Texarkana, Arkansas: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Texarkana, Arkansas: Where Fun and Adventure Collide - The Best Places, Texarkana, Arkansas

Go to the State Line Post Office first. You can stand in Texas and Arkansas at the same time, inside a federal building put up in 1933, and it costs nothing. Then the Ace of Clubs House, which was built in 1885 in the shape of a playing card club. Then the ghost walk, after dark. Texarkana is a strange town and those three are the strangest things in it.

Texarkana, Arkansas is a small city running history, art and outdoor adventures together. A local or a first-time visitor, the fun things to do and places to visit here are plentiful. From museums and art galleries through to scenic trails and serious cooking, Texarkana covers a genuine range.

One of the ways into Texarkana’s past is the many historical sites and museums across the city. You can step back in time at the P.J. Ahern Home or work through the region’s railroad history at the Texarkana Union Station. For art, there are several galleries and public art installations, including the Regional Arts Center and the Texarkana Mural Project.

If you want outdoor adventures, Texarkana will not disappoint. You can hike or bike the scenic trails at Bobby Ferguson Park or take a picnic at Spring Lake Park. For family fun, there are several amusement parks and water parks in the area, including Holiday Springs Water Park and Fun Country Park. And if you want a night out, Texarkana’s downtown runs plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues to choose from.

Key Takeaways

Texarkana, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of history, art, and outdoor adventures.
Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and historical sites to get a glimpse into Texarkana’s past.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in the city’s many parks and trails.

A Glimpse Into Texarkana’s Past

Texarkana is a city with a real history that goes back to the early 19th century. If you want to learn more about the city’s past, there are several places you can visit to get into it.

Museum of Regional History

The Museum of Regional History is the oldest museum in Texarkana and is dedicated to preserving the history of the town and the region around it. The museum holds a collection of artifacts, photographs and documents that tell the story of Texarkana’s past.

Ace of Clubs House

The Ace of Clubs House is a historic building you will not see the like of elsewhere, built in 1885. The house was designed to look like a club, its stories representing the tiers of a deck of cards. Today the house is a museum running guided tours and exhibits on the history of Texarkana.

Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House

The Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House is another historic building in Texarkana worth a visit. The house was built in 1885 and was originally owned by a local businessman named James Draughon. Today the house is a museum running guided tours and exhibits on the history of Texarkana.

State Line Post Office and Federal Building

The State Line Post Office and Federal Building is a historic building put up in 1933. The building stands apart because it straddles the state line between Texas and Arkansas. Today the building houses a post office and a federal courthouse.

Texarkana’s history is full of good stories and stranger characters, and these four places give you a small window into the city’s past. A history buff or somebody simply after something to do, these museums and buildings are worth the visit.

Artistic Texarkana

If you follow art, then you are in for a treat in Texarkana. The city is home to several art galleries and centers covering a broad spread of artistic styles. Here are the places to check out:

The Gallery

The Gallery is the stop for anyone interested in contemporary art. It runs works by both local and international artists, and the exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to see. The Gallery is also where to pick up souvenirs you will not find elsewhere. You never know what will be up when you walk in.

1894 Gallery

If you want something more traditional, head over to the 1894 Gallery. This space runs paintings, sculptures and other works, all of them made by local artists. The gallery sits in a historic building that dates back to, you guessed it, 1894. So you get the art and a window into the city’s past at once.

Regional Arts Center

Last but not least, the Regional Arts Center. This center is dedicated to promoting and supporting local artists, and it runs a broad spread of programs and events through the year. A workshop, a performance, or simply a walk through the galleries, there is always something happening at the Regional Arts Center.

So there you have it, art lovers. Texarkana may be a small city, but it runs well above its weight for creativity and talent. Check out these galleries and centers during your visit.

Outdoor Adventures

Texarkana, Arkansas is where anybody who wants to be outdoors ends up. With plenty of parks, biking trails and fishing spots, nothing stands still for long. Here are the outdoor adventures worth having in Texarkana.

Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park is the destination for anyone after a full day out. The park covers a genuine range, with picnic areas, playgrounds and a water park. Take a stroll around the lake and you might spot some wildlife. If the timing is right, deer turn up at the edge of it.

Biking Trails

If you want an adrenaline rush, check out the biking trails in Texarkana. The Bringle Lake Trail is a popular destination for bikers of all skill levels. The trail is well-maintained and the lake stays in view along it. Just be careful not to fall in, because there might be alligators down there.

Fishing Spots

Texarkana is home to some of the strongest fishing spots in the region. An experienced angler or a complete beginner, you will have a good day either way. Lake Millwood is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is stocked with a range of fish, including bass, crappie and catfish. Just bring your fishing gear and a bucket to hold your catch.

Texarkana has plenty of outdoor adventures waiting for you. A quiet stroll in the park or a bike ride with your heart going, you will find something here that suits. So grab your hiking boots, your fishing rod and your sense of adventure, and get on with it.

Family Fun in Texarkana

If you want a family-friendly destination running plenty of activities for all ages, then Texarkana, Arkansas is the place to be. From water parks to playgrounds, the things to do with your family are plentiful. Here are the top family-friendly attractions in Texarkana:

Holiday Springs Water Park

Beat the heat and make a splash at the Holiday Springs Water Park. This popular attraction runs a wave pool, a lazy river and a range of water slides that will thrill kids and adults alike. With plenty of shaded areas, picnic tables and food vendors, it is where to spend a hot summer day with the family.

Playgrounds

Texarkana is home to several playgrounds that run hours of fun for kids of all ages. A simple swing set or a more elaborate play structure, you will find plenty of options to choose from. The popular playgrounds in Texarkana include Spring Lake Park, Bringle Lake Park, and the playground at the Texarkana Convention Center.

iJump Texarkana

If your kids are full of energy and love to jump around, then iJump Texarkana is the destination. This indoor trampoline park runs a range of attractions, including dodgeball, basketball and a foam pit. With separate areas for younger and older kids, it works for families with children of all ages.

Whatever your family enjoys, Texarkana has plenty of options to keep everybody occupied. From water parks to playgrounds to indoor trampoline parks, the family-friendly fun in this small Arkansas town is plentiful. So pack your bags, grab your kids and get ready for a vacation worth remembering.

Texarkana’s Vibrant Downtown

Texarkana’s downtown area is a busy hub of activity with plenty to see and do. A local or a visitor, there is always something new to find. Here are two destinations in downtown Texarkana worth the walk:

Downtown Texarkana

Downtown Texarkana is an area filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment options you will not see elsewhere. The historic buildings and architecture give the area a timeless feel, while the modern amenities keep things current. A night out with friends or a family outing, downtown Texarkana covers both.

One of the most popular attractions in downtown Texarkana is the Perot Theatre. This beautifully restored theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and dance shows. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun.

Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk

If you follow the paranormal, do not miss the Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk. This guided tour takes you through the streets of downtown Texarkana, sharing stories of the area’s more haunted locations. You hear tales of ghosts, murders and other creepy happenings that will send a shiver through you.

The tour is led by a guide who knows the material and keeps you entertained with their humor and wit. You visit sites including the Ace of Clubs House, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner, and the Grim Hotel, where a tragic murder occurred in the 1920s. The Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk is a fun and spooky way to work through the city’s downtown area.

So if you want a lively area to work through in Texarkana, downtown is the answer. Shopping, dining or ghost hunting, this part of town covers all three.

The state line runs straight through the middle of this town, and once you have that fixed in your head the place stops being confusing. Everything historic is downtown, on or near that same line. The parks and the lakes sit out on the edges, north and west of it. The barbecue is a Texas-side matter, by long convention. Pick a side for the evening. Then stay on it, because crossing back and forth wastes the whole night in a car.

Culinary Journey

On food, Texarkana has a great deal to offer. Somebody who takes food seriously or somebody after a quick bite, this city covers both. Here are the places to eat in Texarkana:

1. Bryce’s Cafeteria

If you want Southern comfort food, Bryce’s Cafeteria is where to go. This cafeteria-style restaurant has been serving home-cooked meals since 1931. You find everything from fried chicken and mashed potatoes to macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie on the menu. And you can go back for seconds, or thirds.

2. Ironwood Grill

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Ironwood Grill. This steakhouse runs a range of cuts of meat, alongside seafood, salads and appetizers. The room is warm and inviting, with low lighting and a fireplace. And if you are feeling adventurous, try the rattlesnake bites, which are a local favourite.

3. Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery

If you want a dining experience you will not get elsewhere, check out Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery. This restaurant serves craft beer and pub fare with a Southern twist. Try the fried green tomatoes or the chicken and waffles, and wash it down with a pint of their signature brew. And if the timing is right, you might catch live music while you are there.

4. Naaman’s Championship BBQ

No trip to Texas is complete without barbecue, and Naaman’s Championship BBQ is where to go in Texarkana. This family-owned restaurant has won numerous awards for their smoked meats, including brisket, ribs and sausage. And do not forget the sides, because the mac and cheese and the baked beans are the part people talk about.

5. Hopkins Icehouse

For a more casual dining experience, head to Hopkins Icehouse. This laid-back restaurant and bar runs burgers, sandwiches and salads, alongside a range of beers on draft. The room is fun and loud, with live music on the weekends. And if you are feeling brave, try the “Hopkins Challenge,” a 3-pound burger with all the fixings.

Whatever your taste buds are craving, Texarkana will handle it. So go ahead, take the culinary journey and find out what this Southern city can cook.

Local Events and Festivities

Texarkana is a city that loves to celebrate, and there are plenty of local events and festivities you will not want to miss. From music festivals to food fairs, there is always something happening in this community.

#1894SecondSaturdayTradeDays

If you follow antiques and vintage items, then check out the #1894SecondSaturdayTradeDays. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this event is full of finds you will not see twice. You get everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to collectibles and rare books.

The event is held in the historic downtown district, and there are plenty of food and drink vendors to keep you going as you work through the stalls. And admission costs nothing, so you can spend as long as you like on the different booths.

Pro Tip: Bring cash with you, because many of the vendors may not accept credit cards.

Texarkana is a city that knows how to enjoy itself, and there are plenty of local events and festivities you will not want to miss. A music lover, somebody who takes food seriously, or somebody simply after a good time, this community covers all three.

Nightlife in Texarkana

Texarkana is a city that comes alive at night. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit after dark. A quiet night out or a loud one, Texarkana covers both. Here are the nightlife spots in Texarkana worth the evening.

Redbone Magic Brewing

If you follow craft beer, do not miss Redbone Magic Brewing. This small brewery runs a good room and a broad spread of beers to choose from. They also serve wood-fired pizza that will handle your hunger. And if the timing is right, you might catch live music while you are there.

Blues Bars

If you are in the mood for live music, Texarkana runs plenty of blues bars to choose from. These bars are where to sit back and let the music do the work. The blues bars in Texarkana include Fat Jack’s, Hopkins Icehouse and The Arrow Bar.

A night out with friends or a quiet evening with somebody, Texarkana has plenty of nightlife options. From trivia nights to live music, there is always something going on in this city. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready for it.

Special Venues

Texarkana, Arkansas is home to some genuinely strong venues that suit weddings, concerts and other special events. Here are the ones to consider:

Perot Theatre

The Perot Theatre is a beautiful and historic venue that has been entertaining audiences since 1924. With its ornate architecture and state-of-the-art sound system, the Perot Theatre is the perfect place to see a live performance. Whether you’re into music, theater, or dance, you’re sure to find something that you’ll love at the Perot Theatre.

Arkansas Convention Center

The Arkansas Convention Center is a strong place to hold your next event. With over 25,000 square feet of meeting space, the convention center can handle groups of all sizes. And with its convenient location in downtown Texarkana, your guests can easily work through everything the city runs.

Texarkana Municipal Auditorium

The Texarkana Municipal Auditorium is another strong venue that suits concerts and other special events. With its large stage, its acoustics and its comfortable seating, the auditorium is where to see your favourite band or musician play live. And with its well-known sound wall, the auditorium is worth seeing on its own for anyone visiting Texarkana.

So a wedding, a conference, or simply a good place to see a live performance, Texarkana runs venues that will hold up.

Travel Tips and Planning

Congratulations. You are about to set off for Texarkana, Arkansas. Before you start packing, here are some travel tips and planning advice to make sure the trip goes well.

Destination

Texarkana is a destination you will not find the like of elsewhere, because it sits on the border of Arkansas and Texas. That means you get both states in one trip. From natural parks to historic landmarks, Texarkana covers a genuine range.

Travel

Getting to Texarkana is easy, because it sits at the intersection of two major highways, I-30 and I-49. If you are flying, the Texarkana Regional Airport runs daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Budget

Texarkana is a budget-friendly destination, with plenty of free and low-cost activities. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area, visit the state parks, or check out the local museums. You can also save money on food by trying the local barbecue joints and diners.

Planning

When planning your trip, check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Texarkana runs hot and humid summers, so bring lightweight clothing and plenty of sunscreen. If you are visiting in the winter, be prepared for chilly temperatures and the occasional snowfall.

Also, book your accommodations in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. Texarkana runs a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly motels to high-end hotels.

With these travel tips and planning advice, you are ready for a strong trip to Texarkana, Arkansas. So pack your bags, hit the road and get ready for some Southern hospitality and Texan character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day in Texarkana without spending a dime?

You can start by visiting the State Line Post Office and Federal Building, a free attraction that straddles the state line between Texas and Arkansas. You can also take a stroll in the historic Spring Lake Park, which runs hiking trails, picnic areas and fishing spots.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Texarkana?

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can try ziplining at the Adventure Park at Hotel Grim. For a more laid-back experience, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and work through the scenic Bringle Lake.

Where can I take my little ones for a fun day out in Texarkana?

The Discovery Place Children’s Museum is where to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. They can work through interactive exhibits, play with educational toys, and make their own art.

What are some unique shopping experiences in Texarkana?

If you follow antiques and vintage items, check out the Red Road Vintage Market, which runs over 50 vendors selling everything from furniture to clothing. You can also visit the Texarkana Farmers’ Market to shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts.

What makes Texarkana a must-visit destination?

Texarkana is a city that straddles the state line between Texas and Arkansas, which you will not find in many places. It runs a real history, good parks, and a working arts and culture scene. And it is home to some genuinely strong local cuisine, including the famous Four States Fair Corn Dog.

Who are some famous people from Texarkana?

Texarkana has produced some notable figures, including musician Scott Joplin, who is known as the “King of Ragtime,” and actress Rosslyn “Rossie” Harris, who starred in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Frequently asked questions about Texarkana, Arkansas

Which Texarkana museum is actually worth the entry fee?

The Museum of Regional History, which is the oldest in Texarkana and holds artifacts, photographs and documents covering the town and the region. The Ace of Clubs House is the odd one, built in 1885 to the shape of a playing card club, and it runs guided tours. Discovery Place Children’s Museum handles the younger ones. All three of them are close in.

Which Texarkana park works for a full day out with children?

Spring Lake Park, which has picnic areas, playgrounds, a water park, and a lake you can walk around. Deer turn up there. Bringle Lake has the biking trail and takes riders of every level, and there is a park there too. Lake Millwood is the fishing one, stocked with bass, crappie and catfish.

What can you do in Texarkana without spending anything at all?

Stand in two states at once at the State Line Post Office and Federal Building, which went up in 1933 and costs nothing to walk into. The monthly trade days in the historic downtown district are free to enter as well, though bring cash for the stalls. The parks are free. So is the downtown architecture, if you like that sort of thing.