4 of the Top Attractions in Dallas
Texas’ third most populated city, Dallas possesses a number of attractions that visitors can enjoy. From monuments commemorating significant historical moments to gorgeous gardens and incredible architecture, there is something for everyone in Dallas. Whether you live in or near the city or you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll discover many wonderful places. Here are a few of the top attractions in Dallas that you should consider visiting:
1. Southfork Ranch — Filming Site of the TV Show Dallas
If you were a fan of the 1978 TV show Dallas, then a trip to the city might feel incomplete without a visit to Southfork Ranch. The site is located in Dallas’ Parker suburb, just 25 miles north of the city. As the home of the fictional Ewing family featured on the show, the ranch remains a popular tourist attraction, even though the series is no longer running. Daily tours leave from the welcome center, which also showcases props that were used on Dallas in a small museum. Additionally, Southfork Ranch allows you to tour the Ewing home, walk around the grounds, and visit the on-site eatery Miss Ellie’s Deli. This variety of activities means that you can make a day of it with a personalized group tour, trail rides, and the Chuckwagon Dinner Experience.
2. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo
For a true Texas experience, visit Mesquite, the official Rodeo Capital of Texas, to see the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. During the summer, every Friday and Saturday night, families can experience all types of rodeo entertainment. You’ll find everything that you would expect at a rodeo, including bull riding, mutton busting, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. However, it’s not only the rodeo activities that draw visitors. You’ll also find laser light shows, live music, petting zoos, face painting, and pony rides, as well as a mechanical bull so you can see how you measure up to the competitive bull riders. You’ll need tickets to the rodeo in order to attend, which you can order online or purchase at the box office. Boot Barn Western and Work Stores in the Metroplex also offer vouchers that can provide you with $10 off admission.
3. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
One of the most interesting attractions in Dallas, especially if you’re a history buff, is the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The museum offers information about President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and the events leading up to and following his assassination. Exhibits throughout the museum encompass more than 45,000 items related to his presidency and the final days of his life, including video footage, documents, pictures, and home movies. One of the top draws inside the museum is an area enclosed by plexiglass where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have fired the shots that killed President Kennedy. After you look through the museum, which you can either walk through on your own or explore with an audio guide, you can visit the grassy knoll for a new perspective on the events that transpired on the day of the assassination.
4. The Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas has a burgeoning art scene, and the city is home to numerous museums and performance venues. If you’re looking for a great day trip, consider the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center located across the street. The museum is home to artwork spanning the centuries from ancient times up through the 20th century and from countries across the world. In addition to its standard collection, it also hosts traveling exhibits that have previously featured works from artists such as Georgia O’Keefe and Vincent van Gogh. If you are looking for some fun family activities, then check out the museum’s educational classes and workshops while you’re there.
Once you’ve toured the museum, you can go across the street and walk through the Nasher Sculpture Garden. Home to indoor and outdoor installations, the sculpture garden is a popular attraction among local residents and tourists. The sculpture garden encompasses more than 300 pieces of artwork by artists like Picasso, Rodin, and Matisse, and the art formations range from marble statues to huge art pieces. Docent-led tours are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and are included in the entrance fee on those days. Remember to plan ahead if you want to take the tour, however, because reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. You can visit the exhibits for free on the first Saturday of each month, as well as after 5 p.m. on the third Friday of every month.
