Discover Bowie County: History, Art, and Nature

An unusual thread in local history connects Bowie County with three places called Boston: New Boston, Boston, and Old Boston. In Texarkana, further discoveries range from distinctive architecture and theater history to art and waterside trails. You can plan your trip around whether you would rather explore historic sites, discover creative offerings, or spend time outdoors.

Architecture and stories from different eras

The Ace of Clubs House has three groups of octagonal rooms that open onto a rotunda, as well as a 20-foot tower. The combination of unusual room shapes and the striking tower makes the building a distinctive architectural subject. Rose Hill Cemetery also tells local history: it was established in 1874 and is the final resting place of several Texarkana pioneers, ancestors, and veterans. Their life stories reach back to the Civil War era.

Another historic stop is the Perot Theatre. It was built in 1924 as the Saenger “Gateway to the Southwest” Theatre and reopened under its current name after renovations in 1980. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts numerous concerts, recitals, films, and other performances throughout the year. Architectural history and a cultural program come together here; check current listings to see which events fall during your travel dates.

The three Bostons also give local history its own distinctive note. The 3 Bostons TX Museum focuses on tools and artifacts from local industries, crafts, and agriculture, as well as from various professions and everyday life. Its broad range of topics makes it another way to engage with the region’s history.

Art and creative offerings

TRAHC is housed in the Regional Arts Center, a historic former federal courthouse dating from 1911. Its galleries feature free exhibitions year-round. ArtSpace offers the Mayo Arts MakerSpace, ceramics and visual arts studios, as well as hands-on classes and workshops for all ages. Alongside viewing art, you can also take part in creative activities.

The Downtown Trolley takes passengers through the stories that have shaped Texarkana and also serves as a rolling ambassador for the Arts & Historic District. If you would like to include this ride in your plans, check the district’s tour dates.

Waterside trails and time outdoors

The Bringle Lake Wilderness Area has a 10-foot-wide trail for cyclists and pedestrians. It runs from Bringle Lake East to the Waterworks Spillway and is approximately two miles long. A mountain bike trail starts at Bringle Lake East Park. The Bringle Lake Boardwalk is a separate feature: this elevated, 0.25-mile bridge starts at Bringle Lake West Park and runs along the lake. The information describes different trail types and starting points; take these into account when planning your own visit.

Another landscape option is the 145-acre Spring Lake Park, with its spring-fed lake. This gives you the choice of a trail for cyclists and pedestrians, a mountain bike trail, the elevated boardwalk, or the lake at Spring Lake Park, while keeping their different starting points in mind.

Seasonal shopping and choosing the right vacation rental

The Texarkana Texas Farmers’ Market is a seasonal outdoor market featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other locally made goods. Market dates vary from year to year, so check the dates for your travel period if a visit is part of your plans.

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first prioritize the experiences you want to focus on during your trip: theater and history, exhibitions and creative offerings, or trails and lakes. If you are interested in the nature trails, note the specific starting points listed for Bringle Lake. For cultural visits and the market, it is also worth matching your accommodation options to the destinations and dates that matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations to suit your interests: Maud, Mcculloch County, Goliad County, Fort Bend, Travis, Wheeler County, Angelina County, Medina County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Texas.