9 Things to do in Gainesville Tx (& where to stay)
Gainesville in Texas is a small town with a population of 16,557 that is located in Cooke County.
Although it may seem like there is nothing special about Gainsville, Tx, there are a few things you can do here.
So if you’re traveling around the state and pass by Gainesville, Tx, it may be worth a stop or even a weekend getaway.
Here are a few fun things to do in Gainesville, Tx.
- Frank Buck Zoo
- Leonard Park
- Vineyards
- Medal of Honor park
- Morton Museum
- Santa Fe Museum
- Circle N Dairy
- Lavender Ridge Farm
- Dog Park
Visit the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville Tx
A zoo is always a great thing to do with or without kids. Everyone who loves animals is fascinated to observe them up close and personal.
You can observe Alpacas, Alligators, Black Bears, Pythons, Leopards, cheetahs, Lemurs, and much more.
Frank Buck Zoo is located at 1000 W. Californos Street, Gainesville, Texas 76240, and the opening Hours are from 10 am – 4 pm.
Leonard Park
1000 W. California St. Gainesville, TX 76240
Leonard Park, located at Interstate 35 and California Street, is a gathering place for family members and friends to come for rest or leisure.
The park is 30 acres and has all the amenities a good park should have. Benches, grills, monuments and landmarks, pavilion, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, baseball/softball field, swimming pool, water fountains, zoo.
Leonard Park is the most visited park in Cooke County for activities such as baseball, softball, swimming, picnics, school field trips, train rides, and zoo visits.
Spending a day at Leonard Parks is definitely one thing to do in Gainesville, Tx.
Visit a Vineyard for a Vine tasting.
- Location: 920 CR 231 Valley View, Tx 76272Tasting Room # 940-726-3785
- contact: email: reservations@eotlvineyard.com – Phone: 940-726-3785
If you are a wine lover, you can visit some of the best wineries and spend quality time.
For example, the Edge of the Lake Vineyard and Winery in Valley View is only 11 miles south of Gainesville Tx and absolutely a thing to do.
Attention, the opening hours are not daily. Hours are Thursday 4pm – 8pm, Friday 1pm – 7pm, Saturday 1pm – 7pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm.
A call or Email is recommended, especially for tastings.
Medal of Honor Park
Gainesville, Texas, is the most patriotic small city in America.
The Medal of Honor Host City Program Park honors our Medal of Honor recipients and recognizes Gainesville as the only Medal of Honor Host City in America.
Beautiful gardens allow you to pause and remember and thank those who bravely served our country.
The Medal of Honor Host City Program has hosted 56 of the 66 living Medal of Honor recipients who have inspired our community with their message of patriotism, sacrifice, courage, and life values.
It is worth a visit and one thing to do in Gainesville, Tx.
Morton Museum of Cooke County
- 210 South Dixon, Gainesville, Texas 76240
- Phone: 940-668-8900 Email: info@mortonmuseum.org
The Morton Museum of Cooke County was established in 1968. And the building itself, which houses the museum, is also worth a visit.
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The building dates back to 1884 and houses a beautiful stained glass skylight from a Victorian home built in 1880 by former U.S. Senator Joseph Weldon.
The museum itself features artifacts from Cooke County’s history.
The Morton Museum is located at 210 South Dixon, Gainesville, Texas 76240, and hours are from 10 am to 3 pm.
Santa Fe Depot Museum
Adjacent to the Morton Museum is the Santa Fe Depot Museum. It is a must-see for all railroad fans and an absolute must-see in Gainesville.
The Santa Fe Depot Museum features a collection of railroad memorabilia, Coca-Cola, the Harvey Girls, the Gainesville Community Circus, and a Cooke County timeline.
The Santa Fe Depot Museum is open from 10 am to noon, Tuesday through Friday.
Circle N Dairy
In this day and age, it’s hard to find good food. The supermarkets are full of convenience foods.
Circle N Family Dairy’s goal is to keep the cows in the best possible condition to get the best-tasting raw milk. You can visit the dairy and see for yourself that these are not just empty promises.
In addition to touring the dairy, you can learn how the cows are fed, bottle-feed the baby calves, and try milking yourself on a life-size simulated cow.
But you can visit the dairy and, of course, buy delicious raw milk.
Lavender Ridge Farm
- 2391 County Road 178 Gainesville, TX 76241
- Phone: 940.665.6938 – info@lavenderridgefarms.com
- Hours: Friday – Sunday 9:00AM – 5:00PM
At Lavender Ridge Farm, you can walk through various gardens and lavender fields and cut fresh lavender bouquets when they are in bloom.
In addition to relaxing walks through the plants, you can observe the various birds and rescue farm animals. The farm is a natural, beautiful place to enjoy.
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You can enjoy traditional lunch dishes or lavender-inspired main courses in the cafe.
Dog Park in Gainesville
You can play with your little friend at the Gainesville dog park when you are out with your dog.
The advantage of this park is that there are two areas. One for small dogs and one for big dogs. This way, every dog will have the most fun possible.
The park has water fountains, a double-secured entrance, and bees. The park is free and open during daylight hours.
Where to stay in Gainesville, Texas?
You have a few options when you want to stay a few days in Gainsville, Texas.
You can stay in one of the perfect Bed & Breakfasts:
There’s the Shady lady Bed & Breakfast, which is 115 W California St, Gainesville, TX 76240-3903.
- Contact: +1 940-665-5239
- Email: shadyladybb@marcoheiden40gmail-com
- https://www.shadyladybedandbreakfast.com/
And the Lancaster Manor Bed and Breakfast in 1306 E California St, Gainesville, TX 76240-4304.
- Contact: Phone: 940.612.9527
- Email: info@thelancastermanor.com
- https://thelancastermanor.com/
If you want a bit more, you can choose from different Hotels like
- Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gainsville
- Comfort Suites Gainesville
Conclusion: Is a trip to Gainesville Tx worth it
A trip to Gainesville Tx is worth it. There are many fun things to do and visit, like the Museum or the Medal of Hornor Park.
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