The U.S. is exploding with great culture, historical old towns, nature parks, monuments, and museums. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifetime local, finding adventurous day trips from Dallas is quite easy.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a perfect family day trip outside Dallas. Approximately an hour and 40 minutes southwest of Dallas on Highway 67 in the hills of Somervell Country, the wildlife center is home to more than 1,100 animals from 50 species.
There is a fee for everyone who enters the wildlife center, however families who have mid week flexibility can take advantage of extra savings. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers admission discounts mid week, all year round.
Once inside, the center provides an information brochure and places such as the Overlook Café to purchase snacks and the Nature Store to shop for souvenirs. There are several family tours to choose from including a behind the scenes tour.
Billy the Kid Museum is one of the best day trips from Dallas. About an hour and 45 minutes south of Dallas will have you in central Hico, where the museum can easily be found. It is here where you can learn about the details and encounters of Billy the Kid, from who he was to the cause of his death 1881.
Both younger and older fans of the Wild West will certainly enjoy this trip. The museum also provides background information and some monumental displays on the town of Hico. There is no entrance fee. The museum is open 7 days a week.
Dinosaur Valley State Park can be found approximately 70 miles southwest of Dallas. The one and a half hour drive will take you and your family back in time to experience first hand dinosaur encounters. With more than 1,500 acres to explore, this national landmark is open to the public year round.
There is a small per person fee to enter the park. The park is an ideal place to picnic, swim, hike, camp, and fish as well as enjoy fossilized dinosaur relics. It is best visited in late summer when the Brazos River is at its lower levels, allowing for better views of the natural dinosaur tracks.
Forth Worth Stockyards are the perfect way to get that real Texan feeling. This national historic district is about 33 miles, or a 40-minute drive, from Dallas. Making this one of the best day trips from Dallas, the Fort Worth Stockyards is filled with historical monuments, old buildings, Colonial towns, live entertainment, great places to eat, halls of fame, museums, championship rodeos, children’s activities, and much, much more.
The grounds offer visitors ample parking opportunities. There is a nominal entrance fee for those wishing to visit. The park is open 7 days a week. There are a variety of new events scheduled on a regular basis, so be sure to check back often.
Southfork Ranch remains a favorite day trip from Dallas for those who were once fans of the beloved television show, Dallas. The show became one of the longest running series in history, lasting for 13 years. Approximately 24 miles, or 30 minutes from Dallas, is Southfork Ranch. This beautiful setting is open year round. Southfork Ranch provides guided tours of the house and grounds during the day.
The Dallas legends exhibit, which is an onsite facility, displays many original memorabilia from the show. Once your tour is complete, visitors can relax on the ground or enjoy something to eat inside Miss Elli’s Deli. The ranch also offers places to shop for themed souvenirs.
Websites:
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Billy the Kid Museum
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Forth Worth Stockyards
Southfork Ranch
