The city is home to a variety of attractions. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, Tyler has something for everyone. If you’re unsure what to do in Tyler, you’ll find plenty to explore in this short guide. Let’s get started!
Caldwell Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun family activity, consider the 85-acre Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas. The zoo’s 3,400 animals are sure to delight any child’s sense of wonder. It features a children’s petting zoo, two aquariums, a café overlooking the African savanna, and a gift shop. Visitors can find an array of exotic animals at the zoo, including giraffes, flamingos, black rhinoceros, giant anteaters, and more.
Tyler Rose Garden
If you want to have a peaceful or romantic afternoon, head to the Tyler Rose Garden. Located on 14 acres, this picturesque garden holds over 500 varieties of roses. You can visit the museum and gift shop to learn about the history of the Tyler rose market, or simply stroll around the garden.
The Tyler Rose Garden is open from dawn to dusk, so you can plan your trip around this beautiful attraction. You’ll be impressed by the variety of colors that bloom throughout the year, and there’s no admission fee to enter.
Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park has plenty of things to do. You can catch bass, crappie, and perch in the park’s lake. There’s also hiking trails, biking paths, and fishing piers. This is a park that can appeal to an entire family with different enjoyments.
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a must-see attraction when in Tyler. You’ll find rescued animals in their natural habitats. You can even adopt an animal to take home. Here, you can learn more about the rescued animals and help them live a happier and healthier life.
Kiepersol Vineyards
Kiepersol Vineyards is a unique winery that produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes and offers more than 20 different types of wine. Its ambiance is as relaxing as its wines.
Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum
If you are looking for a place to see the history of Smith County, Texas, then visit the 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum. This house is part of the Smith County National Register of Historic Places. Whether you are a history buff or an art enthusiast, the Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum is worth the visit.
Discovery Science Place
If you’re looking for an enjoyable day out with your kids, make a trip to the Discovery Science Place. This children’s science museum is located in an old car dealership and has been serving the community since 1993. They’ll have a great time exploring the museum’s many exhibits and experiencing its hands-on activities.
Azalea Residential Historic District
The Azalea Residential Historic District is a large collection of early to mid-20th century homes. This area includes a wide variety of residential structures and features an eclectic blend of architectural styles. Many of the homes have cathedral ceilings and other vintage touches. Azalea homes are perfect for those looking to invest in real estate, and the homes and properties in this district are ideal for investors.
The Azalea Residential Historic District includes homes and buildings that feature spiral staircases, large lots, mature trees, occasional creeks, public parks, and mass azalea plantings. In the early part of the area, azaleas were planted alongside other trees, including oaks, maples, pecans, and chestnuts. Azalea trees have been cultivated for centuries in the surrounding areas, but the neighborhood has only recently begun to recognize them as beautiful and important to the area.
Children’s Park
Designed with natural play in mind, the Children’s Park includes statues of children, life-sized granite bears, a butterfly garden, and critters for climbers. The park also features an event center and cobblestone walkways with benches along the way. The area is free to the public, and it’s a great place for families to gather. You can visit the park during the day or at night, and make the most of its beauty.
Faulkner Park
The City of Tyler manages many parks covering over a thousand acres. Many of the parks feature athletic fields and playgrounds, as well as tennis courts and multi-purpose courts. Faulkner Park features tennis and racquetball courts, baseball and softball fields, batting cages, picnic facilities, and a skate park near the Tyler Police Station. If you’re looking for an awesome skatepark, this is definitely the park for you!
This 0.8-mile, 2,000-step route offers great scenery and a quiet setting for any activity. The park features a playground and splash pad, restrooms, and even a fishing pond. The park is also home to several baseball diamonds and a tennis complex.
Texas Rose Horse Park
While visiting Tyler, Texas, you must visit the beautiful Texas Rose Horse Park. This 1,700-acre facility is home to top-rated horse competitions. This venue also hosts public events, including horse trials and dressage shows. In addition to horse events, they hosts events for dogs and even dog agility and training shows. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of horses, this place won’t disappoint.
Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum is located near the Pounds Regional Airport. It features exhibits in the terminal’s former building. It’s the perfect way to learn about history while getting some great photo opportunities. The museum’s mission is to preserve history and promote aviation in the area.
The Historical Aviation Memorial Museum in Tyler is a must. The museum features a large variety of airplanes and military aircraft. Children will love the interactive displays and the teen-friendly air show. You can even take a tour of a historic aircraft.
Lake Palestine
For a day of fun in the sun, head to Lake Palestine. This large freshwater reservoir is located in northeast Texas. It’s a popular destination for fishing, paddling, and boating, and attracts visitors from as far away as Dallas.
The lake is well-known for fishing, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rates it excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass. There are many largemouth bass tournaments each year here, and the fish found are often trophy size. The area also has a number of coves for relaxation and fishing.
Rose Rudman Recreational Trail
In Tyler, Texas, recreational trails are plentiful. You can find them in many locations in the center of the city and the outlying areas. The Rose Rudman Recreational Trail is one such venue. The Rose Rudman Recreational Trail in is an ideal place for exercising. It’s also a beautiful setting for picnics. It is perfect for short walks or longer hikes, and is accessible from a number of points in the city.
Liberty Hall
The former Liberty Theater opened in 1930 and closed in 1973. Liberty Hall was later refurbished in 2011 in an art deco style. Currently, the venue hosts concerts, classic movies, and other entertainment. In addition to being the first performing arts center in the country, Liberty Hall is a cultural and economic center for the Tyler area.
The theater has an extensive entertainment program that features a variety of music genres. It’s an ideal place to see live concerts, but make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. You’ll be glad you did!
If you’re planning a vacation to Texas, consider visiting Tyler, TX. From historic homes to a charming downtown, Tyler has a lot of fun to offer, and you won’t be disappointed with the experience.
