Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

White Rock Lake Park

Next time you're in the Dallas area, make a stop by White Rock Lake Park. It's a great place to spend a day. The shoreline is just under 10-miles and boating is allowed, just keep those powerboats to under 10.5-horsepower.

This area was established as a park in 1929 and has 6 playgrounds and 11-miles of trails that circle White Rock Lake. There are a good number of historic buildings around the trails that circle the lake and you're welcome to explore most of them inside and out.

Three historic of the park buildings (Winfrey Point, Dreyfuss Club, and Big Thicket) are available for special events in case you'd like to host a party or bridal reception.

White Rock Lake has the distinction of being Dallas' first dog park, when one was opened in 2001, so if you like to travel with your furry friends, never fear- they are welcome in White Rock Lake Park too.

There is a huge amount of wildlife you can see when you walk the trails of White Rock Lake, it is not uncommon to run across any one of 33 types of mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, possums, bobcats, red foxes, and minks. There are also 54 varieties of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, turtles, lizards, and horned toads. Amphibians number in the 20 different kinds range and you can see salamanders, toads and frogs on a regular basis. Over 200 species of birds call this area home as well.

Fishing is allowed at White Rock Lake and you're apt to catch any one of 19 kinds of fish. Bass, crappie, and catfish are among the most common types of fish caught.

Be sure and put White Rock Lake down as a place to see on your next visit to Dallas and get ready for a great afternoon outdoors!

Valley House Gallery

Over 50-years ago, Donald Vogel, the artist, and his wife Peggy decided to purchase some land to create a unique environment in which to live and continue their efforts to promote fine arts in Texas.

They knew that the picture framing business would always be a reliable source of income, so the first thing they built on the property was a frame shop. Then they designed and built a house. The house, which they named Valley House, originally functioned as a gallery, studio, and home for the Vogels. In 1959, the frame shop was expanded and renovated to create a separate gallery space. 1960 brought the building program completion on the Valley House Gallery.

The Vogel's had a great idea in presenting local talent along side old Masters. In 1959, an award winning landscape was created in the sculpture garden. The Valley House Gallery gained international recognition for its direct access into the estate of the noted French dealer, Ambroise Vollard. Through this association, the gallery was able to bring major French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings to Dallas including works by masters such as Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir.

In the 70s, Peggy Vogel passed away and she and Donald's children began working at the gallery. In fact, one of their children met his wife through this program.

In present day, Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden continues its fifty-year tradition of offering the highest quality fine art to collectors and museums. If you happen to be visiting Dallas, make sure this venue is on your itinerary.

Urban Market

The Urban Market is located in an eight story brick and limestone clad reinforced concrete structure was originally constructed in 1916 for the Interurban Railway Company. Interestly, Interurban Railway was the first privately operated light rail system to run within North Texas.

At one time this building served as the hub for four different lines:
Texas Electric Railway (1908-0148),
Tarrant County Traction Company (1914-1931),
North Texas Traction Company (1902-1934),
and Texas Interurban Railway (1923-1932).

These railroads carried goods and services such as US mail delivery, newspaper delivery and perishables were all transported on the Interurban lines. Passengers were able to increase mobility, which enabled many suburbs to flourish in a time when cars were mainly seen in the big city and not the suburbs. The echos of this buildings former life are evident throughout with a lot of railroad memoribilia scattered throughout.

There is a Sunday Brunch held from 8AM - 3PM, enjoy and if you're partying later in the evening, there is a full-service bar where you can relax with your friends or meet new freinds at the fully stocked bar and enjoy the daily happy hour specials from 4-7pm.

There is usually live music and other live events happening in the area and there's always something to see.

If you're looking for someplace fun to see on your next trip to Dallas, make the Urban Market a stop along the way.

The Women's Museum

The Women's Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate located in Dallas and has a diverse collection of exhibits showcasing the unique, textured, and diverse stories of American women.

Exhibits are presented using the latest technology and interactive media to tell the story and highlight the contributions of women in America. From the right to vote to social strides to spiritual contributions.

In 1996, Ronya Bonner had a dream. Not just a thought or idea, but an actual dream about a place that told the stories of women's accomplishments and contributions to American life and history. Ms. Bonner who had been President of the Foundation for Women's Resources, was inspired to make her dream a reality.

Shortly thereafter the fund raising began and in 4 years the money was raised to open the Women's Museum. SBC Communications gave an unprecedented $10 million challenge gift from the SBC Foundation. This turned out to be the largest single corporate foundation gift to any women's project or program in the United States.

The Women's Museum opened on September 29, 2000. The Museum provides a place where people can learn and honor the past of women everywhere and explore all of the social and other contributions of women through fun and interactive exhibits. The interactive exhibits are especially good for younger children who do best when they get to be in the middle of the learning instead of standing out in front of an exhibit reading a card.

The Women's Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring history and learning about the contributions, though not long recognized, women have made to America.

The Dallas Zoo

Founded back in 1888, the Dallas Zoo was the first attraction of its kind in the entire state of Texas. Since then, it has also grown the become the largest, with over 95 fully developed acres. The gorgeous 95 acres are sectioned into two major areas called Zoo North and the Wilds of Africa.

When you schedule your visit to the Dallas Zoo, you will be entertained and amazed by over 37 wonderful species that all live in harmony here.

During the spring and summer months, the hours that you can stop by to see the animals at the Dallas Zoo are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm daily. Winter hours are from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm daily with a closing on Christmas Day. Admission is only $8.75 for adults, $5.75 for children, and $5 for seniors age 65 and older. Children under three get in absolutely free as well as Dallas Zoological Society members.

The parking is $5 per car and its near a 67 foot tall structure , it's the tallest structure in Texas. You can ride the Dart light rail RED line to the Dallas Zoo Station which is located near the Zoo admission gate.

There is so much to see and do when you visit the Dallas Zoo, you may even want to take more than one day just so you can see everything that there is, You will also find many great shopping opportunities while you are visiting the zoo there is Monorail Safari ride, Ndebele Cafe, Prime Meridian food court, Jungle Gift Shop (Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals) Endangered Species Carousel and the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo Snack Shop.

The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park

While on a vacation in Dallas, TX you may want to schedule a trip to the Dallas aquarium where you will find a wide array of sea life. There is approximately 6,000 aquatic animals, which include marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. This aquarium is the leader in breeding the gravely endangered Texas species, the blind salamander and several desert fish being on the list.

There are a few special attractions you could tackle while on your visit, this concludes of Seahorse Rodeo which permit visitors to view one of the larger species of seahorses down to the smallest. Next is the Amazon Flooded Forest this reveals a showcase of 30 different species of fish from the Amazon River. There is also a stunning mural displayed there. Lastly is World of Aquatic Diversity here they present unusual and out of the ordinary aquatic animals such as jellyfish, poisonous stonefish, "fishing" anglerfish and "luring" batfish.

The visitors are able to observe feedings throughout the week, fish feeding take place daily at 2:30 p.m.; the sharks are fed on Sunday and Wednesday; moray eels feast on Mondays; piranhas dine on Tuesdays and Saturdays; the alligator gar is fed on Thursdays; the American alligator eats on Fridays.

The aquarium is opened daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days .Admission is $ 4 for adults and children ages 12 and above,$ 3 for children ages 3 to 11. Children under three and Dallas Zoological Society members get in entirely free.

Texas School Book Depository

This has been an infamous building since 1963 when a man who had applied to work at the book depository a few weeks earlier, one mister Lee Harvey Oswald fired shots that killed President Kennedy as he rode by in his motorcade.

When you tour the Texas School Book Depository, you can see the window where it is said Oswald aimed. fired, and changed history forever. The stack of books he used to hide behind when he was setting up to shoot as well as the other stack of books he used as a rifle rest are in place in front of the window.

If you look down from the Depository window, you will see Dealey Plaza, and the sharp left-hand bend into Elm Street where the motorcade was forced almost to a standstill. Just a few yards to the right is the exact spot Kennedy was struck down by the so-called "magic bullet" which, according to the Warren Commission, went on to hit Texan governor John Connally, who was sitting in the front seat. A couple of yards further is where the fatal bullet hit Kennedy, tearing off half his head. Conspiracy theorists rejoice, if you look to the right a little further, you will see the "grassy knoll" where the second undetected assassin waited to kill Kennedy.

If you want an eerie sensation on your next trip to Dallas, try a tour of the Texas School Book Depository. It's not a tour for everyone, but if you're a history buff or a fan of shows like CSI, you'll love this stop venue on your next trip to Dallas.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

If you're in the mood for some sweet music, take a stop by the Symphony Center. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's humble beginnings can be traced to May 22, 1900, when a 40-member ensemble performed under the direction of German-born conductor Hans Kreissig.

In the following years, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra began to grow into a major American orchestra under the leadership of such eminent conductors as Walter J. Fried, Carl Venth, Paul Van Katwiik and Jacques Singer. Finally in 1945, the Dallas Symphony took great strides under the direction of Conductor Antal Dorati. Dorati transformed the ensemble into a fully-professional, first rate orchestra which won national attention through a series of RCA recordings, expanded repertory, more concerts and several national network radio broadcasts.

In 1977, Eduardo Mata was appointed music director and conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Under his guidance, the orchestra enjoyed many successes including recording contracts with RCA and Dorian, two Carnegie Hall performances, a performance at Kennedy Center, a 15-concert European tour, three concerts in Mexico City and three concerts in Singapore. When Mata retired in June 1993, he had the longest tenure as music director in the orchestra's history and was named conductor emeritus of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

In December 1992, the Dallas Symphony Association named Andrew Litton, to succeed Mata as music director and conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Litton, a regular guest conductor in some of the world's leading concert halls and opera houses, assumed the position of music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1994. At the age of 34, Litton became the first American conductor appointed to a native orchestra in more than ten years.

Andrew Litton has worked hard to significantly raise the orchestra's international standing, including the Symphony's first television venture, the Amazing Music family concert series, in which he serves as conductor and host.

Litton led the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a performance at Carnegie Hall, its fourth New York appearance in the orchestra's 95-year history. The Dallas Symphony and Andrew Litton enjoyed on a triumphant European tour, its first in 12 years. Litton has continued to lead the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and if you get a chance when you're visiting Dallas, do stop in and take in a show!

Swiss Avenue Historic District

If you love visiting venues in cities that are off the beaten path and you enjoy a good walking tour, you're going to love Swiss Avenue Historic District. SAHD (Swiss Avenue Historic District) is one of the finest early 20th century neighborhoods in the Southwest, with more than 200 stately homes in more than a dozen architectural styles including the best collection of Craftsman-style homes.

Bring your camera, the exteriors of the homes and the landscaping is unique and extremely well-maintained on all of these stately old homes. Many of them are from the early 1900s with a few dating to the 1870s when the railroad had only first made Dallas more than a blip on a map.

There are a multitude of historic homes to see on this walking tour of the area and no two homes are exactly alike. These homes were constructed during a time when individuality meant all and most wealthy people had their homes designed by the architects of the day. A home was designed to be as individual as its owners and it is still evident today in these fine homes.

The District includes Swiss Avenue, Bryan Parkway, and sections of Live Oak, La Vista, and Beacon Street. There are a number of landmarks and historic structures most of them are well marked with plaques and many of these are currently still residences, so be respectful.

Dallas Nature Center

Looking for a fun way to spend a fun afternoon on your next trip to Dallas?

Take a beautiful hike through this over 600-acre preserve. There are both guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Along the way you can view ponds,and if you're visiting in the spring or early summer you will be treated to a carpet of color in the form of wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower.

If you go hiking in the early morning or early evening hours, you will find a myriad of wildlife looking curiously back at you. There will be numerous photo opportunities on these trails, make sure you have your camera with you on your hike.

The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed on these trails and those are strictly enforced.

Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon selected trail. If you work up an appetite there is a snack bar on the premesis and if you want to pick up some soveniers or other mementos of your trip there is a gift shop.

Admission: Free for day hikes; $4 for adults or $2 for children for guided night hikes. Open hours: 7am-sunset Tueday through Sunday.

Thanks-Giving Square

Thanks-Giving Square is an international resource devoted to gathering and sharing the thanksgivings of the United States and the world. The Thanks-Giving Foundation was established on May 29, 1964.

The purpose of Thanks-Giving Square is to allow people to gather and share the thanksgivings of the world. Provide a place of honor for the great American and world traditions. Allow people to research gratitude in all religions and cultures.

The idea start in 1961 when the Dallas City Planning Council conceived an idea to celebrate a value. They spent the next year or so consulting educators and philosophers about "value". Thanksgiving, not the holiday in November, but the act of giving thanks and being grateful for what we have was suggested.

With this in mind, the land was purchased in 1968 and yearly since then there has been a meeting of great minds to discuss the idea of giving thanks in a multicultural way. The square has begun having large community celebrations that involve all people and diversity is encouraged and celebrated.

The square is a great place to spend a day and a nice place to spend a day being thankful for the things you have in your life that make it special. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path to see on your next trip to Dallas, give Thanks-giving Square a try and you'll find you'll have a great time.

Studios at Las Colinas Tour

Located at 6301 Riverside Dr. Bld. #1 in Las Colinas just outside of Dallas, the guided tours hours are as follows :
Winter: Mon-Fri at noon and 2pm, Saturday noon, 2pm and 4pm;
Spring/Summer: Mon-Thurs noon and 2pm, Fri-Sun noon, 2pm and 4pm.

Prices for admission is $12.95 for adults;
$10.95 seniors and students;
$8.95 children ages 5-12 and children 4 and under
Season Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24-25, Jan 1 and Sundays Sept-Mar

If you want to see North Texas's major movie and TV studio where such gems as Walker, Texas Ranger and Silkwood were filmed at the Studios at Las Colinas.

You can take in a daily tour of its grounds, including displays of movie memorabilia and hands-on demonstrations of special effects (from that memorable blockbuster Addams Family Values) and blue-screen technology.

Other enticements to see this venue include the Oval Office set used in Oliver Stone's JFK, as well as costumes from Star Trek and Forrest Gump. If you've been to studios in Hollywood or the movie museums in other parts, you've probably seen bigger and better, but if you just want to see a movie set, this will more than meet your needs.

The tours take about an hour and you will get to see quite a lot of memorabilia. At the time of this writing, cameras are not allowed on the tours.

You Say Deep Ellum, I say Deep Elm

If you want to do something off the beaten path in Dallas and go someplace that most of the tourists don't, take a trip down to Deep Ellum. It's just three blocks east of Downtown Dallas and you will find yourself deep in the heart of Deep Ellum.

This area was settled after the Civil War by freed slaves, Deep Ellum gained its name from the pronunciation of Elm Street by locals, and the name forever stuck. It is a unique gathering of unusual shops, eclectic restaurants and residential lofts.

The previously deserted historic buildings and warehouses are now thriving with people eating, working, living and playing. Deep Ellum is a lot of fun, you can visit clubs, catch a bite to eat and listen to just about any kind of music you can think of.

Try to visit Deep Ellum on the first Friday of every month for a sampling of the best music the district has to offer, where you will get into five participating clubs for five dollars. Not a bad deal at all! Jazz and blues musicians, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, helped make the area a hub of activity from the 1920s through the 1950s, increasing the number of nightclubs.

The area declined and most of the area was deserted until the early 1980s when a redevelopment plan brought new life to the neighborhood. Nowadays, Deep Ellum offers a warehouse district complete with loft housing, trendy clothing stores, galleries, festivals, restaurants, nightclubs and bars.

There is always some fun to be found in Deep Ellum.

Science Place

Next time you visit Dallas, be sure to make a stop by The Science Place which is one of the most unique museums in the Southwest United States. This venue opened originally in 1946, and has added exhibit halls, a planetarium, and the oldest science preschool in the southwest.

Over 150,000 people per year visit this establishment and learn about various aspect of science through their amazingly fun "hands-on" exhibits for kids to experience various scientific experiments so they learn without realizing it.

Some of the permanent exhibits include My Home Planet Earth, which is a bilingual, hands-on exhibit that is designed to let children learn how the choices they make regarding food they eat, water they drink and air they breathe around themselves has a impact on their health.

Another popular exhibit is titled Brain: The World Inside Your Head and you get to walk through an enlarged brain, with a lightening grid that shows the nerve endings communicating with the brain and how it works. There are also real brains on display for viewing. Your kids can participate in several different activities including the very popular "popping" a brain synapse and using a virtual laser beam to excise a brain tumor.

Seven different sections recreate the workings of the body's most essential organ and delve into everything from neurons to brain chemicals, dreams to language development, and depression to Alzheimer's disease to help demystify the brain and destigmatize brain-based diseases and disorders.

The Science Place is an unusual way to spend an afternoon whether you have kids along, or are just a big kid at heart.

The Dallas Arboretum And Botanic Garden

If you're looking for a beautiful way to spend a day the next time you're in dallas, please make a trip to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This oasis of serenity is smack in the middle of a bustling city.

The Dallas Arboretum is is one of the most magnificent gardens in the nation, when you visit any time of year you will be treated to a carpet of color. You can spend an afternoon strolling the scenic gardens and lush lawns on the shores of an enchanting lake that overlooks Downtown Dallas. There are interesting sculptures, fountains, and two historic mansions to tour.

If you have kids along for the ride, they will enjoy the Arboretum as there is so much to see. Make sure you have your cameras handy, those lush landscapes make wonderful backdrops for photographs.

A very interesting part of the Botanic Garden is the The Jonsson Color Garden which features one of the nation's largest collections of azaleas, which bloom spectacularly in spring, and nearly 6 acres of chrysanthemums in the fall. You will see a sea of yellowish-orange flowers during that time and it is truly breathtaking.

Dallas isn't New England by any means and leaves don't turn in this State as they do up north, but if you visit in the fall, you can still be treated to a glorious changing of the seasons and a good display of autumn colors in the trees.

Next time you're in the Dallas area, do make the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden a stop on your next tour of Dallas.

Reunion Tower Lookout

If you'd like to visit a Dallas landmark on your next trip to Big D, take a tour of the Reunion Tower Lookout. This well-known icon of the Dallas Skyline has been gracing the skyline of downtown Dallas for over 21 years.

There are three levels of activity top the 50-story structure, all of which are encircled in a dome of lights. The triangle formations of the structural cylinders encase the elevators that carry passengers to the top levels in a no more than 68 seconds.

If you're feeling really ambitious, you can give the 837-step stairwell in the middle of the tower a try and see how long it takes you to get to the top of the Reunion Tower.

There are over 200 lights which add shimmer to the geodesic dome, which can be programmed to form an infinite number of patterns. Some of the more famous include "The Electric Moon," "Texas Raindrops" and "Dallas Disco Fever." The lights change often and it's one of the most photographed landmarks in Texas.

The tower, by historic standards, opened quickly. It was conceived as an idea in 1970, and it was 5 years in the planning, then 2-years was spent on construction and it opened to the public in 1978.

Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors (age 65 and over) and children (age 3-12).Open hours: 10am-midnight Fri; 9am-midnight Sat; 10am-10pm.

The Lookout is the lowest of the upper levels and provides both an indoor and outdoor observation area. Visitors can view many points of interest throughout the Dallas area from 360-degrees.

See The Sights At Pioneer Plaza

A trip to the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas also means a visit to Pioneer Plaza. You just cannot miss it because it is located right outside of the front door. Pioneer Plaza is known as one of the largest public open spaces in all of the downtown Dallas area. This plaza is a good place to go and see an area that is dedicated to the trails and the settlers that used to bring cattle to market.

During your visit to Pioneer Plaza, you will have many wonderful opportunities to snap some amazing snapshots of the sculptures that are on display. There are sculptures of longhorn steer as well as cowboys looking as if they are right in the middle of an old-style cattle drive.

The scenery is full of gorgeous landscaping as well and you are sure to want to sit and relax for a spell. The park has a wonderful area with a flowing stream and a soothing waterfall. Just sitting by and listening to the water running down will make you want to take a little snooze in the warm Texas air.

You will actually be quite amazed at the sculptures that are on display in this area. There are about three cowboys and 39 steer that are situated on approximately 4.2 acres of land. Bringing your children along for a visit to Pioneer Plaza is sure to be a winner. You can even pack a lunch and maybe settle in for a bit of a picnic on the grounds. Pioneer Plaza is a wonderful free activity for your family.

Seeing The Sixth Floor Museum

Home to one of the most important events of the century, the sixth floor museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, TX has been a tourist attraction to millions of people since 1989.
Once called the Texas School Book Depository, the museum was where Lee Harvey Oswald supposedly fired the shot that killed President John F. Kennedy.

Once inside the museum you will find yourself at the early 1960 exhibit which summarizes the important social and political events, as well as the lifestyles of the decade. More importantly one can view the corner window where Kennedy's assassin fired his rifle as the motor pool drove by on November 22,1963. Also available on display are enlarged photographs and radio broadcasts from that historic day.

Any south facing window available to the public will offer pictures and descriptions, in addition to a view of Dealey Plaza and the president's motor pool route. Continuing on the tour of the museum visitors can explore the route that Lee Harvey Oswald traveled as he fled. This includes the corner staircase where police found the rifle used to kill President Kennedy. Most features of the museum have been reconstructed to detail according to original police photographs.

The hours that you can stop by for a visit at the Sixth Floor Museum are from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm daily. The museum is opened on Thanksgiving, but will be closed for Christmas Day. Cost of admission for adults is $10 and $9 for seniors and children 6- 18, children under 6 get in free. The Museum, in addition, offers a audio tour that adds around $3 to the price.

A Walk Through The Years In Old City Park

If you would like to take a walk back into Dallas history, you should schedule a visit to Old City Park. In Old City Park the Dallas Heritage Village will show you the old structures that used to stand many, many years ago. This is a great way to see how things used to be. You will pretty much feel as if you have stepped back into time and you are living amongst Texans from years past.

During your visit to Old City Park and Dallas Heritage Village, you will be greatly impressed by the display of living history. There are demonstrations that are constantly going on to teach visitors some of the ways people used to live through interaction and reenactments. Children especially will love to walk around and see all of the people of the village going about their business as if it were a normal day hundreds of years ago.

It is quite fun to get a chance to look at the historical buildings and an old way of life at Old City Park and Dallas Heritage Village. One will really enjoy the costumed interpreters that you will encounter during your visit. These interpreters are all very well versed in the social and religious backgrounds of the people who used to live in that time.

For more information on Old City Park or Dallas Heritage Village, you may visit the website at www.oldcitypark.org. Here you will find plenty of useful information such as directions and listing of exhibits. There is also useful information regarding some of the special events to take place at Old City Park and Dallas Heritage Village.

Stopping By The Nasher Sculpture Center

There is a wonderful place that is located right in the heart of downtown Dallas called the Nasher Sculpture Center. The Nasher Sculpture center is a beautiful museum that has been bringing joy to thousands of visitors since it was built. When you visit, you are taken by the gorgeous sculptures that grace the outside of the gallery in the outdoor sculpture garden.

Outside, the sculpture garden is a one and a half acre that is just chock full of great sculptures as well as some of the most gorgeous landscaping that you could ever imagine. There are many wonderful trees surrounding the sculptures like magnolias and weeping willows. You can enjoy the sculptures while walking along stone pathways complete with soothing fountains. During your walk through the lovely outdoor garden, you will find that you can enjoy approximately 25 large-scale sculptures.

Inside the Nasher Sculpture Center you can enjoy some of the beautiful indoor galleries loaded with some very interesting works. There are about 80 pieces of sculpture that are on display for you to browse around in and enjoy. Also, while you are inside you can visit the museum store to find some very unique gifts and souvenirs. If you get a bit hungry, the Nasher Sculpture Center offers a cafe for its patrons as well. You can grab a quick bite to eat and then go on enjoying all of the marvelous works on display.

The Nasher Sculpture Center is located at 2001 Flora Street in lovely, downtown Dallas, Texas. Full price admission for adults is only $10. For further information on current exhibits you can visit the museum website at www.nashersculpturecenter.org.

Riding The McKinney Avenue Trolley

Dallas, Texas is known for many wonderful things, but you may not have heard about the McKinney Avenue Trolley. In the downtown area, you can actually ride a vintage streetcar from the historic Dallas trolley system. This is a great ride that can be enjoyed by your entire family. Children in particular enjoy the old style of the trolley and the sounds that it makes when traveling through town.

You can catch the trolley and ride along on a three-mile path from downtown all the way to uptown at McKinney Avenue. The trolley runs every single day of the week and all year long. A trip on the McKinney Avenue Trolley can also be a wonderful way to see some of the many wonderful things that the downtown Dallas area has to offer.

You can stop during the way for a tasty bite to eat or even a bit of shopping. There is so much to see and do, you may even want to travel along on the trolley all day long.

The fares on the McKinney Avenue Trolley are extremely reasonable as well. For adults, the cost is $.75 for a one-way trip and $1.50 for a round trip. Children fares are $.50 for a one-way trip and only $1.00 for a round trip ride. You can even reserve your own private streetcar for just about any special event. Schedule your very own trip on the McKinney Avenue Trolley for a birthday party, field trip or even an adult party today!

Dallas Museum of Natural History

The Dallas Museum of Natural History has been a Dallas institution since 1936 and has played an outstanding role in cataloging the over 280,000 specimens includes the world's largest exhibition of Texas wildlife habitats, and the first mounted Texas dinosaur in Texas.

The Dallas Museum has an outstanding educational program and has a dedicated core of naturalists, geologists, paleontologists and anthropologists, as well as 1,800 Museum members that contribute their talents to keep this one of the best Museums in the country.

The Dallas Museum has the distinction of being the only public collections-based, research driven, natural history museum. Also, the Dallas Museum of Natural History is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate museum.

This huge facility measures in at a whopping 45,000 square feet on two floors and a basement and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The entire building is built out of native Cordova limestone - if you get close you can actually see shells and other fossils embedded within the greenish tinged limestone.

There are two gift shops available if you want to pick up some gifts or get some souvenirs from your visit to this great venue.

The Dallas Museum is open 363 days a year from 10am to 5pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

The exhibits include 50 dioramas of Texas wildlife each using real specimens from the Museum's collections and the museum's collection includes the following: over 200,000 items including artifacts, ecofacts, entomology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, malacology, ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology, and mammalogy specimens with a collective history that covers approximately 1.7 billion years of earth history.

Fair Park

Establish back in 1886, Fair Park of Dallas, Texas officially became a National Historical Landmark 100 years later in 1986. Its was home to the 1936 Exposition, which attracted over 7 million visitors, and the State Fair of Texas. Many of the buildings and public spaces constructed at the time were for this event. The fairgrounds were developed and improved by the addition of modern buildings in preparation for the Centennial.

Today, Fair Park is a gigantic 277-acre location. It is home to one of the largest assemblies of cultural, festive, exhibit and sports facilities in the Southwestern part of the country. Fair Park is operated by a division of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, called the Fair Park Administration. They are responsible for management of the 3.5 million visitors that flood to Fair Park each year.

There are nine museums and six performance site, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, an outdoor amphitheater, and The Cotton Bowl. The park has become a National Historic Landmark and has the largest collection of 1930's Art Deco architecture in the US. Since 1886, Fair Park has been the home to the Big Tex, which is the largest state fair in the United States. It also houses the tallest Ferris wheel in North America.

With so much to offer, Fair Park should be a definite stop for travelers planning to visit the Dallas area of Texas. And if that isn't enough, visitors can tour the 500,000 sq. ft. of outdoor malls and special event areas that are also in the vicinity.

Viewing The Crow Collection

If you are an art buff, you may want to stop by and see the Crow Collection of Asian Art the next time you are visiting the Dallas, Texas area. This is the best place to go in all of Texas to witness some of the finest art and learn about the interesting cultures of Japan, China, India and Southeast.

If the art does not grab you, the calm and soothing environment that the museum provides will. The museum is set up as a wonderful and inviting spot for everyone to go and learn the vast history of these amazing countries.

Inside the museum, you will see some of the finest collections of the arts of China, which is the country of primary focus throughout your visit. You will find many wonderful paintings and sculptures as well as many of the decorative and ritual items that are commonly used. The Crow Collection of Asian art is a must see for anyone who is interested in the beauty of the far east.

The hours that you may stop by and view the Crow Collection of Asian art are from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours available to the public on Thursdays until 9:00 pm for your convenience.

The museum closes down on Mondays, with closings on all major national holidays as well. You will be delighted to know that admission to the museum is always free on a daily basis and there is also plenty of paid parking available close by.

The Famous Cotton Bowl

For any true sports enthusiast, a trip to the Cotton Bowl is an absolute must when you are visiting the Dallas, Texas area. It is probably impossible that there is anyone who has not heard of the Cotton Bowl. This amazing and historic stadium is host to one of the most famous football games to take place every single year on New Year's Day.

The Cotton Bowl, built way back in 1930, is now situated in place of the State Fair Stadium that used to stand in years prior, completely crafted out of wood. The State Fair Stadium was a popular event attraction that had been built back in 1921. Since the new stadium of the Cotton Bowl was built, it has been consistently drawing large crowds to all of the annual events that are scheduled.

If you want to see a great concert, the Cotton Bowl is the best place to go in all of Dallas. You will find concerts by some of the most famous musicians in the world. No matter what kind of music you prefer to listen to, you are bound to find the concert or festival you are want to see at the Cotton Bowl. Conveniently located at 3750 Midway Plaza in Dallas, the Cotton Bowl always has something wonderfully entertaining going on. Events, tickets and pricing will vary depending on the type of event that you are wishing to see.

You can check out the schedule by calling their information line at (214) 939-2222. There is also plenty of parking that is always available to patrons at the Cotton Bowl.

Ad-Libs Improv Comedy Club

Ad-Libs located at 2613 Ross Avenue is a fun venue with an unusual history. This club was started by a man with a dream named Phil Larsson.

In 1996, Phil Larsson applied for a business loan at the Small Business Administration, they basically told him that he had a great idea but since he didn't have a business plan for his comedy club they couldn't loan him any money. So Larsson did some unconventional financing to make his dream of opening a comedy club in Dallas a reality. He charged it. Larsson spent months apply for and using every credit card he could. Larsson put close to $35,000 in charges on various credit cards from American Express to Home Depot, but he got his comedy club opened.

Nowadays, Larsson's comedy crew performs to sold-out crowds every weekend, with audiences of 800 to 1,000 people, and tickets at $15 per person. Also, the troupe performs at corporate events and is nearly booked solid for those type of events. Larsson's business strategy was to have a comedy troupe for the local Dallasites that visitors could enjoy as well. Currently, 95% of his audiences being Dallas residents.

Interestingly enough, Larsson doesn't advertise, yet this venue is wildly popular. Other locations for the Ad-Libs are currently under consideration with Tulsa, Okla., and New York City in the running as possible second locations

If you're looking for a laugh, next time you're going to be in Dallas, call ahead and get a couple of tickets, Ad-Libs is sold out for many of their shows and you certainly don't want to miss a chance to come to this fun place!

Kicking Back At Bar Of Soap

When you are in the Dallas area, you are not going to want to miss a trip to the Bar Of Soap. This is a truly cool place to go for a great time. You can enjoy some great entertainment such as live music and even a comedy show from time to time. All of this fun entertainment can be had while you are spinning your clothes through their laundromat. Yes, throw your clothes in and go and enjoy a show and some great drinks!

On Friday and Saturday nights, Bar Of Soap is known for some of the hottest local and national acts ever to grace the smaller stages in Dallas. Are you into alternative music? If so, then this is the place for you. Stop by with some of your friends and enjoy some of the very best nightlife that Texas has to offer.

Bar Of Soap is located at 3615 Parry Avenue in exciting Dallas, Texas. The hours that you can stop by for drinks at the bar are from 12:00 pm until 2:00 am every single day of the week. You need to be 21 or older to get your behind on a barstool and you never have to pay a cover charge at the door.

Looking just to do a little bit of laundry? The washers are available at the laudromat from 12:00 pm until 12:00 am every day of the week as well. If you would like more information on a schedule of upcoming events, you can give them a call at (214) 823-6617.

The Bar of Soap is a very unusual stop to make on your next tour of Dallas, bring your laundry on your next visit and come have a spin, rinse, drink and a great time!

The Dallas Zoo

Founded back in 1888, the Dallas Zoo was the first attraction of its kind in the entire state of Texas. Since then, it has also grown the become the largest, with over 95 fully developed acres. The gorgeous 95 acres are sectioned into two major areas called Zoo North and the Wilds of Africa.

When you schedule your visit to the Dallas Zoo, you will be entertained and amazed by over 37 wonderful species that all live in harmony here.

During the spring and summer months, the hours that you can stop by to see the animals at the Dallas Zoo are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm daily. Winter hours are from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm daily with a closing on Christmas Day. Admission is only $8.75 for adults, $5.75 for children, and $5 for seniors age 65 and older. Children under three get in absolutely free as well as Dallas Zoological Society members.

The parking is $5 per car and its near a 67-foot-tall structure, it's the tallest structure in Texas. You can ride the DART (The Dallas Area Rapid Transit - their City bus line) light rail RED line to the Dallas Zoo Station which is located near the Zoo admission gate.

There is so much to see and do when you visit the Dallas Zoo, you may even want to take more than one day just so you can see everything that there is, You will also find many great shopping opportunities while you are visiting the zoo there is Monorail Safari ride, Ndebele Cafe, Prime Meridian food court, Jungle Gift Shop (Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals) Endangered Species Carousel and the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo Snack Shop.

Dunn and Brown Contemporary

If you love to see the works of up and coming artists, you will love a trip to the Dunn and Brown Contemporary.

This progressive forum was founded by partners Talley Dunn and Lisa Brown in 1999 and opened to the public on October 29, 1999.

The gallery is committed to showcasing outstanding as well as groundbreaking contemporary art in a variety of media by established and emerging artists. The gallery works very closely with a stable of nearly twenty artists on exhibitions, projects, and publications.

Also, the gallery organizes year-round exhibitions and collaborates with numerous museums, institutions, and galleries from coast to coast on exhibitions and acquisitions from various artists. If you like to find emerging artists, they are well represented through this gallery.

The gallery is roughly 1,400-square feet of display space with 10 and 12-foot walls, beautifully painted concrete floors, white beamed ceilings and a gated driveway.

The gallery prefers to keep a low profile, such a low profile in fact, that management has chosen not to display any exterior signs to show the gallery exists. You might miss it when you first go there, just look towards the warehouse and it is painted starkly white and it is the only warehouse in the row without a sign.

This wonderful contemporary art gallery draws crowds from the Dallas art scene. It is set in a former warehouse, which, until a short while ago, was home to interior designer and Dallas native Michael Lee. And best of all admission is free.

A Trip to The Museum of Art in Dallas


So you're planning a family trip to the museum of arts? Great! There is an assortment of wonderful things that you and your children can experience while out on your visit. If you are venturing out with a younger child, not a problem. The museum welcomes strollers, diaper bags, and frontal carriers for your visiting convenience.

The Dallas Museum of Art offers many activities for children and their parents to enjoy. The family program is filled with late night and family day events. It also includes weekend programs such as the drop in art, family films, art stops, storytelling, and sketching in the galleries for kids. Be sure to stop by and meet Arturo the family programs mascot.

Now after all the fun and enriching activities you might be left feeling a little tired and hungry. The Atrium cafe located near the Tower gallery serves kid-friendly foods. There are highchairs available also. The Cafe hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (beverage service until 3:00 p.m.), Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (beverage service until 4:00 p.m.).

Your outing to the museum can start at 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday . The museum is closed on Mondays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving , and Christmas . The general admission includes presentation of the museum's permanent collection and most exhibitions.

There is an audio tour of the permanent collection available for adults and families, the price is included in the admission . DMA and Children under 12 get in absolutely free. Adults are $10, senior citizens $7, and students with a current school ID $5. You can visit the museum free on the first Tuesday of every month as well as Thursday nights from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Parking is $5 per car and the parking is located in an underground parking garage between Hardwood and St. Paul, which neighbors Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

An Excursion To America's Ice Garden

If you are looking for a piece of heaven when you are in the Dallas,Texas area, you should stop by and see the wonder of America's Ice Garden. This is a gorgeous ice rink that is conveniently located smack dab in the middle of the downtown Dallas area. You probably would have never imagined that such a beautiful ice rink could be located in the heart of hot, sweltering Texas.

Well, imagine no further because this is one really wonderful rink that you have to see to believe. It was modeled after the Rockafeller Rink in New York City. The America's Ice Garden rink is located at 700 North Pearl Street in Dallas. Hours that you can stop by for skating are Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am until 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Sunday from Noon until 5:00 pm.

Admission is only $5 per person with skate rentals available as well for only $2. Children under 4 can skate for only $4, including rentals.The America's Ice Garden rink is the perfect place to bring your entire family for some great exercise and fun. You will find that there are some family admission rates offered as well for your convenience. If you are looking for a romantic place to bring someone special for a date, this skate rink is just perfect.

There are also classes available for those who wish to learn to ice skate. America's Ice Garden is a truly wonderful place to visit when you are in Dallas.

An Experience At The Meadows Museum Of Fine Art

If you love the wonderful art exhibits, you simply must visit the Meadows Museum of Fine Art the next time you are in the Dallas, Texas area. This museum is loaded with one of the greatest collections of Spanish art dating between the ten and twentieth centuries. Since the museum opened back in 1965, it has been educating and entertaining visitors with its wide variety of displays and exhibits.

During your visit to the museum, you may want to stop by for a bit of shopping at the Museum Shop that is conveniently located on the first floor. You will be pleased at the lovely selection of items that are available for purchase including many that relate to the art that is on display throughout the museum. For sale, you will find books, wallets, travel bags, jewelry and much more.

The hours of admission for the Meadows Museum of Fine Art are as follows:
Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, Thursdays from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Admission to the museum is very reasonable at only $8 per person. After 5:00 pm on Thursdays, admission is completely free for everybody. Of course, children under the age of 12 are always admitted free of charge.

The Meadows Museum of Fine Art is located on 5900 Bishop Boulevard at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. If you have any questions regarding exhibits or you would like further information, you may give the museum a call at (214) 768-2516.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

If you're a history buff, a great stop on your next tour of Dallas is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Dallas chose to honor the memory President Kennedy by erecting this monument.

The monument is 30-feet-high and 50-feet-square and was erected in 1970. The open-air structure in the historic West End, and some say, resembles an ancient tomb. This monument was the first memorial designed by famed American architect and Kennedy family friend, Philip Johnson.

The monument was built with the help of private donations from the citizens of Dallas, is open 24 hours daily and is lighted at night. Seeing the monument at dusk is a spectacular sight.

At the family's request, the memorial was designed to be plain, simple, and unassuming by design at the request of the family. The memorial itself is a white concrete structure with an open roof. There is a black granite square with only the name of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, which are the only words in the entire memorial. The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Plaza is located at Main and Market Streets in downtown Dallas, near the spot that he was shot and killed in November 1963. But contrary to popular believe, this is not the spot he was killed.

Even though the memorial went into planning shortly after Kennedy's death. The John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Plaza was not dedicated until June 24, 1970 (almost seven years after his death) due to politics and political indecision.

This modest venue is a boon to any history buff and be sure to bring your camera as it is definitely worth immortalizing this trip in photos.

Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District

Dealey Plaza is a place that is visited for an entirely different reason that it was intended which by that very fact, makes it an unusual spot to visit on your trip to Dallas.

Dealey Plaza was built to honor publisher and civic leader and local mover and shaker, George Dealey. At one time, the Plaza was considered the ceremonial gateway to the entering Dallas and many of the "key to the city" ceremonies were held here.

However that changed in November of 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated on this spot because Dealey Plaza is where the "grassy knoll" of the supposed other assassin was located.

Now registered as a National Historic Landmark, the reflecting pools and a bronze memorial plaque give one pause. The Sixth Floor Museum where Lee Harvey Oswald is said to have fired the fatal shots, is a mere two blocks away.

Dealy Plaza is open 24 hours daily and if you or someone taking a trip with you is a history buff or loves conspiracy theories, they will love to tour the spot where the grassy knoll is located.

George Dealey's memory and great contributions have been eclipsed by the events of November 1963 and those events will forever be remembered at this spot. Make this a stop on your next visit to Dallas and here's an obscure fact for you to know, the grassy knoll is one of the most photographed backgrounds for tourist photographs taking Dallas photos after the skyline of the city.

Dallas Children's Museum

If you're traveling to Dallas with your family and your kids don't want to see one more historic spot, take them someplace they'll really enjoy- the Dallas Children's Museum.

The Dallas Children's Museum is a 6,500 square foot facility that will let your kids be themselves and touching of the interactive exhibits *is* encouraged. Some of the exhibits include Slice of Math where your kids can role play in a pizza parlor and unwittingly learn their fractions.

If you little ones want to work in the medical profession. The Presbyterian Health Care Systems Hospital has sponsored an exhibit where you kids can role play in the emergency room, operating room, newborn nursery and examining room--in the hospital and community health exhibit established by Presbyterian Health Care System. They will learn about the skeletal system joints, ligaments, and muscles, and physical challenges, safety, driving an ambulance and basic body functions. The purpose of the exhibit is to help children deal with their fears around doctors, dentists, hospitals, illness and injury and to learn how the body works. Because knowledge is power!

Another popular exhibit is the Kroger Grocery Store. It features child-size shopping carts, aprons, cash registers, scanners and learning cards to assist shoppers in selecting a balanced diet and understanding the food pyramid. In the exhibit children practice such math skills as sequencing, matching, adding, making change and completing tasks. Kids learn good information about food and nutrition, and can enjoy the experience of 'working' in a grocery store.

There are also puppet theaters, computer models and so much more. Your kids are assured of an afternoon of fun at the Children's Museum.

Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District was officially formed in 1984 and has been a thriving arts community ever since. Through the formation of the Arts District a formerly run-down district has been completely revamped and revitalized.

Currently, the Dallas Arts District is a 19-block neighborhood in the northeast part of Downtown Dallas. Already home to some of Dallas' most historical buildings, the Arts District welcomed the new facilities needed for the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Symphony.

The Arts District is home to thirteen facilities and organizations including The Annette Strauss Artist Square, the Belo Mansion/Dallas Bar Association, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Theater Center/Arts District Theater, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Trammell Crow Center, and the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.

Also, there are outdoor festivals and concerts held in this area all year round. No matter when you stop by, you are sure to see something fun going on in the Dallas Arts District.

One of the programs is called the Arts District Stroll, which is a guided walking tour showcasing the architecture, history, and activity of the Arts District. If you happen to be visiting on the first Saturday of every month, the Arts District Stroll will present visitors with a small slice of what this Arts District has to offer.

Come see the Arts District on your next visit to Dallas, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

Conspiracy Museum

Are you suspicious? Do you think there's always something "they" aren't telling us? Then on your next trip to Dallas you will *love* the Conspiracy Museum.

This museum is dedicated to those who believe that more than one person was involved with the assassination of JFK. It only costs $7 to get in and you just might learn something about that fateful day in November 1963.The Conspiracy Museum is open daily from 10am-6pm.

There are a number of exhibits that will allow you to test your own hypothesis about who really killed Kennedy. When the American government releases all of its records regarding the assassination to the public, many of those who were alive in 1963 and remember the events with the greatest clarity (and emotion) will have died as the release isn't to become public until 2075.

At this unusual museum you will learn what you can about the events that took place in Dallas in November of 1963. Decide for yourself what was really possible.

Some of the thoughts and theories put forth in some of these exhibits may seem highly unlikely. However, when you leave you'll start wondering where the truth lies. There is also a significant amount of material on display concerning other assassination attempts involving past American presidents.

The parrallels between Kennedy and Lincoln are especially intersting to match up. For example, Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy and Kennedy had a secretary named Lincoln.

The Conspiracy Museum will leave you shaking your head in disbelief at some of the exhibits but all the exhibits will make you think "what if".

American Airlines Center

If you're looking for the place to see a great game or other event on your next trip to Dallas, American Airlines Center is the place to be. The Dallas Mavericks Basketball Team plays here, Dallas Desperados, and other venues such as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters to signature sporting events like WWE, Big 12 Tournaments and All - Star games happen here as well.

This is a very secure facility both indoors and out. Guests will pass through a metal detector. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed and all other bags will be inspected. Items such as firearms, knives and other weapons are prohibited. Upon entry into the facility remove all items from your pockets including cell phones, pagers, and car keys. Also, have purses and small bags open and ready for inspection.

You can bring small signs in but not large ones and signs on sticks and poles are not allowed. Most larger events here are televised, hence the sign policy, and also so other people's views do not get blocked.

Almost any seat is a good one the way this venue is designed and if you like to munch when you watch an event, there are a myriad of food choices here, as well as beer, domestic and imports, margaritas and mixed drinks.

If you're looking for a great time, get yourself a ticket and bring a friend for a great evening out at American Airlines Center.

Age of Steam Railroad Museum

If you like trains and you want something off the beaten path to do on your next visit to Dallas, definitely make The Age Of Steam Railroad Museum a place on your next tour itinerary.

This museum celebrates and educates how the railroad united and helped America grow. The railroad reached Dallas in 1873 and helped it grow to be the large metropolis it is today because of its center proximity Dallas became a hub for commerce in the Southwest, which was unheard of for a City without any major rivers or seaports as part of its make up.

From the 1970s until the late 1920's, the main station in Dallas, Union Station, would see over 100 arrivals and departures a day. This marked the Golden Era of rail travel when nearly 10,000 Pullman sleeping cars provided passengers with a restful night's sleep on long distance trains. When the stock market crash in 1929 happened, the 1930s Depression and the sudden affordability of the automobile triggered an irreversible decline in rail passenger service.

The railway station closed for good in May of 1969 after having given just about 100 years of rail service to the people of this area.

In 1971, Amtrak opened and brought passenger trains back to Union Station in 1973. Nowadays, Amtrak is joined by DART's Light Rail (part of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system) and Trinity Railway Express Commuter train service. Meanwhile, the private freight railroads are setting records in the amount of tonnage hauled. There are now over 5 different railroads serving out of Union Station and serving the Dallas Area.

If you want to know more, please visit the Age of Steam Railroad Museum!

African American Museum

The African American Museum has been a great stop on a tour of Dallas nearly a quarter of a century. It opened in 1974 as part of the Bishop College Special Collection and in 1979 the museum began operating independently.

The African American Museum has the distinction of being the only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. Also, this museum has one of the largest African American folk art collections in the United States.

There are a huge number of art forms represented at the African American Museum. The Museum was created to showcase the artistic and cultural contributions made by African Americans throughout the history of the United States and provide a historic backdrop for telling the rich heritage of African Americans.

Admission to the African American Museum is free except for groups of 10 or more.
Admission fees for groups of 10 or more are $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.

The Museum is open Tuesday - Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays, Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving and Independence Day.

The African American Museum makes for a great afternoon of looking and learning about from the diverse collection of works at this venue. If you're going to be in the Dallas area, make sure this Museum is on your list of "must see" stops!