Barry TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barry, Texas.
1. Navarro Mills Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Navarro Mills Lake is a popular body of water offering recreational activities for visitors to Barry, Texas. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming in a serene natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking along the shoreline or camping in designated areas around the lake.
2. The Pearce Museum at Navarro College
CIVIL WAR HISTORY COLLECTION
The Pearce Museum at Navarro College houses an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts and Western art near Barry. The museum features extensive exhibits on the Civil War with original letters, diaries, and military items from the period. Its Western Art Gallery showcases works depicting the American frontier experience.
3. Pioneer Village
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT RECREATION
Pioneer Village offers visitors a glimpse into the past with authentic historic buildings relocated to create a 19th-century settlement. The village includes a school, church, log cabins, and other structures furnished with period pieces. Guided tours provide insight into daily life during the pioneer era in Texas.
4. Collin Street Bakery
FAMOUS TEXAS FRUITCAKES
Collin Street Bakery is a historic establishment known worldwide for its legendary DeLuxe Fruitcakes since 1896. The bakery offers a variety of baked goods including cookies, cakes, and pastries in addition to their famous fruitcakes. Visitors can tour the facility, watch the baking process, and purchase freshly made treats in their retail store.
5. Corsicana Opry & Event Center
LIVE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Corsicana Opry & Event Center hosts regular country music performances and variety shows near Barry. This venue showcases local and regional talent in an intimate setting that celebrates Texas musical traditions. Visitors enjoy family-friendly entertainment with concessions available during performances.
6. Richland Chambers Reservoir
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Richland Chambers Reservoir is the third-largest lake wholly within Texas borders, offering excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. The reservoir is known for its populations of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, attracting anglers year-round. Multiple parks and marinas around the lake provide boat launches, camping facilities, and swimming areas.
7. Corsicana Visitor Center
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Corsicana Visitor Center provides information about the history and attractions of the area surrounding Barry. Located in a historic building, the center features exhibits on local oil history, which transformed the region in the early 20th century. Staff members offer personalized recommendations for exploring both Corsicana and nearby communities like Barry.
8. Navarro County Courthouse
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Navarro County Courthouse is an impressive example of Second Empire architecture and the centerpiece of downtown Corsicana near Barry. Built in 1905, the courthouse features a distinctive clock tower, ornate stonework, and a beautifully restored interior. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve as a functioning courthouse.
9. Cook Center Planetarium
ASTRONOMICAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
The Cook Center Planetarium offers immersive astronomical shows and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The state-of-the-art facility features a digital projection system that displays the night sky and takes audiences on virtual journeys through space. Special events include star parties and seasonal constellation programs that highlight different celestial phenomena.
10. Palace Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Palace Theatre is a beautifully restored 1921 vaudeville theater that now hosts live performances, concerts, and film screenings. The theater's distinctive art deco architecture and vintage marquee make it a landmark in downtown Corsicana. Regular programming includes community theater productions, musical performances, and special events throughout the year.
11. Corsicana Fruit Cake Festival
ANNUAL CULINARY CELEBRATION
The Corsicana Fruit Cake Festival is a popular annual event celebrating the area's famous culinary tradition. Visitors can sample various fruitcake recipes, participate in baking contests, and enjoy live entertainment during this festive gathering. The family-friendly festival typically features arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and activities for children.
12. Warehouse Living Arts Center
COMMUNITY THEATER AND GALLERY
The Warehouse Living Arts Center serves as a hub for performing and visual arts in the region near Barry. The center produces a full season of theatrical productions featuring local talent in an intimate black box theater. Their gallery space showcases rotating exhibits highlighting works by regional artists and offers classes in various art disciplines.
13. Old Settlers Reunion Grounds
HISTORIC GATHERING SITE
The Old Settlers Reunion Grounds hosts traditional community gatherings and events celebrating local heritage. The historic site features picnic grounds, a dance pavilion, and facilities for community festivals and family reunions. Annual events include the longstanding Old Settlers Reunion, which has been bringing together local families for generations.
14. Russell Stover Candy Store
SWEET TREAT DESTINATION
The Russell Stover Candy Store offers a wide selection of chocolates, candies, and confections in a retail outlet format. Visitors can browse among hundreds of sweet treats, including factory seconds at discounted prices. The shop is especially popular with travelers looking for gifts and souvenirs from their Texas journey.
15. Corsicana Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Corsicana Farmers Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community gathering. Vendors sell fresh produce, homemade baked goods, preserves, and handcrafted items on scheduled market days. The market often features live music, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal events throughout the year.