User:Nicholasjf21/Texas State Travel Guide/Prairies and Lakes

There’s an old saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” That’s especially true when talking about the Prairies & Lakes region, because it’s the largest of all the travel regions in the Lone Star State. Here you’ll find that everything is big: Big cities, big attractions, and big fun!

Just how big is this region, you ask? Well, its northern border is the Red River, which separates Texas from Oklahoma, and its southern edge is more than 350 miles away, just a little southeast of San Antonio. This area has everything, from bustling big cities to quaint small towns, and from fast-moving rides to slow-moving experiences. There’s no doubt you’ll have a great time while you’re here.

If you’re looking for some really big adventures, look no further than the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Dallas, one of the largest cities in the country, is filled with fantastic attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Zoo, Fair Park (home to the State Fair of Texas, held every September and October), Deep Ellum entertainment district, the Sixth Floor Museum, and so much more.

In Fort Worth, get a sense of the true cowboy spirit at the Stockyards National Historic District, the Stockyards Collection & Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and Billy Bob’s Texas - the largest honky tonk in the world. You can also immerse yourself in culture at the Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, Bass Performance Hall, and more. There’s plenty of family entertainment, as well, at the Fort Worth Zoo, which includes an eight-acre exhibit featuring more than 200 animal species that are native to Texas.

While Dallas and Fort Worth may be the two largest cities in the region, there are many other cities in the metroplex that are home to attractions. In Arlington, experience Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and Ameriquest Field - home of the Texas Rangers baseball club. Just a few miles away is Irving, and Texas Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play their home games every fall.

To the east lie communities such as Paris, Sulphur Springs, Commerce, Mount Vernon and more. There’s so much to see and do here, from visiting historical and heritage museums to visiting one of Texas’ outstanding state parks and taking in the fantastic events that are happening almost every weekend. You’re sure to find a friendly face and a fun-filled experience.

Head south and you’ll find Waco, the heart of the Prairies and Lakes region. This busy city features some remarkable sites, like the Dr Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Armstrong-Browning Museum, and the Mayborn Museum Complex. Nearby are water recreation activities to be found at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Lake Brazos, and Lake Belton, just to name a few.

To the southeast lies the Bryan-College Station area, two cities that combine their wonderful resources to make a destination for every type of traveler. The sites found on the Texas A&M University campus, the splendor of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the elegance of the Messina Hof Wine Cellars are among the many options that will entertain the entire family.

Further south are attractions that provide glimpses into early Texas life in the communities of Burton, Washington, Bastrop, Lockhart, Seguin, Gonzales, Columbus, and more. For the ice cream fanatics in your travel party, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the many delicious creations found at Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, home to the world-famous Blue Bell ice cream.

So, if you’re ready for a big time in Texas, plot your course and prepare for a big adventure in the Prairies & Lakes region.