“The BEN’s” Counselors Guide You Through Texas
“The BEN” Offers Coffee, Friendly Travel AdvicE
Meet a Travel Counselor at Exit 846
You’re on your way to Port Arthur, the Cajun Capital of Texas. You’ve got a plan! Enjoy our flavors, coastal views and Sea Rim State Park.
But what’s next? Lone Star lovers can plan a longer road trip with a visit to our tourism partner at Exit 846 off Interstate 10 in Beaumont. The Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center provides information and assistance to travelers. Explore what’s to do in nine Southeast Texas counties: Jefferson (that’s us!); Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jasper, Liberty, Orange, Newton and Tyler. AND… friendly faces at the center provide free cold bottled water and hot coffee.
Trained travel counselors can “talk Texas” from Abilene to Zapata. Take special notes on their tales of Southeast Texas! We have bunches to see and do. Pick up brochures and maps for the rest of your journey.
BONUS: Sometimes there’s popcorn! There’s always mints!
Insider Tip: The Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center is affectionally termed “The BEN” among tourism partners.
BEN ROGERS
Take a Load Off: Even Fido Needs a Break
We’ll go ahead and say it, the staff is proud to provide clean bathroom breaks, too. Stretch your legs and get some coffee so you can stay alert on the road. There’s an area for your doggie to get a break, too.
Because you LOVE Texas, pose with the LOVE sculpture out front and check out the military displays, too.
Inside attractions include a colorful mural depicting rock legend Janis Joplin, a Port Arthur native. Go back in time with music from a jukebox stocked with pieces from local musicians. It works and it’s free, so bring your dancing shoes. The center’s theater videos include fascinating footage of The Big Thicket, Cattail Marsh, Spindletop, Babe Didrickson Zaharias and Gator Country.
What do you need? At the service counter you’ll get smiles and support. Need a map? Things to do? Road info? Foodie fuel from the vending machine?
Hours: Usual hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Monday 360 days a year. The center is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. Summer hours are until 7 p.m. to serve the traveling public.
Miles and Miles of Texas
Travel Counselors specialize in the fun goings on of Southeast Texas. They know a thing or two about the rest of the Lone Star State, so ask them. Texas is 801 miles from the north to the south and 773 miles from east to west. Interstate 10 is about 880 miles from the New Mexico to the Louisiana state line. In Texas, I-10 begins in Anthony and connects El Paso, San Antonio to Houston. Pass through Beaumont and Orange before crossing to Louisiana.
Since Port Arthur is the official Cajun Capital of Texas, make sure to pick up our brochures to learn about our dining, attractions, Sea Rim State Park and Museum of the Gulf Coast.
What would Allie do? Allie Gator, our mascot, would love you to visit Port Arthur. Read Allie’s top picks here.
The Jukebox!
The hits just keep on coming. That Texas-themed jukebox highlights a range of sounds from local legends. Rock on with Janis Joplin, get bluesy with Barbara Lynn and enjoy Jivin’ Gene Bourgeois’ swamp pop sounds. Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt and The Boogie Kings have local ties. Get a blast from the past from Texas greats including Willie Nelson, George Strait and Freddie Fender. Go ahead. Waltz across Texas! Dancing is encouraged!
The Cute Little Red Car
A shiny read 1949 MG TC in the lobby is a natural selfie station. Ben J. Rogers and his wife, Julie, went to visit their daughter, Regina, at college in New Orleans. Julie spotted a sweet ride in the area and made repeated comments about loving “that cute little red car.” Ben sneakily purchased it and trucked it to Beaumont for her 25th wedding anniversary gift. It’s sparked up and ready for a Sunday drive.
You’ll LOVE it!
What lovebirds wouldn’t want to snuggle by the colorful “Love” sign? “Oh, let’s take a photo,” is often heard when visitors get an eyeful of Dorit Levinstein’s colorful sculpture. “Love” is all you need, they say. And a selfie. Regina Rogers, daughter of Ben and Julie Rogers, gifted the sentiment to honor her parents. Inside a military-themed “Love” piece salutes veterans.
Bonus: Like colorful artwork? Ask the staff about the replica of Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche at Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur.
Honoring Veterans
Local sculptor Ron Pettit created both the All Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at at the center. “The BEN” joins with the local Vietnam Veterans Chapter 292 to host meaningful observance ceremonies on March 29, Vietnam Veterans Day, and November 11, Veterans Day. Ceremonies are conducted promptly at 11 a.m. and include presentation of colors, the playing of each military branch’s anthem—during which veterans proudly stand in recognition — and speakers. Refreshments follow.
Rain or shine, these ceremonies proceed with unwavering dedication, emphasizing a commitment to honoring veterans. Following the outdoor observance, attendees are invited inside the visitor center for fellowship, providing an opportunity for veterans, their families, and the public to connect and share stories.
Referral: More veteran honors: Travel counselors may also refer you to the Veterans Memorial Park in Port Arthur and the 9/11 Memorial Garden at Tyrrell Park in Beaumont. The garden memorial incorporates soil from the three crash sites is incorporated into the soil of the garden, making the memorial hallowed ground.
The Friendly State
Texas is the Friendship State. Our friends at “The BEN” will prove it to you. “Tejas,” the Spanish spelling for the Caddo word “taysha,” as in “friend” or “ally,” evolved to the name Texas.
You’ll find that Texas-specific Southern Hospitality when you get to Port Arthur, too!
Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitor Center
5055 Interstate 10 Access Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705
(409) 842-0500
Need more welcoming? From the Ben J. Rogers, it’s a short drive to the Texas Travel Information Center in Orange. Stretch your legs on a boardwalk through the Blue Elbow Swamp.
Bienvenue: Want a welcome in French? Just over the border, the Louisiana Tourism Welcome Center has rocking chairs overlooking a lake. Stretch your legs on a nature boardwalk to spot birds and moss.
