The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., is home to a number of engaging historical attractions. A trip to this area gives visitors opportunities to explore national landmarks, learn more about the timeline of U.S. aviation, and discover hidden truths about the past. Here’s the top ten places to go on your next trip.
Related read: A Trip to the Korean War Memorial in D.C. Is Unlike Any Other
10 Top Attractions in Dallas for Military & Historic Sites
1. Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is a park downtown, known as the “birthplace of Dallas” and unfortunately the location of John F. Kennedy’s Assassination. This national landmark is located on the west end of the historic district. Visitors can go in between Elm St. and N Houston St. and see a white “X” symbolizing the exact spot where Kennedy was fatally shot.
Hours: Tues-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM | Mon 12 PM – 6 PM
Location: 500 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202
2. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
You can also visit the sixth floor of the old Texas School Depository building to learn more about the historical contexts of JFK’s assassination while standing in the primary crime scene. Visitors can see news footage from the aftermath and original evidentiary areas that will place them back in 1963 with the events that occurred on November 22nd.
Costs:
- Child (0-5) $0
- Youth (6-18) $14
- Adults $18
- Seniors (65+) $16
Hours: Mon-Tues closed | Wed-Sun 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
3. Frontiers of Flight Museum
This aerospace museum features a wide collection of aircrafts and artifacts that take you through aviation history. Located six miles northwest of downtown Dallas, this museum resides on the same land as the Dallas Love Field airport. Exhibits at the museum include the Apollo 7 command module, artifacts from the German aircraft Hindenburg, and over 200 World War II planes.
Costs:
- Youth (3-17) $9
- Adults $12
- Seniors (65+) $10
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 AM – 5 PM | Sun 1 PM – 5 PM
Location: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
4. Texas Civil War Museum
Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this Civil War museum focuses on the state’s role in the four-year war. This experience will start off with a movie curated by the museum’s historians to prepare you for your stroll among the artifacts within. The displays showcase both North and South memorabilia with the North artifacts being along the north wall and the South artifacts mirroring them on the south wall of the building. This site also features an impressive collection of Victorian dresses.
Costs:
- Children (0-5) free
- Youth (6-12) $4
- Adult (13+) $7
Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 AM – 5 PM | Sun-Wed closed
Location: 760 Jim Wright Fwy N Fort Worth, TX 76108
5. Thomas C. Marsh Military Museum
This small museum, put together by the Leadership Cadet Corps at Thomas C. Marsh Middle School, holds artifacts and information from the experiences of soldiers from numerous wars. This museum’s unique setup within the campus of the preparatory academy allows for an authentic perspective on the historical information found inside.
Hours: The museum is open during regular school hours and by appointment after school.
Number: Call (214) 335-0708 to schedule a tour.
Location: 3838 Crown Shore Dr, Dallas, TX 75244
6. Day Trip to Fort Worth
Housing over 11,000 personnel from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas is home to a lively community of service members and DoD staff. Although visitors are not allowed on the base without a sponsor, there is still lots to do in the military town. Only 30 minutes west of Dallas, Fort Worth is a great place to visit while nearby.
Travelers can enjoy the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District where they can experience the influence of the wild wild west. First established as a U.S. army post in 1849, Fort Worth was soon turned into “cow town” as it transitioned into a Texas Longhorn trading post.
7. Sundance Square
Visitors can also appreciate Sundance Square, the entertainment district, with its many shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. Many people visit the Fort Worth water gardens or come to see a show at the nationally distinguished Bass Performance Hall. Some may just want to explore the pedestrian-friendly hub and tour the historical buildings along the brick roads at their leisure.
8. Fort Worth Aviation Museum
While visiting Fort Worth, it isn’t a bad idea to pop into Fort Worth’s Aviation Museum. This museum was created to show off the aviators and aviation accomplishments of North Texas. The exhibits are both indoor and outdoor so you can still enjoy the Texas weather.
Costs:
- Ages 3 & Under free
- Ages 4-16 $5
- Adults $10
- Seniors (65+) $8
- Veterans $8
Hours: Thurs 9 AM – 1 PM | Sat 9 AM – 2 PM | Sun 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: 760 Jim Wright Fwy N Fort Worth, TX 76108
9. George W. Bush Presidential Center
The center, along with the presidential library located in College Station, Texas, is charged with maintaining the official records, personal documents, and artifacts of the president for research and promotion of historical understanding of U.S. history.
Costs:
- Child (5-12) $20
- Youth (13-17) $24
- Adults (18-61) $26
- Seniors (62+) $23
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM – 5 PM | Sun 12 PM – 5 PM
Location: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205
10. Henrie B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) headquarters in Dallas is home to many historical aircraft. This place is perfect for aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. Visitors can read or listen to the history behind the displays or speak with the knowledgeable staff about the displays.
Costs:
- Children $5
- Adults $10
- Family $20
- Active Military free
- Veterans free
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM | Sat-Sun closed
Location: 5657 Mariner Dr, Dallas, TX 75237
Make Memories of Your Own at These Top Attractions in Dallas, Texas
After you have checked these places off your list, make sure to make some memories of your own. Hopefully what you learned about the Dallas-Fort Worth area is that it is rich with history and love for service men and women.
Read next: How To Get the New Free National Park Pass for Veterans