
Things to See & Do
Visit
Texarkana and you’ll stay for the good life. With so many family
friendly activities, lakes & woodlands, antique shops, parks,
ballets, concerts, gallery shows, museums, historical sites, golf
courses and rodeos to choose from, you’ll see why – in Texarkana –
life is so large it takes two states!
This listing only includes a few of
our fine attractions. For more Texarkana area member attractions
click here to search our business directory.
STATE
LINE POST OFFICE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
500 State Line Avenue
One of the most unique features of
Texarkana is the ONLY U.S. Post Office sitting in two states. This
Post Office straddles Texas and Arkansas and has separate zip codes,
71854 for Texarkana, Arkansas and 75501 for Texarkana Texas. Built
in 1932-33 the structure features a base of pink granite from Texas
and walls of limestone from Arkansas. Interestingly enough Texarkana
boasts this to be the most photographed courthouse in the United
States; second only to the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
UNIQUE PHOTO
OPPORTUNITY AT PHOTOGRAPHER'S ISLAND!
Experience a truly unique photo opportunity straddling Texas and
Arkansas at Photographer's Island, located in front of the Post
Office. When you’re ready for a photo so large it takes two states,
come strike a pose on photographer’s island! 500 State Line,
Texarkana, USA.
SCOTT
JOPLIN MURAL
311 Main Street
Check out the Scott Joplin Mural! A
colorful, outdoor mural which depicts the life and accomplishments
of the Pulitzer Prize winning composer and area native, Scott
Joplin. The mural also features accurate musical notes of the final
measures of Joplin's famous song, The Entertainer. This catchy tune
stirred a revival of interest in ragtime music. Located on the south
wall of the building at 311 Main near the Perot Theatre.
HISTORIC
PEROT THEATRE
219 Main Street
Marvel
at the Perot Theatre located in downtown Texarkana. The theatre is a
jewel in the region, bringing the best of Broadway, classical music,
ballet, jazz, modern dance and more to Texarkana. First opened in
1924 as the Saenger Theater, Emil Weil’s Italian Renaissance design
is an architectural marvel. Through the generosity of native son H.
Ross Perot, his sister Bette Perot, and area residents, the
beautiful old theatre was saved and restored into one of the
nation’s major performing arts centers. Throughout the year, the
Perot Theatre Series brings national and international productions
to the region.
To schedule a tour, call TRAHC,
903-792-8681.
The photo of the Orchestra and
Balcony Boxes shows the beauty of the plaster and design features
that adorn this beautiful theatre. The theatre is on the National
Register of Historic Places.
REGIONAL
ARTS CENTER
4th & Texas Boulevard
The beautifully renovated Regional
Arts Center began life in 1909 as a United States District
Courthouse. The old courtroom is now a grand hall with a
26-foot-high ceiling. National touring art exhibitions grace gallery
walls 12 months a year, and the halls ring out when the rolls are
playing on the unique reproducing player piano. The building is an
example of Classical Revival architecture featuring ornate plaster,
a copper cage elevator, and a grand hall with a 26 foot ceiling.
Today the Center serves as the focal point for the visual arts and
houses the only art museum in the region featuring national touring,
juried and invitational exhibitions. The year-round programming also
includes classes, lectures, workshops, film series and tours. Also
inside the Center is the “For Arts Sake” Gift Shop filled with
unique gifts. Not to be missed! For further information, contact
TRAHC, the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, Inc. P.O.
Box 1171, Texarkana, TX 75504, or call (903) 792-8681.
MUSEUMS:
ACE
OF CLUBS HOUSE
420 Pine Street, 903-793-4831
Don’t miss the Ace of Clubs House,
uniquely designed and built in 1885. Legend has it that entrepreneur
James H. Draughon built the 22 sided house with the winnings from a
poker game and that the winning card was the Ace of Clubs. Each room
represents a specific period in the history of the house and reveals
interesting insights into the life-style of the families who lived
there.
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 4
pm. Admission: Adults-$5, Students-$3.50, Senior citizens-$4.50,
children under 5-Free. Group tour rates and guided tours are
available.
MUSEUM
OF REGIONAL HISTORY
219 State Line Ave., 903-793-4831
Located in the oldest brick building
in Texarkana, the Historical Museum offers a wide range of exhibits.
Visitors will enjoy the Victorian Parlor, an interactive musical
exhibit dedicated to Scott Joplin, the “Father of Ragtime Music”;
and replicas of a Doctor's Office, an 1890's Farmstead model; and
other displays depicting the early history of Texarkana. There is
also an exhibit that focuses on the Caddo Indians that lived in the
area and includes Caddo pottery, tools, and other artifacts. The
Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission: Adults
$2, Students $1, Senior Citizens $1.50, Children under five Free.
DISCOVERY
PLACE MUSEUM
215 Pine Street, 903-793-4831
The young and the young at heart will
enjoy looking into the past and future while visiting this unique
museum. The Discovery Place Museum has a one-of-a-kind 12 ft. sound
wall, giant animal murals, and large scale hands-on permanent
exhibits focusing on science, history and human perception. A
special dress-up theatre and tot spot for younger visitors also
create an atmosphere where learning comes alive for the entire
family. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission: $4 per
person, children under five are FREE.
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