Emeline Fears Carpenter
Discover the educator and namesake behind the school that became part of the history of this lakeside neighborhood.
Explore the oldest town in Texas · Nacogdoches
Discover Nacogdoches.
Discover Nacogdoches.
Stay by Sparks Lake.
Historic brick streets, gardens, trails, Caddo heritage and Stephen F. Austin State University — all part of an East Texas getaway with a private-lake cabin to come home to.
A city worth exploring
Old Texas charm.
Old Texas charm.
New memories to make.
Nacogdoches has a rich history and plenty to discover, from downtown shops and historic buildings to gardens, university events and relaxing walks. Spend the day exploring, then return to Sparks Lake Resort for lake views and a slower evening.
Our resort offers four private cabins — Bear, Deer, Wolf and Lumberjack — alongside a stocked private lake. Fishing and other lake activities are for registered guests and subject to posted rules.
What’s happening in Nacogdoches
Come for the event.
Come for the event.
Stay for Sparks Lake.
This running list comes directly from the Resort Events Manager. Add or update an event once in WordPress and it appears here automatically.
More Nacogdoches Events
Browse additional local events and community activities through SLACNAC.
SFA Weekends & Events
Campus visits, athletics, homecoming, performances and Lumberjack weekends.
Check Cabin Availability
See Bear, Deer, Wolf and Lumberjack cabin availability for your event weekend.
Upcoming Events
Updated from Sparks Lake Resort Events
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SPARKS NETWORK
Sparks Network Promotion
Local services & promotions
Current Sparks Network service promotions for guests, property owners, businesses and local projects around Nacogdoches.
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More happening around town
Find more events in Downtown Nacogdoches
Explore additional festivals, live music, markets, seasonal celebrations and community events throughout historic Downtown Nacogdoches.
Just across Sparks Lake · Local history & community
Across the lake, a legacy lives on.
Part of the Sparks Lake experience is the remarkable history just across the water. On the opposite side of the lake stands the former Emeline Fears Carpenter Elementary School site, now being renewed as the Sparks Lake Activity Center. Its basketball gymnasium is an important part of the site’s continuing community use.
For visitors staying at Sparks Lake Resort, this is more than another attraction in Nacogdoches: it connects a relaxing private-lake getaway to the story of a local educator, a neighborhood school, and a gathering place being restored for a new generation.
The basketball gymnasium
The historic school property is taking on a new role, with its gym in use for basketball and scheduled community activities.
1964Emeline Fears Carpenter Elementary School opened on Leroy Street.
Across the lakeThe former school site and basketball gym are part of the area surrounding Sparks Lake.
TodaySparks Lake Activity Center carries the site forward through community activities and ongoing restoration.
The Activity Center is a separate site from the resort; check its current schedule and access arrangements before visiting.
Explore Nacogdoches · East Texas
There is plenty to come back to.
Use Sparks Lake Resort as your home base for downtown, history, gardens, trails, museums, SFA and East Texas culture.
Historic
Downtown
Walk Nacogdoches’ brick streets, explore locally owned shops, cafés, restaurants, murals and historic buildings.
Explore Downtown →Millard’s
Crossing
A collection of preserved and relocated historic buildings offering a look at life in nineteenth-century East Texas.
Historic Nacogdoches →Caddo Mounds
Explore the history of the Caddo people and one of the region’s most important Native American heritage sites.
Explore Local History →Statue & Historic
Trails
Follow public art and historic walking routes through downtown while learning the people and events behind the city.
Tours & Trails →Ruby M. Mize
Azalea Garden
One of the city’s signature garden experiences and a major reason Nacogdoches is known as the Garden Capital of Texas.
Garden Capital of Texas →Lanana Creek Trail
A seven-mile route through wooded areas, SFA Gardens and creekside scenery for walking, hiking and outdoor time.
Tours & Trails →SFA Campus &
Gardens
Visit Stephen F. Austin State University, its gardens, campus attractions, performances and Lumberjack events.
Sparks Lake SFA Guide →Sparks Lake
Return to the private lake for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, dock time, fire-pit evenings and outdoor relaxation, subject to resort rules.
Fishing & Boating →
Plan your East Texas trip
Make the most of your visit.
Whether you are visiting friends and family, exploring downtown, enjoying SFA events, or taking a quiet getaway, Sparks Lake Resort makes a convenient home base.
Visiting SFA?
Enjoy Lumberjack weekends, performances, campus visits and university activities while staying beside the lake.
Stay near SFA →Bringing family?
Compare our four cabins and find the right layout for your Nacogdoches visit. For larger groups, review multiple-cabin options.
Group cabin stays →Looking for events?
See our Nacogdoches event landing area and live Sparks Lake / SLAC calendar.
View Events & Calendar →
Return to the lake
Explore all day.
Explore all day.
Relax all evening.
After discovering Nacogdoches, enjoy your own cabin, quiet time outdoors, and the beauty of the lake. Every cabin includes Wi-Fi, a Keurig-style coffee maker, an iron and ironing board, and a hair dryer.
Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. Make reservations directly through Sparks Lake Resort to view current availability.
Your Nacogdoches getaway
Come for the town.
Come for the town.
Stay for Sparks Lake.
Enjoy Nacogdoches history, gardens and events with a private lake and one of four resort cabins waiting at the end of the day.