Fun Places to Visit in McKinney TX
Almost 30 minutes’ drive from Dallas, McKinney offers something very different from the bustling, noisy and highly engaging vibe of the big city. The city (McKinney) is ranked amongst the most livable places in the US to live, but it is also a historical city with an identity of its own. The first thing most tourists notice is all the family-run businesses. If anything the city has managed to preserve much of the charm, infrastructure and design of the 19th century, giving visitors a first-hand glimpse into how people in Texas lived over 150 years ago.
Despite its history, McKinney is an extremely fun place to be. Most people will love the great food, friendly locals and cheap drinks. Stay a little longer, and you’ll find yourself shopping at the local farmers’ market and sampling some of the locally produced wine. That said there are a couple of other fun things to do in McKinney as we’ll check out in this article.
Chestnut Square Historic Park
It is a few blocks south of downtown McKinney, and one of the reasons why this is a fun place to visit is the fact that it transports you back to the early days of the city. Here you will experience exactly how communities used to work and play while exploring many of the preserved buildings, most of which date between 1854 and 1930.
The historical park includes a schoolhouse, chapel, a general store, various homes and a boarding house. The park is brought to life with volunteers dressed up in period clothing which takes many visitors back in time.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to take your kids to a place which is safe and helps them connect with nature both outdoors and indoors, then this is where you should go. Kids once inside can browse through a large selection of mammal skins, fossils, seashells etc. Over on the outside, there are gardens with a delicately balanced eco-system, which has been preserved for future generations.
The numerous walking trails take visitors through the many butterfly gardens and well-designed bird gardens. Furthermore, if you’re feeling adventurous, then try getting into the face of a few snakes at the snake exhibit.
The Towne Lake Recreation Area
Now if you want to stretch your legs, then this 108-acre park is the perfect spot to do it. It is built around a 22-acre lake, complete with paddle boats and a pier. People are fishing here throughout the year, but most are just hanging out to enjoy the sun.
The two picnic shelters have electrical outlets, making them ideal for a lazy summer day. If its exercise that you want, here too you are covered with volleyball courts, and horseshoe pitching.
McKinney is one of the best places to spend a few days when in the state of Texas. Most people end up spending their lives here because they get hooked to the laidback atmosphere.
