Region: Piney Woods
Seat of Montgomery County on southern edge of Sam Houston National Forest, amid the piney woods. The county is known as "Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag." In 1839, the state legislature adopted the flag — designed by resident and patriot Dr. Charles B. Stewart — as the official state flag.
The centerpiece of the area, the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, was completed in 1973 and is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds. It also boasts some of the best fishing around. Resorts, campgrounds and marinas dot the tree-lined shore of Lake Conroe. Other lake activities include jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and boating.
Conroe also has eight public golf courses with more than 162 challenging holes. And, Downtown Conroe attracts visitors year-round with live entertainment, plays, arts and culture, and restaurants. Shoppers can find bargains at nearby antique or resale shops or visit the Outlets at Conroe on I-45 North.
Visitors can take in the summer concert series and other community events at the Heritage Place Outdoor Theater, 936/522-3804. The Owen Theatre, originally built in the 1940s, was recently renovated into a state-of-the-art theatre, hosting a variety of live performances, 936/539-4090.