Lying just south of the Texas-Oklahoma border, Gainseville is often noted for its Victorian architecture, a reminder of the cattle and cotton fortunes made here in the mid-1800s. The town’s fortunes are also tied to the petroleum industry following the discovery of oil here in the 1920s. The seat of Cooke County, the town is convenient to sprawling Lake Texoma, which offers camping, picnicking and fishing.
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Attractions
Frank Buck Zoo. Located within Leonard Park, this zoo features exotic species. It is named for famous explorer and wild animal collector Frank Buck who hailed from Gainesville. 1000 W. California St.
Lake Texoma. This huge lake is a weekend capital for outdoorsy Metroplexers. It offers every kind of watersports imaginable in the region plus plenty for landlubbers, too, including two wildlife refuges, two state parks, and hundreds of campgrounds. Bald eagle watching is popular during cooler months. 30 miles northeast of Gainesville via US 82 and US 377.
Leonard Park. Picnicking and play areas are available at this 30-acre park along with an aquatic center with water slides and a climbing wall. 1000 W. California St.
Morton Museum of Cooke County. This local history museum in a restored firehouse has exhibits ranging from frontier homestead items to agricultural tools used during the early days of Morton County. Special exhibits focus on pioneer days, Native Americans, and geology of the region. 210 S. Dixon St.
Moss Lake. Located 12 miles northwest of town, this 1,100-acre lake is popular with anglers and boaters and also offers primitive camping. Off FM 1201.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Johnson Unit. Fishing, camping, boating, swimming and more are available at this state park. Leashed dogs are allowed in outdoor areas but not in park buildings. Located just east of I-35.
Santa Fe Depot Museum. This museum celebrates the role of the railroad in Gainesville’s development. Exhibits include railroad items and artifacts from the Gainesville Community Circus which entertained crowds in the 1930s. 605 E. California St.
Festivals
MAY:
Spring Fling. This ode to spring includes an arts and crafts show, live entertainment, food vendors and special events at the Frank Buck Zoo. Leonard Park,1000 W. California St.
JULY:
Gainesville Area Annual Rodeo. Roping, riding and kids’ events can be found at this festival held at the Gainesville Riding Club Arena.
OCTOBER:
Depot Day. Gainesville’s courthouse square is the scene for this annual event which honors the town’s railroading past with live music, a vintage auto show, childrens’ entertainment area and lots of food and drink. Sponsored by the Gainesville Main Street Project.
DECEMBER:
Holiday on the Square.
Map
For More Information
Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
Photo credit: Ron Reiring (Flickr: Gainesville, TX train station) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
