Lake Palestine land acquisition set for future state park

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has acquired 650 acres on Lake Palestine in Henderson County to establish a future East Texas state park. The property, purchased on October 1 for over $10 million, represents one of the largest remaining tracts of land with frontage on the lake.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department identified the site as a potential state park in 2025. The Foundation will hold the land until the Department can officially purchase it in late 2027 using funds from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. During this interim period, the Foundation intends to invest in the property and conduct habitat restoration.

Formerly part of the Texas Pecan Nursery operation owned by the Pollard family since 1940, the land features pine forests, ponds, pecan orchards, and shoreline habitat for wildlife such as deer and waterfowl. Future park amenities are expected to include hiking and biking trails, campsites, day-use areas, and lakefront access. The park is slated to open in phases, starting with guided access.