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Allen is a city of about 110,000 people in Collin County, about 25 miles north of downtown Dallas. A small railroad town for most of its history, named for Texas politician Ebenezer Allen, it boomed into one of the most popular suburbs in North Texas, known for its parks, shopping and famously large high school football stadium.
Eagle Stadium, home of the Allen High School Eagles, seats about 18,000 fans and is one of the biggest high school stadiums in the country. The Credit Union of Texas Event Center hosts hockey, concerts and indoor soccer, and Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is an open-air village of shops, restaurants and events around a green.
Allen Premium Outlets draws bargain hunters, and the city's parks are excellent, including Celebration Park with its playgrounds and lake, Allen Station Park and Allen Heritage Park, where coyotes and other wildlife are sometimes spotted along the trails. The historic Allen Dam and Pump Station recall the town's railroad days.
One of Allen's largest parks, with a huge playground, splash pad, sports fields, walking trails, a dog park and picnic pavilions. It is a favorite weekend spot for families and youth sports. Come in the morning in summer, when the shade is better and the splash pad is less crowded.
Neighborhood park built around two connected lakes, with a paved loop trail, fishing spots, a playground and shaded picnic areas. Ducks and geese are common, and the trail links to Allen's wider hike-and-bike system. It is ideal for an easy evening walk or a quiet fishing break.
Large park along Cottonwood Creek with sports fields, trails and the historic Old Stone Dam, built in the 1870s to supply water for steam locomotives on the railroad. Creekside paths lead through woods to the dam. Wear good shoes, as some trail sections can be muddy after rain.
Protected patch of native Blackland Prairie and creek woodland in Allen, managed by a conservancy. Mowed trails wind through tall grasses and wildflowers, and birders come for meadowlarks and hawks. Visit in spring for the best wildflowers, and stay on the paths to protect the prairie.
Collection of historic buildings in old downtown Allen, including a train depot, homes and other structures moved here to show life in the early town. Volunteers lead tours and host events. Check opening days before visiting, as the buildings are open only at set times.
Historic family farmstead preserved by the city of Allen, with an old farmhouse, barns and fields that show rural life in Collin County before the suburbs arrived. It hosts tours, school visits and seasonal events. Look for the city's event listings, as access is mainly during programs.
Very large high school football stadium, home of the Allen Eagles, known for its size and high cost when it opened in 2012. On fall Friday nights it fills with fans, a big band and a lively crowd. Buy tickets ahead for big games and arrive early, as parking lots fill fast.
Arena in the Allen Village area that is home to the Allen Americans minor league hockey team. It also hosts concerts, family shows, graduations and trade events. Check the schedule for hockey nights, which are affordable and fun, and eat at the nearby Village at Allen.
Open-air shopping and dining village built around a green, with shops, restaurants, a grocery store and frequent events like concerts and holiday lighting. It is a pleasant place to stroll and eat outdoors. Come in the evening for live music and the lights around the green.
Large open-air outlet mall beside US 75 with more than 100 brand-name stores selling clothing, shoes, sportswear and home goods at discount prices. It draws shoppers from across North Texas. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, and sign up online for extra coupons.
Indoor aquatic center in Allen with a competition pool, a leisure pool with slides and play features, and swim lessons for all ages. It is a good choice on hot or rainy days. Check open swim hours before going, as meets and lessons can take over the pools at times.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Sportsbizinsider, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ranch9613, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Nunnally from Allen, TX, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Calistemon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Calistemon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Calistemon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dravecky, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dravecky, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dravecky, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
