Texas-Arkansas, a city split across two states! I’ve always found it so interesting how you can stand in two places at once. It’s a top reason why Texarkana is such a popular search. Last year, the Arts & Historic District drew around 71,561 visitors, showing off our “Twice as Nice” motto. From its rich history to its green parks, there are many Unique things to do in Texarkana. The city has a fantastic blend of southern charm and odd history. I created this guide to provide some of my favorite places to help you plan your trip here.
Best Month to Visit in Texarkana
My Texarkana travel guide recommends fall as the best time for great weather and lively events.
| Best Month to Visit (Time Period) | Top 4 Most Popular Seasonal Occasions / Key Events |
| Early September – Mid-October | 1. Four States Fair & Rodeo 2. Taste of Texarkana 3. Pickle Fest Texarkana 4. Outdoor Recreation (due to ideal climate) |
| Late April – Early June | 1. Outdoor Recreation (Hiking/Biking) 2. Visiting Parks (e.g., Spring Lake Park) 3. Lake Activities (Boating/Fishing)4. Perot Theatre Performances |
| November – February | 1. Visiting Museums (e.g., Museum of Regional History) 2. Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Performances 3. Perot Theatre Show 4. Enjoying the lowest hotel rates |
| June – August | 1. Water Activities (Lake Wright Patman/Millwood Lake) 2. Visiting Indoor Museums 3. Discovery Place Children’s Museum 4. Four States Auto Museum |
| Travel Insurance–Getting travel insurance is a good idea. It helps with unexpected medical needs or trip changes for a worry-free trip. |
List Of 13 Things to do in Texarkana
1. Texarkana Post Office & Courthouse
This is one of the most famous Attractions in Texarkana. The federal building is built right on the Texas-Arkansas state line. I loved getting a photo with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas. You can go inside to see the two separate zip codes. and genuinely it is one of the best thing to do in Texarkana It is staggering in its Beaux-Arts architecture and a major historic site.
Special Feature: The Only U.S. federal building that sits in two different states.
Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Texarkana, 2910 S Cowhorn Creek Loop, Texarkana, TX 75503
Hours: Open–Close: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Post Office, Mon–Fri)
Hidden Gem: Look for the ornate marble walls and gilded ceilings inside.
2. Perot Theatre
I had a great night out at the historic Perot Theatre. This beautifully restored 1924 venue is a top Texarkana Regional Arts Center. It hosts all sorts of shows, from plays to concerts, in a very grand setting. I found the Italian Renaissance and Neoclassical styles really impressive. The small size makes any performance feel personal and stored in the memory.
Special Feature: Named the most beautifully designed theatre in all of Texas.
Where to Stay: Central Texarkana Studio Rental w/ Railroad Views!, 110 E Front St, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Open–Close: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Box Office, Mon–Fri)
Hidden Gem: Find the small statue dedicated to Ross Perot’s brother.
3. Museum of Regional History
If you want to know what are the best things to do in Texarkana for history, visit this museum. It’s inside the city’s oldest brick building from 1879. I learned a lot about the history of the area. There are exhibits on the Caddo people that inhabited the area, its railroad history, as well as famous musicians from the region like Scott Joplin. It’s a great look into local heritage.
Special Feature: Home to a piano that once belonged to Scott Joplin.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Texarkana Arkansas Conv Ctr by IHG, 5200 Convention Plaza Dr, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Open–Close: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tue–Fri), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sat)
Hidden Gem: Check out the artifacts recovered from the historic Hotel Grim.
4. Spring Lake Park
It is a 145-acre park that’s the perfect place to spend a day outside. It’s one of my favourite and nearest Things to do in Texarkana for fresh air. The park has nice walking and biking paths, several playgrounds and a spring fed lake that you can fish in. In the warmer months, the Rotary Splash Pad is perfect for kids to cool off and have fun. It’s a great place to make memories as a family.
Special Feature: A natural spring in the park that dates back to 1541.
Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Texarkana, 2910 S Cowhorn Creek Loop, Texarkana, TX 75503
Hours: Open–Close: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Hidden Gem: Look for the small plaques that detail the park’s history.
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5. Big Dam Waterpark
When the weather gets hot, Big Dam Waterpark is the perfect place to visit. Formerly Holiday Springs, it was updated in 2024 with new owners. I think it’s one of the best Family-friendly activities in Texarkana. There are some crazy slides, a lazy river to float in, and a large wave pool. which considered it one of the most beloved things to do in Texarkana. Everyone in the family is sure to have something to do on a summer day.
Special Feature: Features a virtual scuba diving experience called DIVR.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Texarkana, Arkansas, 5302 Crossroads Pkwy, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Verify on the official site. (Seasonal: May–Sep)
Hidden Gem: The adults-only Paradise Lagoon is a great spot to relax.
6. Discovery Place Interactive Museum
This is one of the most Unique things to do in Texarkana for families. It is a very interactive children’s museum that I found a lot of fun. The kids can learn about science and history through engaging, hands on exhibits. The kids loved creating music with the 12-foot sound wall. There are also historical replicas that make learning about the past more fun and accessible.
Special Feature: Interactive 12-foot sound wall for musical creations.
Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX, 1918 University Ave, Texarkana, TX 75501
Hours: Open–Close: Opens 10:00 am, typically closes 5:00 pm
Hidden Gem: Don’t miss the exciting musical Tesla Coil show!
7. Four States Auto Museum
If you’re a car fan, you have to check out this museum. It’s one of the neatest Attractions in Texarkana for automotive history buffs. Run by volunteers, it shows a rotating collection of classic foreign and domestic cars.I enjoyed viewing the vintage signs and other old stuff. Best of all, admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
Special Feature: Exhibits a Civil War vintage horse-drawn hearse.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Texarkana Arkansas Conv Ctr by IHG, 5200 Convention Plaza Dr, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Open–Close: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sat), 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Sun)
Hidden Gem: Find the collection of unique antique neon signs.
8. Ace of Clubs House
This is one of the most interesting Places to visit in Texarkana. This 1885 Italianate Victorian home is shaped like a club from a deck of cards. The story goes that it was built with money from a poker game. Guided tours showcase the period furniture and explain the home’s advanced cooling system. It offers a great look into the city’s past.
Special Feature: The house is built in the unique shape of a club.
Where to Stay: Central Texarkana Studio Rental w/ Railroad Views!, 110 E Front St, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Verify on the official site. (Currently closed for renovations)
Hidden Gem: Learn about the smart moat used for early air circulation.
9. Pecan Point Brewing Company
As Texarkana’s first microbrewery, this spot is one of the Best places to eat in Texarkana. It’s in a historic building downtown, right next to the Perot Theatre. I enjoyed the warm, industrial feel inside. They serve their own craft beers alongside great gastropub food. You can also get custom cocktails. It’s a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Special Feature: Texarkana’s first microbrewery and brewpub.
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Texarkana, 3900 Saint Michael Dr, Texarkana, TX 75503
Hours: Open–Close: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Tue–Thu), 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Fri–Sat)
Hidden Gem: Try a seasonal beer flight made with local ingredients.
10. Bobby Ferguson Park
Bobby Ferguson Park is a quiet community spot named after a former mayor.For those interested in peaceful Things to do in Texarkana, this park is an excellent spot to visit. I had fun walking the trails and seeing the lakes. You can fish here, there are even several playgrounds for the kids. It’s a good spot for a family picnic or just to commune with nature.
Special Feature: A paved and lighted 1.5-mile walkway around the lake.
Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Texarkana Inn & Suites, 5219 Cross Roads Pkwy, Texarkana, AR 71854
Hours: Open–Close: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm daily
Hidden Gem: Find the Little Free Library for a book exchange.
11. Lake Wright Patman
If you’re looking for What are the best things to do in Texarkana for outdoor enjoyment, the get to Lake Wright Patman. This large reservoir is located in the southwest of the city and provided many amenities. People visit here to camp, boat and fish. There are even trails to hike. It’s a good place to see wildlife, too; I’ve heard you can even spot bald eagles here in the winter months.
Special Feature: Provides flood control and water for Texarkana, TX and AR.
Where to Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX, 1918 University Ave, Texarkana, TX 75501
Hours: Verify on the official site. (Park hours can vary)
Hidden Gem: Look for the man-made fish attractor reefs with a fish finder.
Travel Basics & Tips
- Use the T-Line bus, but a car is best for flexibility.
- Uber and Lyft are around; pre-book your airport rides to be safe.
- Summer is hot and humid. Plan Family-friendly activities in Texarkana for mornings.
- Pack in summer clothing, but check your forecasts for spring storms.
- Downtown parking is close to capacities near popular venues (arrive early)
- Don’t miss great local restaurants that are unique to Texarkana and offer some good Southern food in place of chain restaurants..
Conclusion
Texarkana really is “Twice as Nice,” and it has the perfect balance of history, culture, and nature, from the well-known dual-state post office to quiet parks and markets, and lots of Must-see spots in Texarkana. I hope that this travel guide helps you see and feel all of the charm in this one particular city. My favorite part was just how friendly everyone was; it definitely made for a more enjoyable trip overall.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there anything fun to do in Texarkana?
Try out Ace of Clubs House, Four States Auto Museum, Spring Lake Park, Perot Theatre, downtown murals, and good places to eat.
Is it worth visiting Texarkana?
Yes, historic charm, quirky photo ops, affordable eats, museums, parks, and split-city novelty justify a stop.
3. What movie takes place in Texarkana?
The Town That Dreaded Sundown is based on a real-life psychotic, hooded killer who terrorized Texarkana, Arkansas, in 1946, with at least five murder victims.
