Things To Do In Tyler, TX

30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tyler, TX

30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tyler, TX

 

The largest city in northeastern Texas and the seat of Smith County is Tyler.

It was the start of the Adopt-a-Highway program in 1985 and was named after John Tyler, the tenth president of the United States.

Because of its lengthy history of growing and producing roses, the city is referred to as Rose City or the Rose Capital of America.

The largest rose garden in the nation and the yearly Rose Festival are both located here.

 

1. Lake Tyler

Lake Tyler

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One of the most attractive sights in the city is the breathtaking Lake Tyler, which is undoubtedly a sight that any traveler to Texas should not miss.

In addition to providing the city with clean drinking water, it is a fantastic recreational destination that offers a wide range of water sports, including fishing, boating, waterskiing, and more.

With plenty of campgrounds, RV sites, and four cottages available for rent or reservation, it’s also a great area to camp.

Lake Tyler is a man-made lake that is roughly 4,714 acres in size and is technically divided between its west and east sections.

With over 220 different bird species frequently spotted on the lake, bird enthusiasts especially appreciate navigating the nearby forests in an attempt to spot one.

The wood duck, blue grosbeak, summer tanager, Eastern bluebird, and many woodpecker species are among them.

The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, gizzard shad, white and spotted bass, channel and blue catfish, white and black crappie, and more, which anglers appreciate trying to catch.

Address: Tyler, TX, United States

2. Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall

Michael BareraCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the city’s top tourist destinations for entertainment is Liberty Hall’s downtown theater.

It offers East Texas live music, comedy events, and a variety of classic movie revivals.

In the 1930s, it debuted as the Liberty Theater. After decades of abandonment, it underwent a stunning art déco renovation in 2008.

Liberty Hall, which can accommodate only about 300 people, offers a lively and intimate experience. It often hosts theater productions, symphony orchestras, and much more.

See what’s on tonight by checking it out.

Who knows, perhaps something will pique your interest!

Address: 103 E Erwin St, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

3. Mita Artisan Shoppe

Mita Artisan Shoppe

Mita Artisan Shoppe

Why not patronize a charming local company that honors Mexican heritage and collaborates with many Mexican craftsmen if you’re searching for other shopping-related activities in Tyler, Texas?

That is precisely what Mita Artisan Shoppe provides, offering a wide variety of colorful goods that make wonderful presents, mementos, and décor.

Accessories, ornaments, apparel, and other items are all handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Located in Bergfeld Center, Mita Artisan Shoppe started out quite little.

In 2018, while residing in Canton, Texas, the eponymous Mita made the decision to start a side business selling handcrafted goods.

She took the risk of making this her full-time career after being let off in May 2020, gradually growing and adding more items.

Her sales of hand-embroidered face masks launched her business, and it has continued to gain popularity ever since.

Address: 119 E 8th St, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

4. Texas Rose Horse Park

Texas Rose Horse Park

Texas Rose Horse Park

The Texas Rose Horse Park Is a first-rate facility run by a family that serves as an event venue.

Its 17,000 acres include three show barns that can accommodate over 350 horses, six all-weather show arenas outside, including a Grand Prix Jumper Ring, and a large, well-lit indoor arena.

In addition, there is a Tadpole to Intermediate level Cross Country Course, 61 spots in an RV park, another tent pad that doubles the number of accommodations, and, of course, a concession court.

To put it another way, if you’re an equestrian fan, this is one of the greatest spots to visit because it’s friendly to both English and Western populations and has a wide range of different businesses and organizations.

Numerous entertaining performances, including Dressage Shows, Hunter Shows, Jumper Shows, and Horse Trail Events, are held at the Texas Rose Horse Park.

Events unrelated to horses include USDAA Dog Agility Trials and USEDC Drill competitions.

The Brunson Equestrian Center, which offers a comprehensive horse training, lesson, and boarding program, is also part of the Texas Rose Horse Park.

For those with varying levels of experience, there is also a Summer Camp.

Aside from all of that, the park is exquisitely situated within Tyler’s breathtaking hills, and guided trail rides take you around the picturesque grounds.

Address: 14078 Hwy 110 S, Tyler, TX 75704, United States

5. Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue

Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue

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Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue is the oldest barbecue restaurant in Tyler, Texas, and is arguably the most well-known.

The restaurant has been serving the greatest pit-smoked food in the area for more than 60 years, and vegetarian alternatives are also available.

Its pleasant atmosphere is what really makes it stand out; it’s a mom-and-pop shop with a lively, cheerful, and welcoming vibe, as well as an outdoor terrace.

Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue offers more than simply standard barbecue dishes, though they are undoubtedly their specialty.

The Mother Clucker, for instance, is a delectable sandwich consisting of smoked and spiked chicken thigh fillet, cheddar cheese, spicy BBQ mayonnaise, and over-easy eggs on a jalapeño cheese-flavored sourdough baguette.

For those who don’t consume a lot of meat, there are also excellent vegetarian tacos and breakfast options like the J. D.’s breakfast bowl!

Even better, Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue regularly hosts free live music events on the weekends and at night, mostly with local performers.

Naturally, you will also be serenaded as you sip from one of the more than 100 beverages on offer, which include excellent American whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes.

Address: 525 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

6. Apache Drive-In Theater

Apache Drive-In Theater

Apache Drive-In Theater

East Texas’s capacity to maintain secrets is reflected in the Apache Drive-In Theater, a historic drive-in theater that is exclusively for adults.

Couples seeking to liven up their evening may find this exciting place, which is enigmaticly tucked away inside a Tyler forest, to be an alluring choice because it only shows obscene films.

At first, the Apache Drive-In Theater’s remote location seems a touch menacing, but you soon come to appreciate that the rustic parking lots and the dull screen’s deterioration are actually part of its allure.

Here, you can enjoy skin flicks in the seclusion and comfort of your cars.

The Apache Drive-In Theater has lately undergone some excellent upgrades, which may surprise you, but it is evident that business is doing well there.

In addition to reasonably priced tickets and food, it also features a video store and an adult bookshop.

Address: 13180 TX-31, Tyler, TX 75705, United States

7. Smith County Historical Society Museum

Smith County Historical Society Museum

Smith County Historical Society Museum

Visit the Smith County Historical Society Museum if you’re interested in history and want to find even more activities in Tyler, Texas.

It is located in the Carnegie History Center, which was originally the Carnegie Public Library and was constructed in 1904.

It features many exhibits on Smith County, Texas, and its culture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You will gain knowledge of the social, political, and economic history of the county.

It is only fitting that the museum is located in Tyler, the county seat!

From the time of the Caddo peoples’ habitation until the 20th century, the Smith County Historical Society Museum documents special dioramas and exhibitions in chronological order.

The 20th Century of Progress, a permanent exhibit, highlights the county’s development, including the growth of crops and roses, the finding of local oil, and other topics.

You can also browse a ton of temporary displays.

Address: 125 S College Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

8. Relax Lab

Relax Lab

Relax Lab

As the name implies, Relax Lab offers rest and relaxation, making it the ideal way to cap off a long day of touring Tyler, Texas.

There are several locations across the nation, and this one is equally excellent!

Relax Lab’s distinctive float therapy experience, which leaves you feeling utterly weightless, is its main attraction.

You will lie in a huge tub filled with 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt, which will make you float effortlessly and mindlessly.

This is a component of the facility’s first-ever sensory deprivation therapy program in the city.

Of course, there are also some more conventional ways to unwind.

For instance, you can relax after a long day of activities with the help of messages and stretch treatments.

Address: 2469 Earl Campbell Pkwy A, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

9. Tyler Civic Theater

Tyler Civic Theatre cancels summer musicals | cbs19.tv

The Tyler Civic Theater was the original name of the Tyler Civic Theater.

It was modestly founded in 1927 and only performed at Tyler High School, on a speaker’s stage, and in the Women’s Building on South Broadway.

The theater wouldn’t have its own structure until 1939.

Unfortunately, the building was sold during World War II, and the city received all of the proceeds.

However, after the war, the community’s passion for art and theater was able to revitalize the enjoyable entertainment center, making it a fantastic resource in this region of Texas.

At the Circle Theater, this rebirth began with Tyler Junior College and gained enough traction that the theater was completely rebuilt by 1951.

The building was the first of its kind in the nation to be built specifically for in-the-round shows.

Even fires couldn’t halt the theater’s operation; after the People’s Bank was destroyed in a fire, an improvised stage was put up in the lobby.

The building quickly reopened, and by the 1990s, it was growing quickly, acquiring new amenities, and becoming more contemporary.

The Civic Theater always has something to see and appreciate.

Look at the schedule to find out what to do!

You will be delighted and entertained by a variety of stages, workshops, performances, and more.

Address: 400 Rose Park Dr, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

10. Texas African American Museum

African American Museum (Dallas) - Wikipedia

The Texas African American Museum was only opened in 2016, making it one of the more recent Tyler attractions.

This city, like many others in the state, has a sordid history of slavery and lynchings.

As a record of events and a means of community redress, the museum’s development aims to preserve these somber facts of the past.

The Texas African American Museum started off mostly as an online platform, displaying historical information articles and news events on its website and Facebook page.

It was thereafter able to occupy a single space in the Unique Shopping Mall, where it displayed art exhibits, local historical relics, including a Smith County poll tax ticket, and hundreds of African American-donated photographs.

The Texas African American Museum quickly became well-known and traction-driven, allowing it to expand into increasingly larger venues and thrive as a community center for education.

In order to further celebrate and remember Black history, it has since expanded its influence throughout the city by erecting historical markers and exhibits in the downtown area.

Address: 309 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

11. The Whitaker-McClendon House

The Whitaker-McClendon House

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The Whitaker–McClendon House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Tyler Historic Landmark.

It is one of the top historical sites in Tyler and a living museum.

The Victorian house was constructed in 1878 and features elements of Italianate and Eastlake architecture.

The two-story structure, which occupies two acres of land, was mostly made of pine and cypress wood and is supported by a brick foundation.

The main entryway, dining room, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom are all located on the first floor.

Two more baths and four more bedrooms are located on the second floor.

As the Whitakers left and separated, the house was eventually rented out and occupied by the McClendon family, which is how the name came to be.

The Whitaker-McClendon House is open for tours today, with a primary focus on displaying records and relics from both World Wars’ Antebellum era.

The staff and guides can teach you a lot.

There’s even a fantastic murder mystery game for big groups!

Address: 625 S Vine Ave, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

12. Earth And Space Science Center

Earth And Space Science Center

Earth And Space Science Center

One of Texas’ largest planetariums is the Earth and Space Science Center, which is a division of Tyler Junior College.

Prior to its 2011 restoration and expansion, it was known as the Hudnall Planetarium when it first opened in 1963.

The first 40-inch Spitz nano-seam domed theater in East Texas is located inside the Earth and Space Science Center. It provides an amazing full-dome experience for immersive video viewing.

With the Digitarium Aethos, a state-of-the-art digital projection system, and other interactive displays, the center is truly state-of-the-art.

Everyone enjoys the Earth and Space Science Center since there are so many things to see there.

Real-time NASA and Space Telescope Science Institute videos are shown on large plasma screens.

Every time you visit, something new and exciting is added thanks to a dynamic program of performances and displays!

Address: 1411 E Lake St, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

13. Camp Ford Historic Park

Camp Ford Historic Park

Camp Ford Historic Park

As the name implies, the mission of Camp Ford Historic Park is to preserve Camp Ford’s heritage.

During the American Civil War, the camp was the largest Confederate prisoner of war facility west of the Mississippi River.

Over 5,300 inmates were housed there throughout its 1863–1865 service.

A year earlier, it had been constructed as a training camp before being converted.

Far from its original use, the notorious site is now a free public park and one of the city’s best places to go for amusement.

With a walking track marked with helpful information, a diorama illustrating the history of the camp, and a restoration of Lt. Col. J. B. Leake’s cabin, there is no lack of things to do here.

You can unwind at the picnic areas as well.

Address: 6500 US-271, Tyler, TX 75708, United States

14. The Children’s Park of Tyler

The Children's Park of Tyler

The Children’s Park of Tyler

The Children’s Park of Tyler is a special addition to this list.

In addition to being a fun activity for families with children of all ages in Tyler, Texas, it is also a sobering, therapeutic, and contemplative place.

The lovely park is devoted to teaching kids about nature and honoring the deceased.

After learning about Elena’s Children’s Park in Dallas, a park created to honor a child killed in a traffic accident, founders Jennifer and Billy Dan Carson were motivated to work toward the establishment of this park.

After losing their own son, the Carsons wanted to honor his life as well as the lives of other children. With the help of the community and the City Council, they were able to realize this ambition.

Two waterfalls, a butterfly garden, a fishpond, a story circle, a small event center, and numerous walks, equipment pieces, and statues may all be found in the charming Children’s Park.

The names of the numerous youngsters the park honors are etched on the cobblestone walks.

Address: 110 E Dobbs St, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

15. Azalea Residential Historic District

Azalea Residential Historic District

Becky Sheridan / Shutterstock

Take a drive or stroll around the Azalea Residential Historic District, one of the most picturesque local destinations, if you’re searching for additional free activities in Tyler.

There are a ton of gorgeous mid-century homes in this neighborhood, featuring designs like Ranch, Queen Anne, Craftsman, International, and Classical Revival.

Both tourists and lovers of architecture will enjoy taking in the city’s legacy.

With several subdivisions illustrating the changes the city experienced throughout the state’s Oil Boom and the ensuing population boom, azaleas bloom everywhere.

As you walk or drive by, you can see 36 parts of houses from the street.

16. Chamblee’s Rose Nursery

Chamblee's Rose Nursery

Chamblee’s Rose Nursery

Chamblee’s Rose Nursery began operations in 1953 and is a family-run company.

The organization was run by the title character, Mark Chamblee, a dedicated and licensed expert in floral design and nursery maintenance.

Given that Tyler is regarded as the rose capital of America, it seems sense that one of the city’s most entertaining destinations has something to do with those wonderful blooms!

Chamblee’s Rose Nursery grows and sells more than 200 types of roses.

The staff is well-informed and able to tell you a lot about each variety.

Many, many varieties of roses are available, including Kordes, Antique, China, Climbing, Shrub, David Austin, Weeks, and many more!

But this place has more than simply roses!

A wide range of other lovely plants, including hydrangeas and the Hollywood hibiscus, are also grown and sold at the nursery.

In addition to the traditional pinks and reds, flowers are available in a wide spectrum of vivid hues, including white, yellow, purple, and orange.

Address: 16807 County Rd 363, Winona, TX 75792, United States

17. Texas Rose Festival

Texas Rose Festival

One of Tyler’s most well-known events is the Texas Rose Festival.

Usually taking place on the third weekend of October, it’s a pleasant annual celebration that lasts for three days.

This is an event you shouldn’t miss if you’re in town this weekend!

The Rose Queen’s court is the focal point of the festival’s activities.

The Rose Queen, the Duchess of the Rose Growers, ladies-in-waiting, out-of-town duchesses, scepter bearers, trainbearers, and others are all part of the court.

The queen and other court members dress up in opulent, ornate clothes and dresses that correspond with the annual theme.

The majority of the court members have long been involved with the festival, frequently serving in a variety of court capacities over the years and contributing significantly to the organization and management of the events.

The Texas Rose Festival has a lot of events.

The Rose Festival Parade is the most well-known, but there are also luncheons, the Queen’s Tea, a Vespers service, the Queen’s Coronation, car and art shows, concerts, toy shows, and many other events.

This vibrant event is genuinely unique and well worth taking part in!

Address: 420 Rose Park Dr, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

18. American Freedom Museum

The Brook Hill School is home to the American Freedom Museum.

In addition to educating and motivating its guests to value and aspire to American freedom and the bravery needed to attain it, it seeks to recognize active military personnel and veterans.

It’s among Tyler, Texas’s most fascinating activities.

In actuality, the museum is located in Bullard, close to the city.

The Hall of American Freedom and the Hall of Presidents are two galleries in the 15,000-square-foot American Freedom Museum that display over 650 objects.

The American Revolution, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, American wartime, and the biographies of numerous combat heroes will all be covered.

Address: 1051 N Houston St, Bullard, TX 75757, United States

19. Cotton Belt Depot Museum

Cotton Belt Depot Museum

Cotton Belt Depot Museum

An organization devoted to showcasing the history of the Saint Louis Southwestern Railroad, or simply the Cotton Belt, is the Cotton Belt Depot Museum.

This tiny gauge railroad line was formerly known as the Tyler Tap.

It was intended to deliver cotton and other goods to Big Sandy, Texas, as the name implies.

The museum is housed in the historic Cotton Belt Depot building from the 1900s, as the name implies.

Volunteers from the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society are in charge of it.

A charming interactive collection of miniature trains, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Bragg, is its most valued exhibit.

For those who enjoy locomotives, this is without a doubt one of the city’s top attractions!

Address: 210 E Oakwood St, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

20. Ye Olde City Antique Mall

Ye Olde City Antique Mall

Ye Olde City Antique Mall

Ye Olde City Antique Mall is the best of the many antique stores in Tyler, although shoppers who are unsure of what to do will likely be aware of them all.

This wildly popular, decades-old building, which is located in the city’s historic downtown, sells a wide range of goods, from jewelry to glassware and fun toys to furniture.

If you are fortunate enough to get your hands on some, even telephones and radios are up for grabs!

Address: 324 E Locust St, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

21. Faulkner Park

Faulkner Park

Faulkner Park is the greatest destination among Tyler’s attractions for leisurely exercise or for rest and relaxation!

Faulkner Park and all of its activities have been a wonderful asset to the city since it opened in 2001.

While the Nature Trail invites you to take a peaceful walk through the lush surroundings, a fishing pond offers you the opportunity to fish.

In addition to an adventure bike path with five downhill jumps, Faulkner Park offers an astounding 9 miles of hiking trails that circle for convenience.

In addition, there are some baseball and softball grounds, the Faulkner Tennis Center, and the Faulkner Park Sprayground, a kid-friendly splash area.

Of course, there are plenty of picnic tables dotted about so you can take a break whenever you’d like!

Address: 410 W Cumberland Rd, Tyler, TX 75703, United States

22. Tyler Rose Garden

Tyler Rose Garden

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Tyler Rose Garden is a gorgeous 14-acre well-kept attraction with 35,000 rose bushes and more than 500 different types of roses.

This is one of the city’s top attractions and is well-known throughout the world.

It’s not only one of the most romantic activities here, but it’s also one of the free ones, with admission free and hours seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

The Queen’s Court, Ida Garden, Summer Garden, Meditation Garden, and Heritage Rose Garden are some of the sections that make up Tyler Rose Garden.

There are also a number of ponds to see and lovely water features, such as the Archway Fountain.

Regardless of where you go, you’ll be greeted by vibrant roses in all sorts of different colors.

The optimal time to visit this garden is either in mid-to-late May or in October, which are peak bloom times.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Tyler Rose Museum and Gift Shop, which sells gifts while also teaching you about the garden’s history, the city’s rose-growing market, and more via interactive exhibits.

Address: 420 Rose Park Dr, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

23. Caldwell Zoo

Caldwell Zoo

Becky Sheridan / Shutterstock

The 85-acre Caldwell Zoo is a great, entertaining place for the whole family if you’re searching for the best places to go on vacation.

Since its preliminary founding in 1937, it has evolved into a fantastic sanctuary for a wide variety of animals.

David King Caldwell, the creator, was just starting a Child Development Laboratory at the time.

The purpose of this “lab” was to allow children to engage with a variety of creatures, including monkeys, parrots, squirrels, and more.

The establishment developed into an official zoo sixteen years later.

From native species to species from around the world, Caldwell Zoo is home to over 2,000 different creatures.

Birds, squirrel monkeys, and flamingos greet you at the entry, and because the zoo is separated into sections according to location, there are many different paths to select from.

Cheetahs, warthogs, meerkats, African elephants, African lions, Colobus monkeys, and parrots are among the animals found in the East African area.

Black bears, bobcats, cougars, red foxes, bison, alligators, white-tailed deer, and many other animals can be found in the North American section.

Then there’s South America, which is home to a plethora of colorful bird species, ocelots, cotton-topped tamarins, giant anteaters, and more.

The reptile and amphibian exhibits, which include green anacondas, poison dart frogs, leopard geckos, and many more, are finally found in a herpetarium.

However, Caldwell Zoo offers considerably more, which is why it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city.

Bears and penguins can be seen up close during animal interactions, and you can get a close-up look at these long-necked beasts during giraffe feedings.

Frequent keeper talks offer additional education, and children love a petting zoo.

Remember to take a walk along the Wild Bird Walkabout to see all of the most amazing birds!

Address: 2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

24. Discovery Science Place

Discovery Science Place

TimistoolmanisCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discovery Science Place is a children’s museum that strives to promote curiosity and learning via interactive and hands-on activities, making it one of the most enjoyable destinations for families.

It is housed in a structure that was formerly a car dealership, which makes it unusual.

With everything the museum has to offer, children of all ages will find something fun to do here.

The Discovery Science Place has a ton of displays to check out.

The Buford Kinetics Gallery’s kinetic sculptures teach children about physics, while the Orion and 3D Cinesphere sections teach them about space and space exploration.

Young explorers will also be captivated by The Cave, a large man-made cave with numerous rock and sediment exhibits, as well as an earthquake simulator.

Children can learn about public spaces and their functions at Discovery Science Place, which also has scale models of several nearby structures, including the Smith County Courthouse, Southside Bank, CTMF Neonatal Nursery, Brookshire’s Grocery Store, Hometown Veterinary Clinic, and more.

Even a fake news station with functional control boards and cameras is available: CBS19 Kids TV Station!

For more laid-back yet captivating excitement, there are also straightforward attractions like the DSP Train Set, an Imagination Playground, and a fish tank full of different goldfish.

Children can also show off their athleticism at the Meso-American Rock-Climbing Wall or dig for fossils at the Dino Dig Pit.

Address: 308 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

25. Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park

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If you’re looking to visit scenic places in the USA, the Tyler State Park is a beautiful park that spans an impressive 985 acres.

Located in the city’s northern section, it’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for some leisure time in Tyler, Texas.

There are several trees that are 100 feet or more tall, a beautiful 64-acre lake, and several old buildings in this lovely park!

Tyler State Park offers a plethora of activities.

The lake is supplied by a cool spring, and you can swim in it or rent a boat.

From one of the three fishing piers, anglers can try their hand at catching bass, perch, and catfish in the lake.

There are numerous routes for walkers, geocachers, cyclists, explorers, birdwatchers, wildlife watchers, campers, picnickers, and trekkers.

There are 13 miles of trails to select from, but the Whispering Pines Nature Trail is particularly well-liked!

Do you want to spend more time this weekend in the park?

You can rent a cabin or camp for the night!

Address: 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706, United States

26. Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum

Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum

Michael BareraCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the main historic attractions in Tyler is the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum, a notable mansion from the Civil War era.

Originally known as Bonnie Castle, it was constructed in 1859 and was a Greek Revival cottage in terms of architecture.

It was constructed on nine acres of property at the time by a guy who would later enlist in the Confederate States Army. He later sold the estate to a local educator.

Following the capture of New Orleans in 1862, the instructor utilized the home as a safe haven for refugee families escaping the Union Army.

The man who gave the house its current name, Samuel A. Goodman, a retired doctor, purchased it in 1866.

Sallie Goodman and her husband James Hutcheson LeGrand, the second titular figure of the museum as we know it today, would keep the house in the Goodman family for the following generation.

The house hosted a lot of charity functions before being renovated in the classic restoration style with its recognizable semi-circular porticos.

When Sallie passed away in 1939, she would leave the house and everything in it to the city.

It is now a Daughters of the American Revolution National Historic Site and is included on the National Register of Historic Places Listings.

You may visit the house and learn a lot about local life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There is no admission price, making it one of the best free activities in the city.

Address: Goodman Park, 624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, United States

27. Tyler Museum of Art

Tyler Museum of Art

Tyler Museum of Art

An award-winning private organization, the Tyler Museum of Art is committed to exhibiting local and worldwide art, including pieces created by Texans.

It is one of the greatest destinations for art enthusiasts traveling to the city and encourages community art education.

The museum has had a modest beginning.

The Tyler Service League took action to establish the first Community Arts Committee in 1952 since there was not an art museum within 100 miles of the city.

To provide kids the opportunity to see art up close, the league deployed Picture Ladies to local fifth- and sixth-grade classes for eight years, bringing prints of artwork.

This ultimately resulted in the establishment of a legitimate art center in 1960 within the former residence of Jamie T. Smith, which was followed shortly after by the official museum’s opening in 1971.

The museum now occupies 17,000 square feet and has three galleries with over 1,500 pieces from the permanent collection in addition to numerous temporary and rotating exhibits.

This comprises many pieces of modern local art from the state as well as the Laura and Dan Boeckman Collection of Mexican and Latin American Folk Art.

There are prints, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more in a wide variety of media.

Address: 1300 S Mahon Ave, Tyler, TX 75701, United States

28. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

The Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a 173-acre authorized preserve that provides more than 40 rescued tigers, lions, leopards, and other big cats with natural habitats.

The sanctuary, which specialized in preserving displaced, abused, and neglected large cats, rescued and rehabilitated the animals while simultaneously promoting conservation.

In 1995, the Tiger Missing Link Foundation was established, which later became the Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary.

Its only objective at the time was to record captive tigers that weren’t housed in zoos with accreditation.

As the founder’s ambitions grew, he moved to an off-the-grid property and cleared acreage for tigers that had been rescued to live in enclosures.

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge began as a 25-acre facility in 1998 and has subsequently expanded.

The Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary offers educational tours that allow you to learn in an engaging and entertaining way.

You can take a tour of the compound and observe the less wildcats, which gives you a glimpse of the sanctuary’s inner enchantment.

A reminder of the sanctuary’s beginnings, this tour includes the tiny red hut where the founder previously resided when it was first established.

Address: 17552 FM14, Tyler, TX 75706, United States

29. Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery

Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery

Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery

With 63 acres of vines and stunning scenery, the award-winning Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery estate produces artisan wines from grape to bottle.

One of the best adult activities in Tyler, Texas is the beautiful tasting room at Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery.

The most well-known vintages of the classic white and red wines, as well as a number of unusual spirits, are available for tasting here.

The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals for all three of the daily meals, all of which come with the ideal wine pairings.

Address: 21556-B Merlot Ln, Tyler, TX 75703, United States

30. Tyler Berry Farm

Tyler Berry Farm

Tyler Berry Farm

Tyler Berry Farm is a great destination for fruit enthusiasts and everyone who appreciates the taste of fresh food, plus it’s conveniently close to Caldwell Zoo!

You are given a basket when you arrive, and you are free to select as many berries as you like. They are then bagged for you when you leave.

In June and July, visitors can pick blueberries, and in August, sunflowers.

This is definitely a spot to add to your to-do list if you’re in town this weekend, especially if you’re with family!

This is one of the affordable activities in the city that won’t break the bank, with a comparatively modest cost per pound of selected berries.

Address: 9628 County Rd 429, Tyler, TX 75704, United States

31. Historic Aviation Memorial Museum

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum - Picture of Historic Aviation Memorial  Museum, Tyler - Tripadvisor

 

The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum is located in the former passenger terminal building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

Its goal is to present a variety of historical aviation information, including those pertaining to war, peace, and other periods.

Displayed here are military aircraft, a variety of artifacts, and exhibitions honoring significant personalities in aviation history.

Every day, a theater presents flight-simulating performances, and a library has a wealth of fascinating books and manuscripts.

Old airplanes are restored at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum’s hangar complex.

High-profile airshows and air displays are frequently hosted here throughout the year, so if you’re here at the proper time, you might be able to see them.

Add this to your list of things to do in Tyler if you’re interested in this topic because it’s one of the best local attractions!

Address: 150 Airport Dr # 2-7, Tyler, TX 75704, United States

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