Introduction
If you’re looking for things to do in Texarkana, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you all the best places to go and things to do in this great city!
Historic Downtown
Downtown Texarkana is a historic district where you can shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife. If you love history, there are plenty of landmarks to see. This makes for a great way to spend your day in Texarkana!
In terms of shopping:
- There’s an antique store called Antiques on the Square that has some pretty cool stuff. Check it out if you’re into antiques.
- If thrift stores are more your thing, then stop by Goodwill or Savers (or both) while you’re there. They’re both located in downtown Texarkana as well!
Tex-Ark Antique Auto Museum
The Tex-Ark Antique Auto Museum is a destination that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Located just a few blocks from downtown, this museum houses more than 150 antique cars and trucks from the early 1900s through the 1960s. The collection includes some of America’s most famous vehicles, including Packards, Fords, and Cadillacs. The museum also offers special events like “Swing into Spring” each spring and summer.
The museum offers free admission for military personnel during November; however, you can save $3 per person if you visit on Saturdays from 10 am until 2 pm in December or January (excluding December 15). You may also purchase an annual membership starting at $50 for single adults ($30 if purchased in July or August) and $150 for families of up to eight people ($100 if purchased in July or August).
Discovery Place Children’s Museum
Discovery Place Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for children of all ages. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Texarkana and has many interactive exhibits that will keep your child entertained for hours. It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, so you can spend as much time at Discovery Place as you like!
Discovery Place offers something for everyone, whether it’s science experiments or discovery rooms where kids can play with toys that they didn’t have when they were younger. There are also many programs designed expressly for toddlers such as storytime and interactive workshops designed to help kids learn basic concepts like counting or colors while having fun at the same time!
Perot Theatre
The Perot Theatre is a historic movie palace in Texarkana, Arkansas. Built-in 1928, it has been restored to its original grandeur and is now home to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. The theatre was named after Ross Perot, who donated money for its restoration after it became dilapidated.
The auditorium can hold 1,500 people and features a dome ceiling that was originally hand-painted by Italian artists. There is also an organ that was added in 1929 and restored in 2002 by Kimball Organ Co., which had been founded by Jesse Thomas and later bought out by Wurlitzer Music Co., leading them to become known as “Wurlitzer Kimball” organs (and yes…we know this sounds more like an ad than interesting trivia).
So if you find yourself passing through Texas or Arkansas on your next road trip and want some culture while eating delicious takeout pizza (Texarkana has many good local pizzerias), consider stopping here! Or better yet…stay awhile!
Central Mall
The Central Mall is the largest shopping mall in the region, with over 100 stores and restaurants. Located downtown, this megamall has parking for almost every store and restaurant. The mall hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances and family-friendly activities.
Ace of Clubs House
The Ace of Clubs House, located at 306 West 3rd Street in Texarkana, is the oldest building in the city. Built-in 1891 by businessman and banker W.M. Rector as his private residence, it was later used for commercial purposes. The Ace of Clubs House is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it’s an example of late 19th-century commercial architecture and one of only two remaining buildings from its period in Texarkana.
If you’re wondering what to do while you’re visiting this historic landmark, check out some other places nearby!
First Monday Trade Days
First Monday Trade Days is a flea market held every first Monday of the month in Texarkana. It is a great place to shop for antiques and collectibles, especially on the first Monday of the month when many vendors are selling their items at discounted prices. The event is held in the Texarkana Convention Center, which has over 90,000 square feet of space for vendor booths and display areas. This event is open to the public and admission is free!
Four States Fairgrounds
- You can find events going on at the Texarkana Four States Fairgrounds.
- The fairgrounds have a long history in Texarkana and are located just off State Line Avenue along the border between Texas and Arkansas.
- For more information, visit their website [FourStatesFairgrounds.com](https://fourstatesfairgrounds.com/)
Lake Wright Patman
is a large, manmade lake with a beach, picnic areas, and grills. Lake Wright Patman offers fishing from shore or boat rentals for those who want to get out on the water. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are also available for rent at several locations around the lake. Guided tours of Lake Wright Patman are offered by independent tour companies throughout the summer months.
Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House
The Ace of Clubs House is the former home of Dr. Thomas F. Draughon and his wife, Kate Moore Draughon-Moore. The house was built in 1894 by architect Charles L. Thompson, who also designed the Masonic Temple and other buildings in downtown Texarkana.
The home is an example of Queen Anne architecture with its wraparound porch, turrets, gable,s and decorative brickwork details on either side of the central section where the front door is located. It was quite common at this time for homes to have detailed brickwork work but only one chimney stack on each end because fireplaces were used for heat only – no cooking done inside! You’ll notice there are two chimneys here even though only one fireplace remains today!
Many important figures in Texarkana history lived here including Drs Edwin Tabor (founder) and Waverly Fitzgerald (president), as well as teachers Miss Lucy Holcombe who taught music lessons here starting in 1919 until she died in 1927; Laura Aikman who also taught music lessons after graduating from Texas Christian University; as well as several members of Mayor Jack McLean’s family including his daughter Sue Varnell McLean who was born here after moving back from California where she had gone with her father when he became mayor!
The Regional Arts Center, Texarkana
The Regional Arts Center, Texarkana is a non-profit arts center that offers classes, exhibitions, and performances. The center has a theater, art galleries, and meeting rooms open to the public. It also features an onsite cafe where you can enjoy lunch or coffee while enjoying exhibits or performances at the theater.
The center hosts events such as plays, concerts, and art shows throughout the year. If you’re interested in taking classes at the center they offer everything from painting classes to yoga lessons!
The Regional Arts Center is located at 300 President Clinton Avenue next door to Texarkana’s historic train depot which was built in 1896 by Charles Slosson & Son architects from New York City with stone quarried locally by masons working under contractor Josephus Eggelletion using ironworks manufactured by Sedalia Iron Works (now Missouri Steel).
Front Street Plaza at the Post Office
At the Front Street Plaza at the Post Office, you can enjoy an abundance of local art and food. The plaza hosts a variety of events throughout the year. It’s also one of two places in Texarkana where you can see a sunset over Lake Wright Patman, so check out its website for updates on upcoming events.
The only thing better than spending some time here is bringing your kids! There are several activities designed specifically for children, such as making handprint turkeys or painting their glass pumpkins to take home with them.
You might find yourself lost in thought while watching someone paint or listening to music play while they work on an intricate mural; there’s something relaxing about being surrounded by this much creativity and energy from all around you!
All the best things to do in Texarkana
Texarkana, Texas is one of the most popular small towns in Texas. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for something different than what most people expect from Texas. You can get all the best things to do in Texarkana right here:
- The movie theater on 5th Street
- The Texarkana Zoo
- BancorpSouth Arena (formerly known as The Summit)
Conclusion
Texarkana is a great place to visit and we hope you have a wonderful time while you are here.
