Seat of Montgomery County on southern edge of Big Thicket area.  Towering pines, rolling hills, and woodland lakes offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities; 10 area golf courses, resorts, and marinas on Lake Conroe.  The old (1931) but still-producing, Conroe Oil Field southeast of the city is of interest, and historic locations are marked.   Storied community of Cut 'n Shoot is 5 miles east of Conroe.  Shoppers find bargains at the Conroe Outlet Center at I-45 and League Line Rd.

Crighton Theatre-

Restored vaudeville theatre, built in 1934, is home to a variety of stage plays, music performances, opera, ballet, and special events.  At 234 N. Main.   Call (936) 756-1226 for performance schedule.

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County-

In restored home of a pioneer timber family, permanent exhibit features life of Charles B. Stewart, designer of the Texas Lone Star flag and the Texas state seal; other historical miscellany and traveling exhibits.  Open Thurs., Fri., Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Candy Cane Park, I-45 access road north of Texas 105.

Joe Roughneck Statue-

Commemorating George William Strake, who brought in the 19,000-acre Conroe in 1931 and became Houston's first oil millionaire.  In front of city hall, 505 West Davis St.

Jones State Forest-

Five miles southwest via I-45 and F.M. 1488, birdwatcher's haven with over 150 species identified; boasts highest density of rare red cockade woodpecker.   Sweet Leaf Nature Trail, self-guided tour.

Lakes-

Conroe

Paddle Wheeler Southern Empress-

Ply the waters of Lake Conroe while dining and dancing.  Dinner cruises offered Thurs. - Sat. Reservations required.  Departs from Lakeview Marine on Texas 105 West, 7.5 miles.  (936) 588-3000.

Scenic Drive-

Texas 105 west through piney woods to Montgomery 15 miles; driving tour of historic homes dating back to the 1850s.

Visitor Center-

A re-created railroad depot serves as tourist information center for city and county attractions.  Also has recreational maps and marina guides; open daily; closed on holidays.  At 1504 I-45 North.

Worldwide Safari-

Drive-through exotic game preserve on 225 acres.  Animals from addax to Zambezi sitatunga; petting zoo and unusual gift shop.  Open Daily 8 a.m - dusk; off I-45 just south of Conroe, at F.M. 1488 exit.  Admission.