Welcome to Part 4 of my look at Labyrinths in Texas. There are over 250 in the state so I broke them into 4 parts:
5 Labyrinths to visit in Houston, Texas
5 Labyrinths to Visit in Dallas / Fort Worth
6 Labyrinths to Visit in San Antonio / Austin, Texas area
7 More Labyrinths to Visit in Texas (everywhere else)
So today we get everywhere else !
Before we get to my recommendations for the rest of Texas I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in the USA from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in the US, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are in the US, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about US Labyrinths Answered. All of these Texas answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from Texas (these charts will be repeated in each Texas labyrinth post):
Here is how Texas compares to the USA. It contains the 3rd most labyrinths but only ranks 46th in per capita. It also ranks 29th in average size, below the national average.
Texas Labyrinth Questions Answered:
What is the largest labyrinth in Texas ? The largest labyrinth in Texas is the Lone Star College – Tomball Labyrinth in Tomball, TX with a 130 foot diameter.
What city has the most labyrinths in Texas ? The city with the most labyrinths in Texas is Houston with 30. Texas has 5 cities with 10 or more labyrinths.
Are there any record setting labyrinths in Texas ? Yes.
The Lone Star College – Tomball Labyrinth in Tomball, Texas is 130 feet in diameter. It is Roman style labyrinth made with a granite stone pathway with shrubbery for walls. I was thinking I would find a labyrinth made from stones, but I think this qualifies as the largest permanent labyrinth in the US. There are many larger labyrinths in the US but they are mowed into grass, made with flowers etc.
There are 3 labyrinths in the US that feature 15 circuits, the most in the US. The Aquarian Labyrinth in Clearlake, California; the CC37 Labyrinth (a spiral) in Winterhaven, California and the Cedar Ridge Farm in Trent, Texas.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
7 (MORE) Labyrinths to Visit in texas
1. Abilene Christian University Labyrinth
An 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made from limestone and granite. It is located on the east side of the Hunter Welcome Center, between it and the lake(and also near N Judge Ely Blvd). Here is a 360 view of the labyrinth.
Location: Abilene, Texas
Address:
1600 Campus Ct.
Abilene, Texas 79699
2. Unity of Southeast Texas Labyrinth
This 7 circuit triune pattern labyrinth is open from dawn to dusk and is made from painted concrete. Follow the signs and walkway behind the church to find it (on the east side). In the satellite image above it is hidden at around 4 o’clock among the trees (use the controls to zoom in and center it).
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Address:
1555 South 23rd Street
Beaumont, Texas 77707
3. Panola College Labyrinth
A large 75 foot diameter 7 circuit labyrinth that has a unique look as it is made from rosemary(with mulch) with rock pathways. Check out this wonderful 360 view of the labyrinth ! It is located behind the Health & Natural Sciences Building as shown on this campus map. Check out this great photo.
Location: Carthage, Texas
Address:
1109 W. Panola St.
Carthage, Texas 75633
4. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
This 6 circuit octagonal labyrinth is located south of the church (at 6 o’clock in the satellite image above), off the path next to the parking lot. Made from bricks and pavers in 2014 it was a result of an Eagle Scout project.
Location: Katy, Texas
Address:
1936 Drexel Dr.
Katy, Texas 77493
5. Stillpoint Contemplative Practices Labyrinth
A 9 circuit Chartres style labyrinth that is located in the front yard of the home, right off of the sidewalk.
Location: Midland, Texas
Address:
1007 W Kansas Ave
Midland, Texas 79701
6. Stephen F. Austin State University - Gayle Mize Garden Labyrinth
This park full of walking trails and native plants also features a 7 circuit classical labyrinth made from rocks with a large stone in the center. The garden is easy to find on Google Maps.
Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Address:
1523 E Starr Ave
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
7. National Vietnam War Museum Labyrinths
This contemporary pair of spiral labyrinths is located in the garden on the left just inside the entrance. Made from decomposed granite and native plants. Maps satellite view shows the pattern and location. Plan your trip to visit the museum on the museum website.
Location: Weatherford, Texas
Address:
12685 Mineral Wells Hwy
Weatherford, Texas 76086
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and I HAVE made a maze from Texas (see The Alamo Mission link below). If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Here are also some mazes of famous buildings from around the world: