Dorchester TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dorchester, Texas.
1. Dorchester Grain Elevator
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL LANDMARK
The Dorchester Grain Elevator is a prominent landmark built in the 1950s by Kay Kimbell that can be seen for miles around. Standing at the highest point in the county, this historic structure represents the agricultural heritage that has defined the community for generations. The elevator serves as a reminder of Dorchester's prosperous farming past when the town featured multiple cotton gins and was an important agricultural center.
2. Old Dorchester Bank
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Old Dorchester Bank sits at a prominent corner in downtown Dorchester, representing one of the few remaining historic buildings in town. This structure harks back to the early 20th century when Dorchester was a thriving community with numerous businesses lining its unusually wide main street. The bank was named after C.B. Dorchester, a cashier at the Merchants and Planter's Bank in Sherman, Texas, who was also the namesake for the town itself.
3. Dorchester Baptist Church
COMMUNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER
Dorchester Baptist Church has been a spiritual cornerstone of the community since the early development of the town. The church building represents one of the enduring institutions that has survived through Dorchester's transition from bustling town to quiet rural community. It continues to serve the spiritual needs of local residents while preserving an important piece of the town's cultural heritage.
4. Historic Downtown Row Buildings
PRESERVED COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
The few remaining historic row buildings in downtown Dorchester offer a glimpse into the town's more prosperous past. These brick structures with white trim once formed part of a matching set of buildings that lined both sides of the unusually wide main street. They stand as silent witnesses to the era when Dorchester boasted multiple businesses including a barbershop, lumberyard, and various merchants.
5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy through immersive exhibits. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building, visitors can stand at the window from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the fatal shots. The museum features historic films, photographs, and artifacts that document the events of November 22, 1963, and their aftermath.
6. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
SPECTACULAR SEASONAL GARDENS
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers 66 acres of spectacular display gardens that maintain year-round beauty with seasonal flowers, shrubs, and trees. Visitors can explore 19 named gardens featuring everything from magnificent azaleas and cherry trees to exotic plants and educational exhibits. The garden hosts seasonal festivals including the popular Dallas Blooms in spring and the Autumn Festival with its impressive pumpkin village.
7. White Rock Lake Park
URBAN OUTDOOR RECREATION
White Rock Lake Park encompasses a 1,015-acre city lake and surrounding green spaces that serve as a recreational oasis for Dallas residents. The park features a 9.33-mile hike and bike trail that circles the lake, offering opportunities for walking, running, cycling, fishing, and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and sailing on the lake or relax in picnic areas with scenic water views.
8. Sherman Historic Downtown
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Sherman's Historic Downtown features a charming square with beautifully preserved buildings housing boutiques, antique stores, and local eateries. The area serves as the cultural heart of Sherman, located just 8 miles northeast of Dorchester, and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. Visitors can enjoy shopping for unique items, sampling local cuisine, and attending community events held throughout the year on the historic courthouse square.
9. Kelly Square
HISTORIC SHOPPING COMPLEX
Kelly Square is a unique shopping and dining destination housed in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Sherman. This multi-level marketplace features an eclectic mix of boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores offering everything from home décor to handcrafted items. The complex also houses a popular restaurant where visitors can enjoy Texas-inspired cuisine in a charming historic setting.
10. Harber Wildlife Museum
EXOTIC WILDLIFE COLLECTION
The Harber Wildlife Museum houses an impressive collection of expertly mounted wildlife specimens from around the world. Visitors can observe over 300 animals displayed in naturalistic settings that recreate their native habitats across multiple continents. The museum offers an educational experience focused on wildlife conservation and appreciation of global biodiversity.
11. Grayson County Frontier Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Grayson County Frontier Village is an open-air museum featuring historic structures that have been relocated and preserved to create an authentic 19th-century Texas settlement. The village includes log cabins, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and other buildings filled with period furnishings and artifacts. Visitors can experience what life was like for early Texan settlers through guided tours and special living history events.
12. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL BIRTH HOME
The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the modest home where President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in 1890. Visitors can tour the restored two-story house furnished with period items that reflect the simple lifestyle of the Eisenhower family. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits on Eisenhower's life and accomplishments as both a military leader and the 34th President of the United States.
13. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 11,320 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests along the shores of Lake Texoma. The refuge serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, with thousands of waterfowl gathering during winter months and diverse wildlife visible year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife observation platforms, fishing opportunities, and interpretive programs that showcase the natural beauty of north Texas ecosystems.
14. Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille
ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille offers a comprehensive entertainment experience combining a multi-screen movie theater with bowling lanes, arcade games, and dining options. The venue features luxury recliner seating in its theaters, modern bowling facilities, and a full-service restaurant and bar serving American favorites. This family-friendly complex provides diverse entertainment options for visitors of all ages in the Sherman area.
15. Red River Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Red River Historical Museum chronicles the rich heritage of Sherman and the surrounding Red River Valley through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in the historic Carnegie Library building, the museum displays collections related to local industries, notable residents, and significant events that shaped the region. Visitors can explore exhibits on Native American history, early pioneer life, the Civil War's impact on the area, and Sherman's development through the 20th century.