HENDERSON COUNTY
County Offices
100 East Tyler
Athens 903-675-6115
https://www.henderson-county.com/
Chamber of Commerce
201 North Main Street
Athens 903-675-5528
http://www.hendersontx.com/
Services
Serving as a transitional region between east and central Texas, Henderson County is anchored by the leading city and county seat of Athens. Residents of the area have access to state-of-the-art healthcare services close to home at ETMC Athens, a full-service hospital devoted to meeting the expanding needs of the regional community. Advanced diagnostics, obstetrical services, and Level III emergency care are just a few of the routine and specialized services. The ETMC Health Clinic is located in Seven Points, and home health services are available throughout the county. Those living in the Cedar Creek Lake area and Gun Barrel City can take advantage of the new $8 million ETMC clinic and ETMC Rehabilitation Center, offering a wide range of wellness, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative services. One of the highlights of the clinic is a large pool for aquatic-based physical therapy programs that is also available to Olympic Center members for use in aquatic aerobic exercise.
Henderson County is justifiably proud of its public school system, where districts provide modern classrooms, dedicated instructors, and a wealth of special programs and extra-curricular activities. The main campus of Trinity Valley Community College is located in Athens, although seven full-curriculum colleges are available within a reasonable driving distance. Students of all ages can take advantage of the college-track programs, vocational training, degree and certification programs, and continuing education courses just beyond their front doorstep at TVCC.
Lifestyle
The Henderson County region provides picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventure and sports. Panoramic areas for outdoor recreation include 38,000-acre Cedar Creek Lake at the western edge of the county, 23,000-acre Lake Palestine on the east side, and the smaller but equally beautiful Lake Athens. More than 30 public and private lakes combine with Trinity River, Neches River, and numerous creeks for a water-rich environment. With a favorable climate and abundant opportunities for golf, tennis, fishing, and hunting, Henderson County enjoys a high national ranking as an idyllic retirement area. At the same time, rolling hills, stately oaks, cool pines, and sparkling lakes surround family oriented communities with park-like residential developments.
Communities in Henderson County have experienced rapid growth and development in the last few decades, spurred by an abundance of lakefront property. Attractions have matured along with the population, including colorful festivals and celebrations like the Old Fiddlers Reunion and Henderson County Fair or unique centers like Athens Scuba Park that offers underwater visibility at 70 feet in depth. Black Beauty Ranch provides a 1,430-acre refuge for hundreds of animals from chimpanzees and burros to elephants; while the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society protects native plants on 100 acres of marsh, swampland, and pasture. Henderson County Historical Museum, the Henderson County Performing Arts Center and Athens Little Theater, and Athens Country Club are just a few examples of the diversity of first-rate amenities. For rural living and urban convenience, few areas can rival Henderson County.
Athens
City Hall
903-675-5131
https://www.athenstx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
903-675-5181
https://athenstxchamber.org
Recognized among the most attractive and well-kept communities in Texas, the City of Athens has been honored by the governor as one of three “model” rural towns. Well-served by U.S. Highway 175 as well as State Highways 19 and 31, residents of Athens enjoy convenient access to the world-class cultural venues and professional sports action in the Metroplex. The growing population is nearing 13,000, although Athens provides a quality of life and modern development associated with larger cities. Trinity Valley Community College enriches the area with educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. A performing arts center, local shopping, a municipal airport, restaurants and eateries, a freshwater fisheries center, Athens Scuba Park, and Athens Country Club are among the local highlights.
Gun Barrel City, Cedar Creek Lake Area
City Hall
903-887-1087
https://www.gunbarrelcity.net/
Chamber of Commerce
877-243-7896
https://www.cedarcreeklake.com/gun-barrel-city-texas
Serving as the gateway to the expansive Cedar Creek Lake Area, the City of Gun Barrel is home to approximately 7,000 residents. Situated at the crossroads of State Highway 334 and 198, the area provides a small-town rural environment with access to Metroplex amenities. Located on the shores of beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, the city enjoys a brisk tourism business based on recreational opportunities. Gun Barrel grew rapidly after the development of Cedar Creek Reservoir, driving the wealth of retail and commercial amenities for residents and visitors alike. Active and proud residents have been responsible for beautification projects and the restoration of the battleship Texas featured in a state historic site. Shopping, dining, lake cruises, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, or just relaxing in beautiful scenery can all be enjoyed in a friendly, hometown atmosphere.
