Once a thriving lumber and oil town, Conroe will charm you with its historic downtown core and easy access to surrounding lakes, forests and recreation areas. Relax on the beach at Lake Conroe, hike through towering pine forests and dine at waterfront restaurants. Excellent road and bus connections make Conroe a great base for exploring Houston.
Things to do in Conroe
The historic downtown core recalls Conroe’s heyday as a lumber and oil town. Shop at antique stores, browse local art galleries and take in a show at the Crighton Theatre. Stop for lunch at a cosy café and sample local lagers and ales at one of the craft breweries. Farmers markets, outdoor concerts and food festivals are just some of the events held in Downtown Conroe.
Lake Conroe occupies a huge 9,000-hectare footprint and is a prime destination for swimming, fishing and water sports. In summer, the beach is packed with people sunbathing and playing volleyball. Set sail on a guided boat tour of the lake or rent a canoe and enjoy a scenic paddle.
The lake is dotted with waterfront restaurants where you can devour local largemouth bass. Menus also feature Texas staples like BBQ ribs and chicken fried steak. Wash down your meal with a glass of sweet tea or a Texas-style Bloody Mary made with smoky BBQ sauce.
The 200-kilometre-long Lone Star Hiking Trail winds through Sam Houston National Forest. On the east side of the park, Double Lake Recreation Area features a sandy beach and shady picnic spots. In W. Goodrich Jones State, you can spot rare red-cockaded woodpeckers.
Getting there
Conroe is located in Montgomery County, a 40-minute drive from Houston. The town is compact and easy to get around on foot while rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding parks and attractions at your own pace. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a 30-minute drive south.