Texarkana’s geography puts it in an unusual position; it straddles both Texas and Arkansas, bisected by State Line Avenue right through the heart of town. There are two mayors, two police forces, and two fire departments. There are some 66,000 residents in total living in both halves. Located at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Interstate 49, Texarkana can be found about 180 miles east of Dallas and 145 miles southwest of Little Rock. It’s small enough to explore within a few days but interesting enough that it wouldn’t get dull for you doing so.
Why Texarkana Is a Great Weekend Destination
Texarkana’s twin-city format lends it qualities not found in large cities. Walking around downtown is easy since there is free parking everywhere. You will spend about $100 to $150 at a comfortable hotel, compared to the expensive Dallas and Austin. On the Arkansas side, the Rail Yard Entertainment District offers an area where you can have open containers within five blocks; bars, restaurants, and clubs are clustered here.
Top Things to Do in Texarkana This Weekend
A weekend in Texarkana often mixes quiet walks across parks, restaurants and museums with short breaks which can be spent online. In these pauses, some tourists explore new tech use in entertainment and what risks it carries. For example, an expert article on Slotozilla explains how deepfakes and neural algorithms work and how they may be used to manipulate online casino gamblers. After reading while resting, it becomes easier to return to the streets. So visitors can continue exploring the city attractions.
State Line Post Office
The Texarkana Post Office sits on the line between Texas and Arkansas. There is even a painted line on the ground, dividing the two states from each other. This is said to be the second-most photographed post office in all of America. The Texarkana Post Office costs nothing to see and only takes fifteen minutes out of your time.
Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House
Dating back to 1885, the structure is designed like a club card from a deck of cards. According to local legends, the cost of building the house was generated through the winnings made on a single poker game. The house has an address of 420 Pine Street, and it is located in Texas. It serves as a historical museum for tourists and visitors.
Spring Lake Park
A total of 145 acres of land is at the heart of the Texarkana park system. It has a lake that is fed by springs, two fishing jetties, an 18-hole disc golf course, a splash pool, and a walking and biking trail that is one mile long. The trail is surrounded by woodland areas that are home to soccer and baseball pitches.
Perot Theatre
A renovated 1920s theater showcases plays, ballets, music concerts, and multimedia shows. The architecture inside the building is enough to justify the visit. Ensure you check the theater’s calendar of events prior to visiting because shows during peak seasons are always booked.
Texarkana Museum of Regional History
The museum features interactive displays dedicated to Scott Joplin, the ragtime composer who was born in Texarkana in 1868. It also houses artifacts from Native Americans and the local area. Tiny yet well-presented, the museum takes an hour.
Outdoor Activities and Parks in Texarkana
Beyond Spring Lake Park, the city offers several green spaces worth visiting. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Bringle Lake Trail – a wooded path around Bringle Lake with a playground near the parking area at Bringle Lake Park East.
- Ferguson Park – green space with recreation areas and picnic spots in the historic Highland Park neighbourhood.
- Kidtopia – a playground designed by children, located near the convention center area.
The Wright Patman Lake is located some 20 minutes south of the city and provides a place where people can go fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. The lake encompasses more than 20,000 acres, attracting anglers in search of bass, crappie, and catfish.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Texarkana punches above its weight culturally. The key stops showcast local art, music, and history:
- Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) – rotating exhibitions, art classes, and an outdoor art park adjacent to the main building.
- 1894 Gallery – local and regional artwork displayed inside the historic City Market building on the Arkansas side.
- Texarkana Municipal Auditorium – built in the 1920s, a former stop on the Louisiana Hayride Circuit that helped shape rock and roll and country music, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004.
- Front Street Caboose – a restored 1979 Southern Pacific caboose in Front Street Plaza, marking the city’s railroad heritage.
A mural walk through downtown adds another 30-40 minutes. The 125-foot “Colors of Life” mural by Joseph Raymond on the 1894 City Market building and the Dr Pepper mural at Olive and Broad Streets are the two main stops.
Where to Eat and Relax in Texarkana
Two farmers’ markets operate weekly. The Texarkana Farmers’ Market on the Texas side runs in historic downtown. The Gateway Farmers Market at 602 E. Jefferson Avenue on the Arkansas side has been open for over 25 years on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7:00 AM. Here are some details about the locations:
| Spot | Type | Side | Best for |
| Redbone Magic Brewing | Craft brewery | Texas | Afternoon beer, food truck nights |
| Rail Yard Entertainment District | Restaurant/bar district | Arkansas | Evening out, open-container area |
| Gateway Farmers Market | Open-air market | Arkansas | Fresh produce, Saturday morning |
| Texarkana Farmers’ Market | Open-air market | Texas | Local goods, weekend browse walks |
The Rail Yard district has many restaurants and bars just five blocks away. You can easily enjoy an entire evening without needing to drive.
How to Plan a Perfect Weekend in Texarkana
This practical two-day split covers all local essentials. It balances culture, nature, leisure, and local culinary flavors:
- Saturday morning – State Line Post Office photo, then Ace of Clubs House tour. Walk to TRAHC and the art park. Lunch downtown.
- Saturday afternoon – Spring Lake Park trail. Disc golf, if you have time. Late afternoon at Redbone Magic Brewing.
- Saturday evening – Rail Yard Entertainment District for dinner and live music.
- Sunday morning – Gateway Farmers Market. Bringle Lake Trail is a quieter walk than Spring Lake.
- Sunday afternoon – Museum of Regional History (Scott Joplin exhibits). Drive out to Wright Patman Lake if the weather cooperates, or catch a matinee at Perot Theatre if it does not.
The whole weekend fits without rushing. Texarkana does not demand a packed schedule – the point is to move at a slower pace than whatever city you drove in from.