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Texarkana, Texas is a city of about 36,000 people in Bowie County, in the far northeast corner of the state. It is one half of a twin city: State Line Avenue divides it from Texarkana, Arkansas, and the two share a downtown, a history and the motto Twice as Nice. The town was founded in 1873 where railroads met near the borders of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.
The most famous landmark is the federal courthouse and post office that straddles the state line, where visitors pose with one foot in each state. Nearby, the Texarkana Museums System runs the Museum of Regional History and the Ace of Clubs House, an 1885 Victorian mansion built in the shape of a playing card club. The restored Perot Theatre hosts concerts and touring shows, and ragtime composer Scott Joplin, who grew up here, is honored downtown. Ross Perot was born here too.
Outside the center, Spring Lake Park offers trails and picnic grounds, and Wright Patman Lake to the southwest is popular for fishing, boating and camping. Hot Springs, Shreveport and the Piney Woods are each within a couple of hours.
A 1933 limestone federal building and post office built right across the Texas-Arkansas line, said to be the only one in the country that sits in two states. Out front, a marked spot lets you stand with a foot in each state for a photo. It is a working courthouse, so expect security inside.
The main north-south avenue that runs right along the Texas-Arkansas border, with Texas on one side of the street and Arkansas on the other. It leads from downtown past restaurants and shops. Drive or walk part of it to see the twin city layout, and stop at the courthouse photo spot.
An 1885 Italianate Victorian house built with three octagonal wings and a rectangular one, so its floor plan resembles the club suit on a playing card. Guided tours show period rooms and family belongings of the later owners. It is run by the Texarkana Museums System, so check tour times ahead.
A downtown museum in a historic brick building that tells the story of the Texarkana region, from Caddo people and the railroads to local music, including ragtime composer Scott Joplin. Exhibits are compact and well labeled. Allow about an hour, and combine it with the Ace of Clubs House.
A volunteer-run museum a few blocks across the line in Texarkana, Arkansas, with a rotating collection of antique and classic cars, from early Model Ts to muscle cars, plus automobile memorabilia. It is a fun stop for car lovers of all ages. Hours are limited, so check before you go.
A 1924 downtown theater, originally the Saenger, restored with ornate plaster, gilding and a grand auditorium, and named for the Perot family who supported its renovation. It hosts touring shows, concerts and the local symphony. Look at the season calendar and book seats in advance.
The arts and humanities center of the region, housed in a grand early 1900s former federal building downtown. It shows rotating art exhibitions and hosts classes, talks and community events. Admission to the galleries is usually free, and the building itself is worth a look.
A large downtown mural honoring Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime, who spent his youth in Texarkana before composing the Maple Leaf Rag and the opera Treemonisha. It shows scenes from his life and music. Pair it with the Museum of Regional History, which has more about his story.
One of Texarkana's largest city parks, with a lake, walking trails, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, sports fields and wooded areas. It is a favorite place for families, walkers and dog owners. Visit in the morning during summer, when it is cooler and the trails are quieter.
A large reservoir on the Sulphur River southwest of Texarkana, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, with boat ramps, campgrounds, swimming areas and good bass and crappie fishing. Atlanta State Park sits on its southern shore. Bring your own gear, since services are limited.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: No machine-readable author provided. Billy Hathorn assumed (based on copyright c, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DisClever, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Billy Hathorn assumed (based on copyright c, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
