History in Dallas isn’t only found in museums or archives, and you can’t fully grasp it from a map or tour bus. From the towers that shape the skyline to the streets where music and culture first took root, these landmarks reveal how the city evolved.
Each landmark carries its own story, and skipping them leaves your trip only half-lived. Experiencing them in person gives your trip weight and depth, making it feel more complete and connected.
Here is your complete checklist for what to see and do at each landmark.
You can’t miss it on the skyline – the glowing “Ball” that has defined Dallas since 1978. Reunion Tower is more than an observation deck; it’s your orientation to the city. The 561-foot tower offers a 360-degree GeO-Deck experience with interactive digital displays that map out the city below, connecting the historic with the modern. It’s the perfect first stop to understand Dallas’s layout before you explore its past.
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
Hours: Vary; generally afternoons & evenings (e.g., Wed-Sun 12-7:30 PM, Sat 11 AM-8:30 PM).
Details: GeO-Deck tickets: Adults ~$19, Children ~$9.
What to Do at Reunion Tower
- Ride the elevator up and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city.
- Look through high-powered telescopes to spot landmarks far away.
- Use the digital displays to learn interesting details about the buildings below.
- Grab a drink at Cloud Nine Café while the city gradually changes from day to night.
2. Deep Ellum
Step east of downtown into Deep Ellum, where the city’s rebellious, creative heart has beat since 1873. This was one of Dallas’s first desegregated commercial districts and the legendary birthplace of its blues and jazz scene. Today, that history lives in the rhythm leaking from venues like Trees, and on the walls themselves, covered in over 100 vibrant street murals. It’s a living museum of resilience, art, and sound.
Address: Main St. & Elm St. area, Dallas, TX 75226
Hours: Accessible 24/7 (business hours vary).
Details: Free to walk and explore. Venues may have cover charges.
What to Do at Deep Ellum
- Go mural-hopping and snap photos with the ever-changing, lively street art.
- Catch a live blues, rock, or indie show at a legendary venue like Trees or Club Dada.
- Browse for vintage clothing, records, and local art in quirky indie boutiques.
- Enjoy authentic Texas BBQ, craft beer, and inventive cocktails at neighborhood eateries.
- Dive into the nightlife by bar-hopping along Main and Elm Streets.
3. Old City Park
Tucked away south of downtown, Old City Park (Dallas Heritage Village) is a peaceful 22-acre escape. Established in 1876, it’s Dallas’s first city park and now hosts a village of 37 meticulously restored structures from 1840-1910, including the grand Millermore Mansion. It’s a tangible journey into 19th-century North Texas life before the boom.
Address: 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215
Hours: Park Trails: 7 AM–7 PM daily. Visitor Center: 10 AM–5 PM (Tues-Sat).
Details: Park grounds are accessible; tours of historic buildings require admission (~$10 adults).
What to Do at Old City Park
- Tour the historic Millermore Mansion, a grand 1850s plantation house.
- Explore the living history village, including a schoolhouse, general store, and train depot.
- Enjoy a quiet stroll or picnic on the shaded park grounds.
- Attend seasonal events like holiday candlelight tours or pioneer craft demonstrations.
- Take family photos with beautifully restored historic buildings as your backdrop.
4. Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza
In the shadow of downtown towers, Pioneer Plaza delivers a breathtaking dose of Texas lore. The monumental bronze sculpture features 49 longhorn steers and three trail riders, capturing the epic scale of the 19th-century cattle drives. It’s a powerful, photo-worthy monument to the state’s ranching heritage, right in the heart of the city.
Address: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Details: Free admission.
What to Do at Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures
- Walk alongside the massive bronze herd and trail riders.
- Look for historic cattle brands from famous ranches etched into the stone walkways.
- Snap iconic photos of the sculptures with the modern Dallas skyline behind them.
- Relax on the grassy hill or enjoy a simple picnic while admiring the art.
- Visit the nearby Pioneer Park Cemetery and see the Confederate War Memorial.
5. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
This is where national and Dallas history converge. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza provides a solemn, deeply informative examination of the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, its exhibits offer crucial context. Standing in the adjacent Dealey Plaza – the historic ground itself – is a profoundly moving experience.
Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM.
Details: Tickets must be purchased online in advance (~$24-$27 adults). The plaza is free to visit.
What to Do at Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Follow the chronological exhibit, “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation.”
- Stand at the historic sixth-floor window overlooking Dealey Plaza.
- Watch the infamous Zapruder film and examine key artifacts.
- Walk around Dealey Plaza, standing on the grassy knoll and seeing the X-markers on Elm Street.
- Browse the bookstore for books on JFK, the assassination, and 1960s America.
6. Fair Park
Prepare to be awed by Fair Park, a 277-acre National Historic Landmark built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco architecture. Stroll the grand esplanade past majestic, colorfully decorated buildings – it’s a dazzling trip back to the 1930s. (Visit in October for the legendary State Fair of Texas held here).
Address: 3809 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–10 PM.
Details: Park entry is free. Separate tickets for museums and the State Fair.
What to Do at Fair Park
- Walk the Esplanade and admire the colorful Art Deco façades like the Hall of State.
- Visit museums, including the African American Museum or the Museum of Nature and Science.
- Experience the State Fair in October – ride the Ferris wheel and try a Fletcher’s corny dog.
- Catch a concert at the outdoor bandshell or a performance at the Music Hall.
- Relax by fountains and explore the formal gardens throughout the park.
7. The Old Red Courthouse
Anchoring the west end of downtown, the majestic Old Red Courthouse (100 S Houston St) is a fortress of history. Built in 1892 of red sandstone, this Richardsonian Romanesque castle has witnessed everything from prohibition rallies to the passing of JFK’s motorcade. While its interior museum is transitioning, its formidable exterior remains a must-see landmark on any historical walk.
Address: 100 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Exterior viewable anytime. (Check for interior access updates).
Details: Exterior viewing is free.
What to Do at The Old Red Courthouse
- Admire the red sandstone exterior and Romanesque architecture.
- Photograph the iconic clock tower against the modern skyscrapers.
- Read historical markers detailing its past, from 1892 to today.
- If open, step inside to see the grand atrium and ornate staircase.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.
Conclusion
Visiting Dallas without seeing these landmarks would leave a big gap in your understanding of the city. Each site – whether it’s the glowing Reunion Tower, the music-filled streets of Deep Ellum, or the solemn Sixth Floor Museum – offers a unique window into Dallas’s past and present.
Together, they show how the city grew, faced challenges, and continues to shape its neighborhoods today. Spending time at these landmarks doesn’t just teach history; it lets you feel it, making your trip feel complete and deeply connected to the story of Dallas.
FAQs
Many sites offer free access, including Pioneer Plaza, Old Red Courthouse exterior, Deep Ellum streets, and the Fair Park grounds (museum entries may charge separately).
Famous landmarks include Reunion Tower, Fair Park, the Sixth Floor Museum, Old Red Courthouse, and the Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza.
Pioneer Plaza, Reunion Tower, Deep Ellum murals, and Fair Park’s Art Deco façades offer perfect photo opportunities for history and architecture lovers.
Historic buildings worth visiting include the Old Red Courthouse, Millermore Mansion at Old City Park, and the Art Deco structures at Fair Park.
The Old Red Courthouse, Millermore Mansion, and Fair Park’s Art Deco structures are notable for their unique architectural styles and historic significance.
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