The Getaway Guide for Conroe, TX

Conroe, Texas is a little community north of Houston, and you can find plenty of entertainment in this flourishing suburb. Conroe’s proximity to Houston and the Woodlands puts it in the unique position of having second-to-none shopping and dining experiences. But the distinctive small-town charm remains perfectly preserved. Not to mention, the borders of Conroe encompass some of the most scenic wilderness and natural areas that the Greater Houston Area has to offer. So the town promises a certified myriad of outdoor recreation. As for the city of Conroe itself, the town is best characterized by a fascinating history and eclectic culture that has cultivated a medley of downtown amusements. Moreover, the city of Conroe has so many great places to eat that we had to make a whole other list. Frankly, the hardest part of making this list was narrowing it down to our favorites. Nonetheless, we’ve managed to compile a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Conroe.

Lake Conroe Park

What better way to begin your Conroe vacation than a trip to the city’s most definitive landmark: Lake Conroe? This gorgeous lake is the most popular retreat from the sultry Texas summer heat for both locals and tourists. There is an abundance of amusement to make the most of your day at the lake.

First and foremost, Lake Conroe Park is the perfect place to unwind with a relaxing yet fun day on the beachfront. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills available for visitors, and additional amenities include playgrounds and volleyball pits.

For those who are looking to plan their next fishing trip, fishing is a popular pastime at Lake Conroe. The lake accommodates a healthy population of photo-worthy bass, catfish, and bluegill. Be sure to pick up some high-quality fishing line for your trip because there are some truly trophy-sized catches waiting for you.

Lake Conroe is also the perfect spot to indulge your inner thrill-seeker with a variety of watersports. Kayaking, canoeing, and tubing are some of the most popular pastimes at the lake. Speaking of tubing, something’s gotta be pulling that tube along the water.

And Lake Conroe is a beautiful spot to enjoy a day of boating. There are plenty of boat rental companies located around the lake for your boating convenience. You can rent anything from a speedy ski boat to a party pontoon. But be warned: In the bittersweet moment that you have to return your rental at the end of the day, you’re likely to start daydreaming about the possibility of owning your own boat.

14968 TX-105, Montgomery, TX 77356

Visit Lake Conroe Park’s Website

Southern Empress Cruises

For a truly memorable experience at Lake Conroe, the Southern Empress Cruise is perfect for a summer evening of romance and fun. The Instagram-worthy experience features four-course dining, drinks, and dancing. So it’s ideal for a date night or a night out with friends. Not to mention, you’ll be making memories on a living piece of maritime history. Constructed in 1983, the Southern Empress boat was a Mississippi paddle-wheeler that was later moved to and refurbished in Conroe. This cruise is the best way to appreciate a picturesque sunset on the water while enjoying a delicious meal and some great music.

7035 Kingston Cove Ln, Willis, TX 77318

Visit Southern Empress Cruises’ Website

Margaritaville

Lake Conroe also features its own Margaritaville. This well-known resort-style community features a lazy river, a swim-up bar, and a variety of dining and shopping options. Margaritaville is the most luxurious place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Conroe. The resort’s marina provides boats of all sizes for guests, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to look forwards to after a long day on the water. Margaritaville also features its own shopping district, where you can find everything from beachwear to souvenirs. And the resort offers live entertainment and events throughout the year.

600 Margaritaville, Park Way, Montgomery, TX 77356

Visit Margaritaville’s Website

Woodlands Waterway

The Waterway is a man-made canal that features walking and biking trails, restaurants, bars, and public art. The Waterway’s paths are lined with public art, so they’re perfect for admiring the local culture while getting some fresh air. And it provides a spectacular setting for special events and performances. And when night falls, The Waterway comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Considered the lifeblood of the Woodlands, this urban oasis offers lets you escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Historic Downtown Conroe

Downtown Conroe is a unique community that offers the best of both worlds. Historic buildings and modern conveniences come together to create a charming atmosphere that is ideal for both fun and function. Conroe’s eclectic downtown district is home to a medley of antique stores, stylish boutiques, celebrated diners and cafes, interesting bars, and storied buildings. A stroll down historic main street will be ripe with enrapturing street performances, captivating art exhibitions, firsthand history lessons, and one-of-a-kind thrifting and shopping experiences. A can’t miss downtown adventure in Conroe are the art benches: a self-guided walking tour of 13 commemorative benches that bring history and art alive in Conroe. Downtown Conroe is the best blend of preserved history and contemporary living.

299-201 W Phillips St, Conroe, TX 77301

W. Goodrich Jones State Forest

W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation’s largest working urban forests. Spanning nearly 1,800 acres, the forest is located just outside of Houston, Texas. The primary purpose of the forest is resource research and education. Research projects conducted here have contributed to our understanding of forestry regulations and ecosystem management. In addition, the forest provides a unique setting for environmental education programs that teach children about the importance of protecting and preserving the natural ecosystem. The forest is also open to the public, though. You can attend demonstrations about the local ecosystem. Because of the forest’s status as a site for research and conservationism, you can expect to see an array of rare, interesting wildlife. Or go hiking and horseback riding on one of the forest’s 15 miles of paths and trails. And there are two lakes in the area that permit limited fishing and picnicking.

1328 Farm to Market Rd 1488, Conroe, TX 77384

The Woodlands Mall

The Woodlands Mall is the ideal destination for anyone in Conroe who is looking for some retail therapy. With over 160 stores, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you are looking for a new outfit, the latest gadget, or just a leisurely browse, the Woodlands Mall has it all. The mall is also home to a variety of restaurants, so you can refuel after a day of shopping. And if you (and your credit card) need a break, you can take a stroll through one of the many green spaces that surround the mall. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or just looking to treat yourself, the Woodlands Mall is sure to have what you’re looking for.

1201 Lake Woodlands Dr Suite 700, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Visit The Woodlands Mall’s Website

Sam Houston National Forest

The Sam Houston National Forest is one of the largest protected areas in the state of Texas. Offering miles of scenic trails to explore, the forest is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, the forest also contains a couple of Texas’ most notable overnight backpacking trails. Additionally, the forest is a great place for fishing, boating, camping, and nature watching.

Spanning over 160,000 acres of raw wilderness, the forest is home to a diverse population of plant and animal life. Here, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Everything from deer and squirrels to ducks and quail can be encountered in droves. But the forest also offers visitors the special opportunity to spot some endangered species. In the winter months, a familiar sight is that of soaring bald eagles stalking above the forest’s wintry lakes. And keep a keen ear open for the feint knocking of a red-cockaded woodpecker against the forest’s mighty pine trees.

394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358

Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm

Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm is a family-owned farm located in the heart of Texas’ blueberry country. For over 20 years, they have been growing and picking fresh blueberries for their customers. During the picking season, they open their farm to the public so that everyone can experience the joy of picking and tasting fresh blueberries. The farm is open from early July to late August, and during that time, they offer picking lessons, hayrides, and of course, fresh blueberries. They also have a farm store where you can buy local honey, jams, and syrups. If you’re looking for a fun family activity or a delicious treat, be sure to check out Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm.

19531 Moorhead Rd, Conroe, TX 77302

Visit Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm’s Website

Montgomery County Fair

The Montgomery County Fair is an annual event that takes place in Conroe, Texas. It typically runs for two weeks from late March to early April. The fair offers a fun variety of attractions and amusements, including rides, games, and shows. In addition to the food and attractions, the Montgomery County Fair also features livestock shows, rodeos, cooking contests, auctions, and art exhibitions.

And be sure to bring your appetite because Texas takes its fair fare seriously. You have the standard classics of cotton candy, popcorn, corndogs, snow cones, etc. But this ain’t your average fair. This is Texas! For the real food fanatics out there, here are some of the most mouthwatering favorites: fried Oreos, fried pickles, funnel cakes, fried cobblers and pies, soul rolls, twice-fried albondigas (Mexican meatballs), fried Frito pies, fried Mexican bread pudding, fried toffee balls, fried shrimp étouffée, and more! So prepare for a cholesterol detox and a scolding at your next physical after spending a night at the Montgomery Country Fair.

9333 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303

Visit Montgomery County Fair’s Website

Crighton Theatre

Commissioned by former Conroe mayor and oil tycoon Harry M. Crighton, the Crighton Theatre acted as a testament to the prosperity of Conroe’s then-booming oil industry. Designed by Blum E Hester, the theatre’s ornate exterior and grandiose interior pay homage to the distinguished architecture of the Italian Renaissance; Hester envisioned the theatre as a symbol of cinema’s lavish vaudeville era. As the place to be, Crighton was the crown jewel of Conroe’s historic downtown. However, as the cinema experience became more casual with drive-ins and TVs, the theatre was abandoned in the 1960s. It was later renovated and restored to its former glory in the late 70s. The Crighton Theatre is now the home of the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society. They host live concerts, musicals, and other stage performances to this day. So it’s a great way to conclude an evening in historic downtown Conroe.

234 N Main St, Conroe, TX 77301

Visit Crighton Theatre’s Website

Lone Star Monument and Flag Park

The Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Conroe, Texas. The park tells the complex history of Texas through a series of exhibits, statues, and displays. One of the most popular features of the park is the display of 13 different flags that have flown over Texas. The flags represent a wide range of historical eras, from the early days of Spanish colonization to the entry of the Republic of Texas into the Union. Visitors can also learn about the various indigenous tribes that once inhabited Texas, as well as the state’s role in the American Civil War. Whether you’re interested in Texas history or not, the sheer spectacle of Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park definitely warrants a visit.

Interstate 45 N, Conroe, TX 77301

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Texas getaway, look no further than the city of Conroe. With its proximity to Houston and The Woodlands, this town offers some of the best shopping and dining experiences in the state. And if nature is more your thing, you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities right at your fingertips. So why not plan a trip to this charming small town? You won’t be disappointed!