Historic Roadside Park

The picnic area on US 190 in Newton County is an early roadside park developed by the Texas Highway Department, now the Texas Department of Transportation. Built in 1936 by the National Youth Administration, a federal work relief program, it accommodated motorists attending Texas Centennial events that year. The Texas Highway Department had launched its roadside park program in 1933 to provide safe places for motorists to relax and eat during their travels, often using native stone and plantings to create a natural park atmosphere. Today, hundreds of picnic areas and rest areas dot Texas highways, continuing the state's legacy of safe and convenient roadside parks. To preserve its historic character and significance, this picnic area may not fully comply with the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act.

Newton, Texas · United States