Places to visit in Tyler, TX
These are just a handful of Tyler’s attractions and activities, so it is well worth visiting. Whether you’re a history buff, interested in sports and entertainment, or keen on art and culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tyler, Texas, even when you live there.
Caldwell Zoo
The 85-acre Caldwell Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals in Tyler, Texas. The zoo offers a wide variety of exhibits and features that are sure to please visitors of all ages.
The zoo also offers educational programs and special events to engage visitors. In addition, the zoo is working to make the zoo a more valuable city asset and is focusing on new revenue generation to support its growth.
The zoo is also updating exhibits to bring new guest experiences. For example, an exciting new show called “Amazon River’s Edge” will feature animals from South America. This exhibit will highlight threatened and endangered species. The exhibition will also be linked to future conservation projects.
The zoo has a breeding program for Atwater’s prairie chickens, which will be used to increase the population of the native species. Five baby chicks successfully hatched in the first year of the breeding program.
Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park offers many activities and amenities north of Tyler, Texas. Tyler State Park is a great tourist spot, from camping to boating. It’s only a 30-minute drive from the city of Tyler.
Tyler State Park is home to a 64-acre lake. You can swim in the lake or rent paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes. There are also a few areas to fish or bank fish. You can also rent a pedal boat or john boat.
You can see plenty of wildlife at Tyler State Park, including armadillos, raccoons, and white-tailed deer. You can also see hundreds of different bird species. You can even see red-breasted woodpeckers. The park also has a floating dock for the kids.
If you’re looking to do some bird watching, you’ll be pleased to know that Tyler State Park is home to over 200 species. The area at the far end of the Lakeshore Trail is an excellent spot for bird-watching. You’ll also find a bird-watching post along the dam.
Tyler Rose Garden
Whether you are looking for a fun day out or a day of relaxation, Tyler, Texas, has something to offer. Whether you want to visit the Rose Garden, enjoy the outdoors, or delve into the past, there are plenty of fun things in Tyler. Listed below are some of the best Tyler attractions to visit.
Tyler’s Rose Garden is an outdoor oasis. This garden features several demonstration gardens, flowing fountains, a Meditation Garden, and a shady grove that provides ideal shade for the roses and camellias. There are also several quiet pools. This garden is one of the top Tyler attractions and a popular tourist destination in the spring and fall.
The Discovery Science Place
Located in Tyler, Texas, the Discovery Science Place is a brave venture into hands-on family fun and educational activities. The museum is a collaborative venture between the University of Texas at Tyler and the Tyler community, with the assistance of a dedicated team of volunteers and staff. The museum features over 20,000 square feet of hands-on exhibit space, including 85 interactive exhibits and numerous learning stations.
The Discovery Science Place boasts many awards and recognition, including being a “Tyler Favored” business and being recognized as one of Texas’ best places to work and play. Its open-air museum boasts a collection of limestone caverns and a variety of learning stations. There’s also an impressive-looking restaurant with high-end food.
The Discovery Science Place is a one-of-a-kind children’s science museum. As one of only three museums in the state to receive the coveted “Tyler Favored” award, this family-friendly science museum aims to provide children and their families with a fun and educational learning experience. The museum offers more than a dozen hands-on exhibits in science, technology, engineering, and math, including a Dino Dig Pit.
Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum
Located in the heart of Tyler, Texas, the Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum is a beautiful time capsule of East Texas life in the late 1850s. It is listed as a Texas Historic Landmark and is part of the Smith County National Register of Historic Places.
The house was initially built in 1859 by Samuel Gallatin Smith. He was a Civil War surgeon. After the war, Smith sold the house to Franklin N. Gary family. Gary made it available to refugees fleeing the Union Army. Eventually, the house was sold to Dr. William J. Goodman, who attended the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. He bought the house for $3,000 in 1872.
In 1880, the second floor was added. The house underwent a major exterior renovation in 1926. During this time, a semi-circular portico was added. In addition, the shingled mansard roof was restored, and the exterior paint was changed to a color similar to the original home.
Best Things to Do in Tyler Texas
Places to visit in Tyler, TX:
- Caldwell Zoo
- Tyler State Park
- Tyler Rose Garden
- The Discovery Science Place
- Goodman-LeGrand House Museum