davy Crockett National Forest is located within the destination and is a 160,000-acre forest with plenty of wildlife to see, as well as outdoor recreation to experience. The forest has spots for camping and picnicking. The lake located within the forest is a 45-acre lake where guests can spend time fishing, swimming, and boating. An amphitheater, concession stand, and a bathhouse are located within the National Forest for guests' convenience. The Davy Crockett National Forest has many miles of horse trails that horses and riders can explore.[2] The Sam Houston National Forest is another attraction within the region and is 163,037 acres with private land located between parts of the forest. One of the most popular activities within the forest is hiking. The Lone Star Hiking Trail is a 128-mile trail that is often hiked and offers views of rivers, streams, the woods, and various wildlife. Camping, fishing, boating, and hunting are all popular activities to do while visiting.[3] 

Tourism has continued to grow throughout the years and is one of the significant contributors to the local economy. Trade Days have contributed to the tourists that come to the area. Trade Days includes around 200 vendors of antiques, crafts, collectible items, and more shopping opportunities.[8]

Geography

The Lake Livingston Region is located in the southeast part of Texas. The destination has many outdoor and wildlife opportunities. Most of the destination is considered to be wilderness, evidenced by the Lake Livingston State Park, the Sam Houston National Forest, and the Davy Crockett National Forest as being some of the largest draws to the area. Some of the cities that border the region include Crockett, Kennard, Lufkin, Livingston, Huntsville, and Lovelady. 
Weather within the Lake Livingston Region tends to stay fairly warm year-round. Those visiting the area can find the mildest months of weather from early April to late May and mid-September to late October. The summer months are hot and usually get above 87 degrees. November through February are the coldest months in the destination and get down to 42 degrees. The most rain is usually received from May to September. The surrounding land is relatively humid, with the muggier period lasting from April to October.[4] 

Wildlife can easily be found while visiting the Davy Crockett National Forest. Wildlife that can be spotted within the park includes deer, doves, turkeys, squirrels, and waterfowl. The red-cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species that resides in the park.[2] The Sam Houston National Forest is a popular destination for hunting. Deer is one of the most populated animals found within the forest. Squirrels, doves, and quails are also found and hunted within the forest. Duck hunting is also frequently done in the woods. Bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers are two endangered species that reside within the park.[3] 

Some of the agriculture produced in the area includes beef cattle, bee colonies, pecans, vegetables, and Christmas trees. The two most impactful productions of agriculture are beef cattle and forage production.[7]

History

The township of Livingston was established in 1846 and was initially named Springfield. Over time, Livingston became a popular trading center for farmers in the 1880s. The construction of the railway played a large role in the growth of Livingston. A fire destroyed Livingston in 1902, but the town continued to grow and make substantial changes within the coming years, including establishing the first telephone company and electric company. The state highway was built in 1917. Oil fields were found within the destination and contributed to the growth of the town.[5] 

Livingston has a population of 5,335 and is the largest city in Polk County. The racial makeup included 70.38% White, 18.50% African American, .64% Native American, .83% Asian, 8.08% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. The lumber operations heavily support the economy.[6] Livingston's tourism industry has grown and has become one of the contributors to the area's economic growth.[7]

State

Texas