Nicknamed the Rose Capital of the World, Tyler is a bustling city in Texas' Smith County. Named after President John Tyler, the city lies 95 miles east of Dallas and gained its reputation as the rose capital for the large quantity of rose bushes growing in the area and because it is home to the country’s largest rose garden. Here are the best things to do in Tyler, Texas. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Tyler Rose Garden, Tyler, Texas
Set on 14 acres of beautifully manicured landscapes that feature more than 35,000 rose bushes and more than 500 varieties of roses, Tyler Rose Garden is world-renowned and offers visitors an unforgettable visit.
Open from dawn until dusk seven days a week and free for the public to enjoy, Tyler Rose Garden has several areas of interest, including the Heritage Garden and the Ida Garden, as well as spectacular collections of camellia and day lilies.
The Tyler Rose Garden is also home to the Rose Garden Center, a beautiful space that can be rented for special events and occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, reunions, and more. A small gift shop allows visitors to take a memoir of the Rose Garden home with them.
420 Rose Park Dr, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-597-3130
2. Caldwell Zoo, Tyler, Texas
The Caldwell Zoo is an 85-acre zoo that provides a sanctuary for a variety of animals from all over the world. Founded in 1937 by David King Caldwell, the zoo began as a Child Development Laboratory where children could interact with animals such as parrots, monkeys, and squirrels. Sixteen years later, it became an official zoo.
Early residents of the zoo included a lion and chimpanzee, while today, the zoo is home to a wealth of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The zoo also has a large giraffe and hoofstock barn and an elephant facility, a giraffe barn, a Texas reptile and aquarium building, and the Overlook plaza.
The zoo has several breeding programs, including those for Chilean flamingoes, cheetahs, and Attwater’s Prairie Chickens. Caldwell Zoo is one of Tyler’s most popular attractions for both children and adults to learn more about conservation and wildlife.
2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-593-0121
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3.Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Tyler, Texas
The Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge is a specially designated Preserve for rescued lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. The 150-acre preserve offers natural habitats for more than 40 rescued big cats and provides a sanctuary for the rehabilitation of wild cats that have been neglected, abused, or displaced.
The refuge was not only established for the rescue and rehabilitation of these animals but also to promote conservancy through educational opportunities for people of all ages.
The Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge also offers an outreach program for the tigers in the wild, as well as genetic research, excellent educational programs that include internship opportunities, and sensory tours for children with special needs.
17552 Farm To Market 14, Tyler, TX 75706, 903-858-1008
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4.Discovery Science Place, Tyler, Texas
Discovery Science Place offers a fun-filled, interactive, and hands-on educational experience for children of all ages.
The museum is home to an array of exhibits, including a large man-made cave with a built-in earthquake simulator and various rock/sediment displays, a mock television station with working camera and mini-control board, a live iguana, and various physics-related exhibits.
The Discovery Science Place also offers a multitude of engaging, age-appropriate educational programs, camps, classes, and events that aim to provide guests with a greater understanding and passion for the natural world, the sciences, and learning in general. The museum often hosts free community events and activities for the whole family.
308 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-533-8011
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5.Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX
Covering 985 acres north of Tyler, Tyler State Park is a beautiful state park that has a 64-acre lake and offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. 100-foot tall trees and historic structures that visitors can explore surround the spring-fed lake, and you can rent boats as well as take a refreshing dip or fish for perch, bass, or catfish.
The lake has three fishing piers and a boat ramp for launching, and fishing tackle can be rented. Other activities in the park include camping, picnicking, bird and wildlife watching, rambling through the woods, geocaching, and hiking or mountain biking one of the many trails such as the Whispering Pines Nature Trail.
789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706-9141, 903-597-5338
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6.Things to Do in Tyler, TX: Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
Located in the old passenger terminal building of the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (HAMM) is dedicated to the history of aviation during times of both peace and war and is home to an excellent array of displays featuring historic military aircraft and aviation memorabilia.
The HAMM hangar facility is used as a base for restoration of older aircraft as well flying aircraft, and the museum hosts a variety of high-profile airshows and air exhibits that are open for the public to enjoy.
The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum also offers a variety of aviation-based educational programs, a multimedia theater room and library, and a small gift shop that sells books and mementos.
150 Airport Dr, Tyler, TX 75704, 903-526-1945
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7.Center for Earth & Space Science Education, Tyler, Texas
Established to inspire and nurture an interest in and passion for sciences, the Center for Earth & Space Science Education is located on the campus of Tyler Junior College and is one of the largest planetariums in Texas.
The state-of-the-art planetarium offers visitors a one-of-a-kind immersive, full-dome video experience with real-time space flights, and visits to various locations around the planet.
The planetarium also features a variety of ever evolving exhibit areas with large plasma screen displays showing real-time video from NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute. The Science Center also provides a wealth of educational programs, classes, lectures, and public events, as well as educational-based outdoor play areas. Next read: TX beaches
1411 E Lake St, Tyler, TX 75701, 903-510-2312
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8.Azalea Residential Historic District, Tyler, Texas
Azalea Residential Historic District The Azalea Residential Historic District is one of Tyler’s historic districts and is packed with a high concentration of early to mid-20th-century homes. Built in a variety of styles, from Queen Anne, Classical Revival, Craftsman, and Ranch to the International style, these beautiful homes, mansions, and estates convey the rich architectural heritage of the city.
They also showcase the incredible growth that Tyler experienced due to the advent of the East Texas Oil Fields and subsequent industry. The Azalea Residential Historic District was designated as a National Historic District in June of 2003.
9.Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler, Texas
The Tyler Museum of Art is a private museum that showcases the works of local and international artists, including those from Texas, and encourages art education in the community.
Designed by the architectural firm of E. Davis Wilcox and Associates, the award-winning two-story museum spans more than 17,000 square feet and is home to three galleries that feature over 1,500 works in its permanent collection, including paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures by artists such as Alexander Calder, Vernon Fisher, and Charles Umlauf.
Situated next to the campus of Tyler Junior College, the museum also has a research library, on-site café, and gift shop.
1300 S Mahon Ave, Tyler, TX 75701, 903-595-1001
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10.The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum, Tyler, Texas
The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum is a historic landmark Civil War-era estate that has been turned into a museum. Located at 624 North Broadway, the Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum has been a recorded landmark since 1976 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Named Bonnie Castle by original owner Samuel Gallatin Smith, the Goodman-LeGrand House was built in the Greek Revival style on nine acres of land and became a refuge for families of refugees fleeing the Union Army in the Capture of New Orleans in 1862.
The house was sold to the Goodman family and remodeled into the current Classic Revival style. Later, it was made a museum and opened to the public. The LeGrand Park and Gardens are open to the public and admission is free.
624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-531-1286
11.Kiepersol Estates Vineyards & Winery, Tyler, Texas
Kiepersol is an award-winning wine estate that produces estate-grown artisan wines that have been finely crafted from the abundance of the earth. Situated on 63 acres of rolling landscapes and vineyards, the family-run estate produces classic red and white wines that capture Old World style and highlight the characteristics that the terroir has to offer.
Kiepersol has a wonderful tasting room located at the top of the rolling vineyard where visitors can sample the estate’s best vintages, learn about the winemaking process, and soak up the beautiful property views. Kiepersol's Restaurant offers gourmet breakfasts, light lunches and delectable dinners accompanied by hand-selected, world-renowned wines from the estate’s cellars.
4120 FM 344 E, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-894-8995
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12.Things to Do in Tyler, TX:The Children's Park
The Children’s Park of Tyler is a unique park that offers a variety of opportunities for both natural play and quiet meditation for children of all ages. Established to honor the lives of all children, the park accomplishes its goal through celebrating the art of physical play by providing a range of equipment, statues, and walkways.
Known for its beauty and wonderful sense of community, the park includes a beautiful butterfly garden, two waterfalls tinkling into a fishpond, a children’s story circle, life-size bronze statues of children and solid granite bears, and a small event center.
Cobblestone walkways crisscross the park, and benches with children’s names engraved along the edges dot the area.
110 E. Dobbs St., Tyler, TX 75701, 903-939-1597
13.Cotton Belt Depot Museum, Tyler, Texas
The Cotton Belt Depot Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Saint Louis Southwestern Railroad. Best known as the Cotton Belt, the narrow gauge railroad line originated in Tyler as the Tyler Tap, and it was built to transport cotton and produce to the town of Big Sandy in Texas.
Housed in the Cotton Belt Depot, which acted as a station for railroad passengers for the first half of the 1900s, the museum presents a journey back in time to the age of the railroad and its rich heritage. Operated by volunteers of the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, the museum features an excellent hands-on model train collection donated by Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Bragg, among other exhibits.
210 East Oakwood Street, Tyler, TX, 903-595-7232
14.Camp Ford Historic Park, Tyler, Texas
Camp Ford Historic Park is dedicated to highlighting the history of Camp Ford, the American Civil War’s largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp located west of the Mississippi River. Established in August of 1863, the camp remained open until 1865 and detained more than 5,300 prisoners during its time.
The site of the infamous camp stockade is now a public park that is free for the community to explore. It features a walking trail with interpretive signage, a kiosk with an excellent diorama detailing the history of the camp, and a family-friendly picnic area. The Camp Ford Pak also houses a reconstruction of Lt. Col J.B. Leake’s cabin.
6500 US-271, Tyler, TX 75708, 903-592-5993
15.Things to Do in Tyler, Texas: Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall is a downtown theater that presents live music, comedy, and classic film revivals for the communities of the East Texas region. Established in the 1930s and initially called the Liberty Theatre, Liberty Hall was once a hub of entertainment in downtown Tyler.
Operated in conjunction with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, the newly renovated Liberty Hall today seats up to 300 people and still resonates with music and inspiration; it stands as a centerpiece for the performing arts in the heart of Tyler's new Downtown Business, Arts, and Culture District. Liberty Hall hosts a variety of performing arts events such as musicals and live music, comedy shows, theater presentations, and revivals of classic movies.
The East Texas Symphony Orchestra also hosts small chamber performances and the popular Noon Notes with the aim of creating an exciting and stimulating arts and entertainment experience.
103 E. Erwin Tyler, TX 75702, 903-595-7274
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16.The McClendon House, Tyler, TX
The Whitaker-McClendon House, also known as the McClendon House, is a living history museum that features a range of exhibits displaying artifacts and documents from the Antebellum Period.
Located at 806 W. Houston Street, the house is famous for being the birthplace of Sarah McClendon, a correspondent for the White House, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Tyler historical landmark was built in the Victorian style with touches of Eastlake and Italianate details and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.
806 W. Houston, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-592-3533
17.Things to Do in Tyler: Texas Rose Horse Park
Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Tyler, Texas Rose Horse Park is a family owned and operated equine event facility that hosts a range of premier horse-riding events throughout the year, including Hunter/Jumper Shows, top-rated Dressage Shows, Horse Trial Events, and Breed Shows.
The 1700-acre facility is home to six outdoor show arenas, including a premium Grand Prix Jumper Ring, a full-size, fully lit indoor arena, three show barns housing over 350 stalls for horses, and a tent pad to accommodate an extra 350 horses.
The Horse Park also offers a Beginner through Advanced Level Cross Country Course, as well as an RV Park with over 60 pitches. Texas Rose Horse Park provides a wealth of facilities for both the horse community and non-equestrian organizations and businesses, and it presents an ideal setting for special events, concerts, functions, and corporate picnics.
The park is home to the Brunson Equestrian Center, which offers horse-riding lessons, horse-training programs, horse boarding, and summer camps for all levels of rider.
14078 State Hwy 110N, Tyler, TX 75704, 903-882-8696
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18.Things to Do in Tyler, Texas: Smith County Historical Society Museum
The Smith County Historical Society Museum exhibits a range of artifacts that highlight and reflects the historical, social, economic, and political culture of Smith County. Housed in the Carnegie History Center, formerly known as the Carnegie Public Library, the museum features unique exhibits including dioramas in chronological order from the Caddo Indians to 20th-century culture.
In addition, the museum is home to the Payne Auditorium, where the Smith County Historical Society meets on a monthly basis with the aim of collecting and preserving data, records, and items relating to the history of Smith County. The society also provides public education about the history of Smith County and maintains the museum’s exhibits and archival collections for future generations.
125 South College Avenue, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-592-5993
19.Faulkner Park
When you want to enjoy some outdoor exercise or relaxation, Faulkner Park is the place to head for in Tyler. Perhaps you just want to relax and cast a line in the fishing pond or take a gentle stroll along the Nature Trail. If you feel like a bit more exercise your can explore the park’s 9 miles of looping hiking trails. There is also an adventure bike trail, featuring 5 thrilling downhill jumps. Other park amenities include the Faulkner Tennis Center, softball and baseball fields, a skate park and the popular Faulkner Park Sprayground where children can cool off on hot days. There are also restrooms and picnic tables.
Faulkner Park, 410 West Cumberland Rd, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-531-1370
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20.Tyler Civic Theatre Center
Back in 1927 the Tyler Little Theatre started to stage performances on the Tyler High School stage. Over the decades, the Little Theatre has evolved into the present-day Tyler Civic Theatre Center, which encompasses the first theatre to be built to watch in-the-round performances, now renamed The Rogers Children’s Theatre, and the newest 350-seater Braithwaite Theatre. There is always something enjoyable to watch at both theatres and the center plays an important role in the development of future generations of performers by offering adult theatre workshops and Summer Camps for aspiring young performers. You can check their website to see what’s on and book your tickets online.
Tyler Civic Theatre Center, 400 Rose Park Drive, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-592-0561
21.Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is the ideal place for a fun family adventure. The park offers a wide range of indoor activities where your children can have the time of their lives whilst getting in some much-needed exercise and an escape from their screens and devices. Many of the activities are suitable for all ages, while a few have minimum height requirements for safety. The Adventure Hub includes favorite activities like the Sky Rider Coaster and a ropes course. You can hone your balancing skills on the Battle Beam before taking on the Climbing Walls, Ropes Course and the Sky Rider. It’s a great place to host your child’s next birthday party.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, 8958 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-220-0919
22.Escapology Escape Rooms Tyler
At Escapology Escape Rooms you and your friends or family are invited to come and find out if you have what it takes to get out of a sticky situation in a set amount of time. Offering an hour of fun and intellectual stimulation, each of the elaborately themed escape rooms will challenge the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of all members of your team. You can choose to take on the Scooby Doo Adventure (great for families), the COD 3 crime adventure room or the really difficult Mansion Murder room. Once you have tried one of them you are sure to come back for another adventure. The escape rooms are great for parties or team-building events.
8958 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-508-5008
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23.Times Square Grand Slam
Times Square Grand Slam is your ultimate destination for a fun family or team-building outing. The center offers everything you need for hours of fun including the latest movies, a bowling alley, laser tag, a ropes course and a games arcade. There is something to do for all members of the family and you can grab a snack or meal at the restaurant and coffee bar. You are invited to book your bowling lane in advance at the modern state-of-the-art 22-lane bowling alley, where you can order food and beverages delivered to your lane. Younger visitors can have hours of fun using their pre-loaded Fun Card in the gaming alley, while older children will love the ropes course and laser tag games.
Times Square Grand Slam, 5201 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-581-1818
24.Stanley’s Famous Pit House Barbecue
The name says it all; Stanley’s is the oldest barbecue joint in Tyler and is famous for pleasing local Texan palates with genuine pit-smoked barbecue delicacies for more than 60 years. No trip to Tyler would be complete without treating your taste buds to a Stanley’s BBQ meal and the wonderful atmosphere that come with it. Even vegetarians can soak up the atmosphere at Stanley’s, where vegetarian meal options are always on offer. More than just an eatery, Stanley’s offers free live music events featuring emerging local musicians. To sweeten the deal, Stanley’s boasts a selection of more than 90 American bourbons, whiskey and rye – you can try a tasting flight to find your favorite.
Stanley’s Famous Pit House Barbecue, 525 S. Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, 903-593-0311
25.Clear Springs Restaurant
Exuding loads of laid-back Texan charm, the Clear Springs Restaurant group has spent more than 35 years perfecting their delicious recipes. The Tyler location opened its doors in 2005 in an authentic western setting on Broadway Ave. The warm and welcoming interior invites guests to make themselves at home as they choose from a menu of authentic Texan favorites. At the forefront of their menu are their traditional seafood dishes which include their signature American Fried Catfish, Fried Shrimp, Firecracker Salmon and a selection of very popular combo dishes. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 9pm and a Take Away service is available.
Clear Springs Restaurant, 6519 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75703, 903-561-0700
25 Best Things to Do in Tyler, Texas
- Tyler Rose Garden, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Courtesy of baphotte - Fotolia.com
- Caldwell Zoo, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Courtesy of Miroslawa Drozdowski - Fotolia.com
- Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Discovery Science Place, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Discovery Science Place
- Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX, Photo: Courtesy of texas.gov
- Things to Do in Tyler, TX: Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, Photo: Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
- Center for Earth & Space Science Education, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Center for Earth & Space Science Education
- Azalea Residential Historic District, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Courtesy of airpebble - Fotolia.com
- Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Tyler Museum of Art
- The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum, Tyler, Texas, Photo: The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum
- Kiepersol Estates Vineyards & Winery, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Kiepersol Estates Vineyards & Winery
- Things to Do in Tyler, TX:The Children's Park , Photo: Courtesy of janaph - Fotolia.com
- Cotton Belt Depot Museum, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Cotton Belt Depot Museum
- Camp Ford Historic Park, Tyler, Texas, Photo: Courtesy of ZaZa studio - Fotolia.com
- Things to Do in Tyler, Texas: Liberty Hall, Photo: Liberty Hall
- The McClendon House, Tyler, TX, Photo: The McClendon House
- Things to Do in Tyler: Texas Rose Horse Park, Photo: NDABCREATIVITY/stock.adobe.com
- Things to Do in Tyler, Texas: Smith County Historical Society Museum, Photo: Courtesy of oligliya - Fotolia.com
- Faulkner Park, Photo: alexx_60/stock.adobe.com
- Tyler Civic Theatre Center, Photo: aerogondo/stock.adobe.com
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Photo: Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
- Escapology Escape Rooms Tyler, Photo: Irina Shine/stock.adobe.com
- Times Square Grand Slam, Photo: Times Square Grand Slam
- Stanley’s Famous Pit House Barbecue, Photo: Stanley’s Famous Pit House Barbecue
- Clear Springs Restaurant, Photo: Clear Springs Restaurant
- Cover Photo: LMPark Photos/stock.adobe.com
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