Family-friendly Hardin County is home to 57,139 residents. Village Creek State Park is a major attraction. There are 1,090 acres of forest and cypress swamps at the park where you can view the wildlife, fish for catfish and bass, or hike the ten-mile nature trails. The Big Thicket Natural Preserve to the north features a similar experience – it’s a protected area, valued for its unusually diverse ecosystem. When you’re done in the sun, experience the finer things by sipping on an award-winning aperitif and dessert wine at Bruno and George Winery in Sour Lake.