Nestled in the southwest corner of Arkansas, right on the border with Texas, Texarkana is a unique city with influences from both states. Though technically located in Arkansas, the name Texarkana itself combines Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana to represent the convergence of cultures here.
With a friendly small-town vibe yet enough sights and activities to keep visitors engaged, Texarkana has become a popular weekend getaway for those looking to experience some true Southern hospitality.
From unique museums and parks to historical downtown areas and lively events, Texarkana, Arkansas offers visitors plenty of attractions to fill their itinerary. Here are 12 of the top attractions to see and experience when visiting this one-of-a-kind border city.
The Central Business District
As the historic downtown area of Texarkana, Arkansas, the Central Business District transports visitors back in time. Featuring buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, this district encompasses over 20 blocks of breathtaking architecture, restaurants, shops and museums. The District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its well-preserved buildings and role in Texarkana’s development.
Some standout stops in the Central Business District include the Capitol Hotel, built in 1925, and the Perot Theatre, an elegant performing arts theater originally opened in 1924. Visitors can pick up walking tour pamphlets of the District at the Texarkana Museum System, then explore highlights like the 1886 Texarkana Train Depot and 1917 U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. With plaques detailing history and architecture, the District fully immerses visitors in Texarkana’s past.
Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council
For a taste of Texarkana’s lively art scene, the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council offers exhibitions, events and public art across the city. Based at the historic Hotel Grim Lofts, the council features three galleries with rotating visual art displays, including shows coordinated with other venues around town. Visitors can check out the galleries from Monday to Friday and attend opening receptions on select Thursday evenings.
Beyond visual arts, the council also organizes events like community theater productions, music concerts, literary readings, kids’ art camps and cultural festivals. Public artworks can be spotted across Texarkana as well, from colorful murals to sculptures along city trails. With this breadth of artistic mediums and programming, the Arts & Humanities Council spotlights local talent while making the arts accessible.
Ace of Clubs House
For quirky roadside attraction lovers, this house turned Hollywood icon is a must-see. Known as the Ace of Clubs House for its distinct architecture featuring walls shaped like the ace of clubs playing card, the house provided an iconic backdrop in the 1956 movie “A Face in the Crowd.” This film, starring Andy Griffith and Patricia Neal, used a number of Texarkana sites for filming.
While passing through town, director Elia Kazan spotted the uniquely shaped house and decided to feature it prominently in the movie. Built in 1904, the Ace of Clubs House became an overnight sensation thanks to its starring role. Texarkana natives and tourists alike now make visiting this architectural oddity a priority. The house is a private residence, so travelers view it from the street, snapping photos and reminiscing about its Hollywood debut.
Four States Fair & Rodeo
Each fall, Texarkana comes alive during one of its signature events: the Four States Fair & Rodeo. Drawing attendees from Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana (the four states), this 10-day fair and PRCA rodeo entertains locals and visitors alike. Dating back to 1925, the Four States Fair features exhilarating rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling. Favorites like carnival rides and games, exhibits, livestock shows, concerts, auto races and demolition derbies round out the festivities.
The festival is held at the Four States Fairgrounds, a 150-acre facility that hosts events year-round. During the Fair & Rodeo, this space is filled with food vendors dishing up classic fair fare along with agricultural displays and competitions. With affordable admission including access to all rodeo events, concerts and attractions, the Four States Fair & Rodeo promises 10 days of can’t-miss entertainment.
Hanging Judge Statue & Hangman’s Gallows
Located at the Miller County Courthouse is one of Texarkana’s most iconic symbols: a bronze statue immortalizing the infamous Judge Charles Gordon, AKA the Hanging Judge. Known for his harsh sentences, Judge Gordon tried 14 murder cases in 1883, sentencing 8 defendants to death by hanging. This statue by artist J. Payne Lara commemorates Judge Gordon seated at his bench. Beside it stands a representation of the original Hangman’s Gallows used to execute his sentences.
While the gallows have been relocated a few times over the years, visitors can now view them on the courthouse lawn, with interpretive panels detailing this impactful slice of Texarkana’s history. The Hanging Judge statue is remarkably lifelike in its grave depiction, providing a somber reminder of the city’s occasionally violent past. Located downtown, this statue is also included on many history walking tours.
Texarkana Regional Airport
Adventurous visitors can take to the skies courtesy of the Texarkana Regional Airport. This airport offers regular American Eagle flights direct to Dallas-Fort Worth for convenient regional connections. For those looking to soar over the city they’re exploring, the airport also provides scenic biplane rides from American Barnstormers.
These open cockpit flights accommodate two passengers for breathtaking vistas over Texarkana, the Red River region and the lush Ouachita Mountains. Flights last from 10 minutes to over an hour, circling highlights like the state border, Lake Texarkana and historic downtown sites. Custom options like proposing to your sweetheart mid-flight are also available. Back on solid ground, guests can explore the Texarkana Regional Airport’s lobby filled with aviation history exhibits as well.
The Skyline Club
Perched on the Arkansas side of State Line Avenue in a 1925 building, the Skyline Club transports visitors to an era of classy lounges and dazzling skyline views. Founded as an upscale gentlemen’s casino and restaurant, legends like Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde reportedly visited the Skyline Club to have a drink and try their luck. Beautiful from both the outside and within, the building features terra cotta embellishments, stone faces and intricate metalwork. Inside the club’s wood-lined rooms, stories and secrets seem to swirl in the air along with live jazz music.
In operation since opening night on Thanksgiving Day 1925, the Skyline Club continues welcoming guests to its iconic skyline view dining room and bar. Wander in for a cocktail and appetizers like the table-side guacamole, or stay for a steak and lobster dinner. Either way, prepare to step back in time to Texarkana’s glamorous past.
Kidsville Indoor Playground
For families traveling with kids, Kidsville Indoor Playground provides hours of entertainment under one roof. As the city’s largest indoor playground, Kidsville features multi-level structures with tunnels, ball pits, climbing walls and slides. Kids can ride scooters and pedal karts around an indoor track or get creative in role-play areas like a pirate ship and castle. Mini bowling, arcade games and laser tag ramp up the excitement even more.
Parents can comfortably watch their kids play while enjoying free Wi-Fi and coffee in the lounge area. Daily passes grant unlimited access to all attractions at Kidsville, which also hosts birthday parties. With both structured activities and free play options, Kidsville is ideal for rainy days or whenever the kids need to burn some energy. Private event space and a separate toddler area accommodate families with little ones as well.
Lake Wright Patman
Nestled amidst pine and oak forest 30 miles west of Texarkana lies the popular recreation destination of Lake Wright Patman. Named for House Speaker Sam Rayburn and Congressman Wright Patman, this lake was created in 1956 after damming the Sulphur River. Today, Lake Wright Patman sprawls across 78,000 acres as one of Texas’ largest reservoirs. Visitors flock here to boat, fish, camp and soak in gorgeous scenery along the 200 miles of rugged shoreline.
Anglers reel in largemouth and white bass, crappie, catfish and more in Lake Wright Patman’s unspoiled waters, with fishing piers and tournaments available as well. Five major parks provide campsites, hiking trails, swimming spots, picnic areas and playgrounds for taking in lake vistas. Can’t miss state park highlights include the historic Morris Sheppard Dam, tranquil Millwood State Park and the enormous Atlanta State Park, nicknamed “The Big Woods.” Just a 40 minute drive from Texarkana, Lake Wright Patman promises a scenic escape.
Arkansas High School Rodeo Arena
While professional rodeos stop in Texarkana regularly at the Four States Fairgrounds, the Arkansas High School Rodeo Arena provides a chance to see rising talents. Located at the Four States Fairgrounds, this 3,200 seat climate-controlled arena opened in 2017 specifically for Arkansas High School Rodeo Association events.
Throughout the school year, student athletes in 7th through 12th grades compete in various National High School Rodeo events like saddle bronc riding, pole bending, steer wrestling, goat tying and more. Weekend rodeos held September through May feature competitors from Arkansas and surrounding states battling for regional and national finals spots. Visitors can check out heart-pounding youth rodeo action in a modern, comfortable setting while supporting Texas High School Rodeo competitors.
The Rialto
Downtown Texarkana comes alive at the historic Rialto Theater, which first opened in 1924 as a vaudeville house and movie palace. After closing during the Great Depression, the Rialto later underwent renovations and repairs to bring it back to its original glory. This Spanish Colonial Revival-style venue now hosts films, musical and theatrical performances, private events and more across its ornate lobby and auditorium spaces.
Intricate tilework, painted murals and grand arches transport visitors to Texarkana’s past, with musicians like Louis Armstrong once gracing the Rialto’s stage. Event lineups range from classic movies to standup comedy, magic shows to musical acts. Year-round programming and affordable prices make catching a show at the Rialto a quintessential Texarkana night out. Make sure to snap a selfie beneath the towering bright red neon sign out front too!
Farmer’s Market
For a true taste of Texarkana, stop by the regional Farmer’s Market held under the downtown Pavilion. Taking place every Saturday morning from April through October, the market serves as a gathering place for locals offering up their homegrown Arkansas goods. Shop seasonal produce like juicy peaches, heirloom tomatoes and sweet corn straight from regional farms. Stock up on homemade jams, jellies, honey and salsas or grab freshly baked pastries too.
Many vendors stick around past the official hours, so come early and plan to snack your way through the market. Unique craft booths provide one-of-a-kind souvenirs as well to commemorate your Texarkana travels. Through interactions with passionate growers and makers, the weekly Farmer’s Market embodies the city’s welcoming spirit while supporting family businesses.
Conclusion
From unique museums and nods to its Hollywood past to rodeos steeped in local tradition, Texarkana offers visitors plenty of attractions to fill their itineraries. Historical downtown districts, scenic lakes, family-friendly spots and cultural institutions all beckon travelers looking to experience authentic Southern hospitality with hints of Southwestern flair. Texarkana provides the perfect blend to satisfy country and city adventurers alike.
So whether you go to peruse arts galleries or to catch a show at a legendary theater, sip skyline sunset cocktails or cast for trophy lake bass, Texarkana extends a warm Arkansas welcome. Come discover the top 12 attractions highlighting this distinct border city region.