THE AGENDA FOR THE UPCOMING RALLY
WILL BE PUBLISHED HERE UPON RECEIPT FROM THE RALLY HOSTS
PLEASE BRING PLACE SETTINGS
AND DRINKS FOR ALL MEALS AND HAPPY HOURS
CACTUS CAMPERS RUSK, TX RALLY – APRIL 2-6TH, 2025
Hosts: Bob and Bonnie Elder, Jeff and Bonnie Allen
APRIL 2ND – Wednesday. 4pm in the Clubhouse. Heavy Appetizers, dinner on your own. Games after dinner for those with the energy. 😊
APRIL 3RD – Thursday. Camper’s choice for activities for the day. See the extensive list of things to do below. Lots to choose from. There are a few places those who are breakfast people can go try out if desired. See below for information. Carpool to Jacksonville for dinner @ 5:30. We will be trying Rancho Grande in Jacksonville. See list below for address. Games, or Campfire at the Community Firepit at the Campground. ****(Need to know if anyone is interested in doing this BEFORE APRIL 1st.
APRIL 4TH – Friday. Many have expressed interest in taking the Texas State Train Ride. There are several different packages available, so the HOSTS will not be making reservations for the group. Please do so on your own. See below for Website information.) Hosts LIGHT appetizers @ 4pm in the clubhouse. Pizza provided @ 6pm, Salad and Dessert provided by Hosts. Games in Clubhouse after.
APRIL 5TH – Saturday. Breakfast on your own before the Business Meeting @ 10am. (The Campground offers several choices for Saturday breakfast; Pancake breakfast, or Full breakfast. All are reasonably priced if that is something you desire. Served from 8am to 9:30.) Free time until 4pm, light appetizers in the Clubhouse. We will have Tri Tip cooked by the Campground Chef for our main dish for dinner. Please bring a side dish that goes with beef, and the Hosts will provide a couple of dessert options. Games or Campfire at the Community Firepit in the Campground.
APRIL 6TH – Sunday. Bonnie Elder will be in the clubhouse @ 8:45AM for a Devotional time. 9 AM there will be muffins and fruit for those interested. After that we pack up and head to Hallsville for the next rally….. 😊
THINGS TO DO AROUND RUSK…….
Piney Woods Wine Trail
Take a trip down the Piney Hills Wine Trail and enjoy a glass or two of wine while you take in the beautiful scenery of East Texas.
Visit the Oldest Town in Texas
Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and just happens to be only 30 miles outside of Rusk. Spend the day shopping in the historic downtown, take a hike on one of their creek trails, or visit the largest Azalea garden in Texas!
Museums and Zoos of Lufkin
Want an educational trip that the kids will love? Take a trip down to Lufkin, which is only about 35 miles south of Rusk, and see the many sights and sounds their facilities have to offer. Visit the Ellen Trout Zoo, the Museum of East Texas, and the Texas Forestry Museum!
Scenic Hikes
Are you more of a hiking enthusiast then a shopper? No worries! There are numerous hiking trials close by in the Piney Hills. Lanana Creek Trail in Nacogdoches is highly rated, or if you are up for a short drive there is a great 13.4 mile Four C Trail just minutes away.
Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility
Located about 30 miles away in Palestine, TX is one of the few centers in the world for weather balloon science. Take a tour of their facility and see the amazing work they do!
Texas State Railroad
The Texas State Railroad is a historic 25-mile railroad that runs between Palestine and Rusk, Texas. The train is made up of vintage coaches with open windows and comfortable seating. There are a variety of different options of excursions as well as special events that are offered throughout most of the year. During the holiday season The Polar Express Train Ride is offered on select days and dates.
Park Road 76
Rusk, TX 75785
903-683-2561
Birmingham Forest Golf Club
Birmingham Forest Golf Club is a family-owned, 9 hole course, in the Rolling Hills and Piney Woods of East Texas in the small town of Rusk. The course first opened in 1967, and in the following decades it has earned a reputation as one of the best courses of it's size in the Lone Star State. In fact, the Dallas Morning News once name it 35th in the "Best 9-Hole Courses" in Texas.
1802 Copeland Street
Rusk, TX 75785
903-683-9518
Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari
Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is a wildlife park that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See dozens of exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills and open savannahs of this 300-acre park. Only 20 minutes from the Rusk KOA Campground.
1200 County Road 4405
Jacksonville, TX 75766
903-683-3322
Toyland Combat Vehicle and Military Museum
Have you ever wondered where the military weapons and vehicles come from for movies? This it the place! Come see and touch actual military equipment that's been used in the movies. Or see the miniature horses and cattle.
3123 CR 2407
Route 3, Box 110
Rusk, TX 75785
936-858-3514
Rusk Footbridge
Just minutes from the KOA is the nation's longest wooden footbridge. It was originally built in 1861 to connect Rusk and the town of New Birmingham (now a ghost town). The bridge measures 546 feet by 4 feet.
Nacogdoches
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Brick Street Antiques
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CASA's Blue Ribbon Gift Shop
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Glass Castles
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Coats Gallery
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Macy May's
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Main Street Antique Mall
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Old Town Antiques
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Special Finds Antiques & Collectibles
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Stuff N Such
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Heart of Texas
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House of Traditions,
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Dollheads
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Rachel's Antiques & Unique
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Lyric's French Knot Quilt Shop Miller's Crossing Historic Village
The Lily Farm
The Lily Farm is one of the largest daylily farms in the United States. One of the unique aspects of the Lily Farm is the fact that we sell seedlings to the
general public by the clump during our open house. Since we have 4 acres of daylilies stretched across 6 acres of land, this is truly a wonderful venture
to come out and put a flag beside the daylilies YOU would most like to have. 10056 State Hwy 7 West
Center, TX 75935
936-572-1962
Heritage Center of Cherokee County
Showcasing the history of the county since 1846. Including Texas State Railroad, Rusk Penitentiary (1880s-1917), Ghost Towns, Commerce in the county, Indians and Pioneers, Military, Education, Community, and Home Life.
Bulah’s Best Farm (Honey). Call for hours if interested in visiting.
Maydelle Country Wines.
Local Food Options
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Bertha’s Café, Hwy 84, Rusk (903-795-3747)
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Beverly’s Country Café, 1712 S Jackson St., Jacksonville, TX (Open till 1pm) (903-586-7835)
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Rancho Grande, 705S Jackson St., Jacksonville, TX (903-541-4920)
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Cosina Mexicana, 1744 S Jackson St., Jacksonville, TX (903-589-4923)
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JW’s Barbeque, 1015 E Rusk St., Jacksonville, TX (Open 11am till 3pm)
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Tiger Country Café, 405 W Bradford St., Troup, TX (903-969-6753)
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Commerce Street Draft House, 401 E Commerce St., Jacksonville, TX (Open Thurs, Fri, Sat) (903-541-2141)