Things to See & Do
Historic Main Street City Since 1987
Pittsburg’s downtown area has much to offer in its lovely shops featuring antiques, fine clothing, shoes, gifts, crafts, and restaurants including the famous Pittsburg Hot Links restaurant. Historic Pittsburg’s quaint shops and friendly people make visiting and shopping a delightful experience.
Witness Park and Prayer Tower
The Prayer Tower is located at the intersection of Lafayette and Jefferson Streets. A gift to the city from businessman Bo Pilgrim, the Prayer Tower features a chapel that is open 24 hours and a 75-foot tower with four Paccard bells from France. The bells chime and play hymns on the hour. Witness Park is beautifully landscaped with flowers, a gurgling fountain and life-size bronze statue of Jesus washing the disciple Peter’s feet.
Farmstead Museum, 206 Mt Pleasant Street
The Farmstead Museum features a 100-year-old farmhouse, barn, and smokehouse, depicting life at the turn of the century. The farmstead has been completely restored and is furnished with antiques of the period. Cotton, corn, and other crops are grown in the demonstration garden. The General Store is open for business, selling unique gift items. The Farmstead is open Thursdays through Saturdays. Special hours for group tours can be arranged in advance.
The Depot Museum and Cotton Belt Depot, 200 W. Marshall
The narrow gauge Texas and St Louis (Cotton Belt) Railroad arrived in Pittsburg in 1880. William Harrison Pitts, the founder of Pittsburg, donated land for a railroad depot in 1875. This depot, the second built on this site, was completed in 1901. As many as eight passenger trains each day came through Pittsburg on its two railroads. The depot served the railroad until 1968 although passenger service ended in 1956. The depot features Victorian-era design with influences of the Queen Anne style. Completely restored, the depot has five major exhibit areas featuring an archaeology exhibit of Indian artifacts, famous Northeast Texas people, and a working re-creation of the Depot’s telegraph station. The former freight warehouse now houses antique autos, boat motors, farm implements, 1890s steam engines and a restored 1925 American LaFrance fire truck.
Ezekiel Airship Depot Museum Annex, Fulton Street at S. Market
Baptist minister and inventor Burrell Cannon (1848-1922) led some Pittsburg investors to establish the Ezekiel Airship Company and build a craft described in the Biblical book of Ezekiel. The ship had large, fabric-covered wings, powered by an engine that turned four sets of paddles. It was built in a nearby machine shop and was briefly airborne late in 1902, a year before the Wright Brothers first flight. On its way to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, a storm destroyed the airship. In 1913, a second model crashed, and Rev. Cannon gave up the project. The airship on display is a life-sized replica.
In 1897, Mr. Charlie Hasselback, of German descent, brought a hot links recipe to Camp County. While there have been many hot link stands in Pittsburg over the years, they all started with Mr. Hasselback’s recipe. Today the hot links of Pittsburg, Texas are known as the PITTSBURG Brand Hot Links and can be found at their downtown restaurant, located at 136 Marshall Street. Hot links are served on butcher paper with crisp saltine crackers and hot sauce. Even though times have changed, diets have changed, and people have changed, Pittsburg Brand Hot Links remain the same and are described by many as East Texas Caviar.
Whatley Center for the Performing Arts, NTCC Campus (2886 FM 1735)
The Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College prides itself on being the hub for cultural events in the area. The recently-renovated 570-seat facility offers an intimate setting for guests to enjoy plays, concerts and more. From bringing world-class shows to its stage to hosting fine art exhibits, the Whatley Center offers something for audiences of all tastes. Visit www.whatleycenter.com to see the current schedule and purchase tickets for upcoming events.
Bed & Breakfasts
Pittsburg has charming establishments run by innkeeper owners, including Efurd Homestead, Lavender Mermaid B&B, and Oak Manor B&B and Pine Grove Cottages.
Vineyards, Wineries & Brewery
Anvil Brewing located in the newly renovated and historic Feed and Seed building which is also a restaurant, dance hall, and offers plenty of space for special events. Local winery offers tours, tastings and music, including Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards & Restaurant. Camp County can definitely be an adventure for your taste buds.
Lakes
With five lakes located just a short drive from town, visitors to the Pittsburg-Camp County area can enjoy water skiing, boating, camping, and fishing. Fishing is serious business here in East Texas with anglers vying for trophy bass, catfish and crappie at Lake Bob Sandlin, Cypress Lake, Monticello Lake, Welsh Lake and Lake of the Pines.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is a 640-acre park that opened in 1987 and is filled with deer and other wildlife. Four and a half miles of hiking/biking trails wind through a forest wonderland offering scenic beauty and beckoning quietness in all seasons. The park, located on FM 21, ten miles from Pittsburg, boasts 95 overnight facilities consisting of RV concrete pads, shelters, and cabins. The park has a pavilion that may be reserved for a small fee. It is perfect for family reunions or company events. A boat launch and pier are available for the anglers. A roped-off swimming area in the lake brings welcome relief on hot summer days.
Orchards & Produce Stands
Camp County is one of the top peach producing areas in Texas. Blueberries and blackberries are also grown here. Look for roadside stands, including Efurd Orchards from mid-May to mid-October offering peaches, berries, melons, fresh vegetables, jams, jellies, syrups and gift baskets.
Trees & the Texas Forest Trail
Pittsburg is located at the northernmost part the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Forest Trail. Many visitors are surprised that this area has an even greater variety of tree species than New England. The best viewing for fall foliage is from mid-October through mid-November when the maples and sweet gum are blazing with color. The sights are just as spectacular in the spring. From mid-March to early April, our woods are blooming with dogwood, redbud and vast arrays of wildflowers. Some of the best scenic drives begin in Pittsburg. Watch for the blue and white Texas Forest Trail signs marking the region. Favorite tourist routes are along SH 11, FM 557, and FM 21.
Golfing
Our moderate climate allows year-round golfing. Princedale Country Club in Pittsburg is a nine-hole course nestled in rolling hills and pine trees. Although not a public course, Princedale welcomes visitors if no tournament is scheduled.
