Things to Do in Texarkana, Texas
Texarkana's biggest novelty is also its best free attraction: a city you can experience in two states at the same time. But the twin-city gimmick is just the start. For a community of its size, Texarkana punches above its weight on history and culture, with a beautifully restored 1924 theater, one of the most unusual houses in America, a strong set of museums, and the heritage of ragtime legend Scott Joplin.
Most of the marquee attractions cluster in and around the historic downtown that straddles State Line Avenue, which makes Texarkana easy to explore on foot. Here's what's worth your time on both sides of the line.
Stand in Two States at Once
The single most Texarkana thing you can do is visit the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building downtown — the only federal building in the country built directly on a state line. A granite marker on the front lawn (a spot locals call Photographer's Island) sits right on the Texas–Arkansas border, so you can stand with one foot in each state for the obligatory photo. The handsome building itself, and the surrounding historic downtown along State Line Avenue, make for an easy and free walking tour.
From there, downtown puts you within steps of the city's cultural landmarks, restaurants, and the heritage sites tied to Texarkana's ragtime history.
Historic Theaters and Houses
The Perot Theatre, at 219 Main Street, is the jewel of downtown. Opened in 1924 as the Saenger Theatre — a stage that hosted the likes of Will Rogers and Annie Oakley — it was restored by the Perot family and now hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, and the Perot Theatre Series throughout the year. Tours are available, and it's on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ace of Clubs House is one of the most distinctive homes in the country. Built in 1885 in an Italianate Victorian style, it's shaped like a club from a deck of cards — three octagonal wings and one rectangular wing — and, by local legend, was funded by the winnings from a single lucky poker hand. Recently renovated, it reopened for tours in 2025. It's operated by the Texarkana Museums System, which also runs the historic Ahern Home.
Museums for All Ages
The Texarkana Museums System anchors the city's indoor attractions. The Museum of Regional History, housed in the oldest building in Texarkana, tells the story of the area's railroad and frontier past. For families, the Discovery Place children's museum offers hands-on, interactive exhibits that keep younger kids engaged.
Car enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Four States Auto Museum, which displays vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history. Together, these museums make Texarkana an easy half-day of indoor exploring, especially welcome on a hot summer afternoon or a rainy day.
Events, Music, and the Great Outdoors
Texarkana's biggest annual event is the Four States Fair and Rodeo, a long-running regional fair held at the fairgrounds with rides, livestock shows, concerts, and a PRCA rodeo that draws crowds from across the four-state region. The city's ragtime heritage is celebrated through events and public art honoring native son Scott Joplin.
For outdoor time, Spring Lake Park is the city's historic green space, and Wright Patman Lake, a large reservoir just south of town, offers fishing, boating, camping, and beaches. Between the downtown culture, the museums, and the lake, Texarkana fills a weekend without much trouble.
Attractions & Places to Visit
Perot Theatre
Gorgeous 1924 theater right downtown. They bring in touring Broadway shows, concerts, and performances throughout the year. The building alone is worth seeing — Beaux Arts architecture that's been well taken care of.
Best time: Year-round, check the show schedule
Ace of Clubs House
An 1885 Italianate home shaped like a club from a deck of playing cards. The story goes it was built with poker winnings. On the National Register of Historic Places and genuinely one of the more unique houses you'll see anywhere in Texas.
Best time: Year-round
State Line Avenue & Post Office
FreeThe state line between Texas and Arkansas runs right down the middle of State Line Avenue. The federal building here straddles both states — only one in the country that does that. You stand on the line, snap a photo. Everyone does it.
Best time: Year-round
Discovery Place Interactive Museum
Hands-on kids' museum downtown with rotating exhibits and enough interactive stuff to burn a couple hours. If you've got young ones and need something to do on a Saturday, this is your play.
Best time: Year-round
Spring Lake Park
FreeBig city park with a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. Good spot to get outside without driving far. Picnic tables, fishing, and enough shade to survive a summer afternoon.
Best time: Spring and fall, but year-round works
Events & Festivals
Four States Fair
September annually
The big one. Rides, livestock shows, live music, and fried everything you can imagine. Runs for about ten days at the Four States Fairgrounds and draws crowds from across the whole region.
TRAHC Arts Events
Various throughout the year
The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council puts on gallery openings, art walks, and cultural events all year long. They're the ones keeping the arts scene alive downtown and they stay busy.
Christmas on Broad Street
December annually
Downtown Texarkana lights up for the holidays with vendors, activities, and decorations along Broad Street. It's a community thing — families show up, kids get hyped, and the downtown area actually feels like a small-town Christmas.
Scott Joplin Music Events
Periodic, check local listings
Texarkana is where ragtime legend Scott Joplin grew up, and the city celebrates that connection with music events from time to time. There's a mural downtown honoring him too. Worth catching if the timing lines up.
Shopping
Central Mall
mallThe main shopping mall for the Texarkana metro area on Richmond Road. National retailers, food court, and the go-to spot when folks from surrounding towns need to do some real shopping.
Downtown Broad Street Shops
boutiqueThe downtown stretch along Broad Street has small shops, antique stores, and local boutiques mixed in with restaurants. More character than the chain stores out by the highway.
Richmond Road Retail Corridor
specialtyThe main commercial strip with big-box stores, restaurants, and retail centers. If Central Mall doesn't have it, something along Richmond Road probably does.
FAQ: Things to Do in Texarkana
Texarkana is best known for being a single city split between Texas and Arkansas, including a federal building that straddles the state line. It's also the boyhood home of ragtime composer Scott Joplin and home to the historic Perot Theatre and the unusual Ace of Clubs House.
Yes. The U.S. Post Office and Federal Building downtown sits on the Texas–Arkansas state line, and a marker on its front lawn lets you stand with one foot in each state — it's the only federal building in the country built on a state border.
The Ace of Clubs House is an 1885 Italianate Victorian home built in the shape of a playing-card club, with three octagonal wings. By local legend it was funded by poker winnings. It was renovated and reopened for tours in 2025, operated by the Texarkana Museums System.
The Discovery Place children's museum offers hands-on exhibits, and the Four States Auto Museum appeals to all ages. Wright Patman Lake and Spring Lake Park provide outdoor recreation, and the Four States Fair and Rodeo is a major family event each year.
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