Unique Things to do in Texarkana

The quirky and unique.

As someone who loves exploring, one of first things I do when looking up ideas is to look for the quirky and unique things to do in an area. Sometimes those oddball hidden gems are the most fun! There are so many unique things to do in Texarkana on both sides of the state line and throughout both cities. It just takes a little extra effort to uncover some of these places. I’ve gathered all that I could think of into one blog post to make it easy for you. Here is a snapshot o the most unique things to do in Texarkana. Let me know if I’ve missed anything!

State Line Post Office

Did you know that the federal court house and post office on State Line Avenue is the most photographed federal building in the United States? It’s just one of the many unique things to do in Texarkana. There is a great photo op out front where you can stand with one foot in Arkansas and one foot in Texas. Or, recreate the famous photograph of ” a man in Texas wit his ass in Arkansas.” One of our favorite things is when there is a Christmas tree placed on the plaza during the holidays. It’s the only Christmas tree I know of that spans two states at once!

1894 Art Gallery and Market.

This art gallery is simply stunning. It’s housed in a restored and renovated, three story building in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of art, books, and gifts from over 75 artists, writers, and more. The second floor holds a 1970’s themed space that holds events throughout the year. The third floor has apartments for rent, but the waiting list is a year long! 1894 Gallery hosts artists for gallery openings, discussions, and more events throughout the year. One of our favorite things is the “downtown live” event that happens on the second Friday of each month. The entire building is open late those nights, along with other downtown businesses. This gallery is a must see stop in Texarkana, follow them on Facebook for updates about galleries and events.

Alley Cats Coffee.

Just across the street from the gallery is a restored railroad dining car on an elevated platform, that just happens to also be a coffee shop and cafe! Alley Cats Coffee serves Onyx coffee in drip and espresso drinks. They have a great menu of seasonal specials too. It’s a great photo op spot and also a great place to hang out. There’s plenty of seating inside, and you can also browse art by local artists in the train car. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to know about hours and special events. They are also open late on downtown live Fridays.

The 1923 Banana Club.

Did you know that there is a speakeasy in town?! The 1923 Banana Club one of the most unique things to do in Texarkana, and it’s in the basement of the 1894 Gallery Building. In true secret club fashion, you need to join the Facebook Group to get access to the door code. Be sure to follow the club rules or the big boss will kick you out. Not only is the nightclub super unique, the decor is fantastic and so unique. Many of the features in the club were built using pieces salvaged from the restoration of the whole building. PS – you have to see the bar. the Banana Club has live music, comedy shows, and super fun theater performances that surround the audience. Follow their Facebook page for updates and don’t forget to join the group to get access to the private speakeasy.

Gnomington Forest at Bringle Lake East.

Another unique thing to do in Texarkana is to go hiking on the trails at Bringle Lake Park East. There are actually over ten miles of trails hidden in the woods there. One of the trails (on the more narrow, single track bike trails) is home to Gnomington Forest. This adorable installation has been done by volunteers. There are little painted doors along the first mile of the trail. Each door has it’s own theme and name and represents a little gnome who lives there. The gnome homes are a great way to keep kids excited to hike little farther. To access these gnome homes, take the trail behind the large sign with the map and stay to the right. The trail will split and walkers and hikers take the trail to the right. It won’t be long and you’ll see the first door.

Unique things to do in Texarkana: MeepleCity Games.

Did you know that Texarkana has it’s own game lounge?! MeepleCity Games in Texarkana, Texas is part board and card game store and part community gathering space for gaming! The offer a membership, game nights, gaming tournaments (like chess) and other meet ups. You can also rent the space for private events. Go check them out and follow their Facebook page for more information.

The Ace of Clubs House.

While this really unique building is currently undergoing renovations, it’s worth stopping by just to see the scaffolding! The Ace of Clubs house is being completely renovated and the supports for the job are a sight to see. The story goes that the house was built in 1885 by Texarkana mayor James Draughon. Supposedly, he won $10,000 in a game of poker so he decided to build the house in the shape of a club from the suit in a deck of cards. The resulting structure has 22 sides and looks like a club from a birds eye view. Once renovations are complete the historical house will once again be opened as a museum and event space. Check the updates on the Texarkana Museum Systems Facebook page.

Activated Alley in downtown.

This is a fairly new and continually evolving art project in downtown Texarkana. It’s in an alley across from Pecan Point. You can walk this alleyway all the way over to the Arkansas side. It also leads to Kress Gap on the Texas side. The alley way will eventually be reimagined with overhead lighting and even more art pieces. For now, you can stroll it and enjoy the quirky and fun art lining the alley. My favorite is a set of downspout pipes that remind me of Sesame Street characters.

Historical tour of Texarkana.

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce has put together a fun historical tour of Texarkana. It’s GPS based but there is no need to download a separate app. You can create an account on the mobile website and check in to different locations across Texarkana. As you do, you can earn points, which you can redeem for prizes like hats or stickers. Check out the historical Texarkana tour here.

Four States Auto Museum.

This unique museum was established as a nonprofit in 2004. Located in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas it is managed by volunteers. Four States Auto Museum has an incredible collection on display, including both foreign and domestic classic cars. They even have some beautifully restored Model A vehicles. The Four States Auto Museum also has vintage signs and some antique neon too. Every year in the spring they have car show that’s great for families and people of all ages. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for events.

See a Champion Magnolia tree.

Have you ever heard of a champion tree? These incredible trees are biggest and best representatives of the species. Did you know that there is one in Texarkana, Arkansas? For our champion tree, it’s the largest Southern Magnolia because if has the largest girth. The gorgeous tree is located at 46th Street and County Avenue and it’s marked with a plague out front.

Artspark and the Art Wall at TRAHC.

Another really unique thing to do in Texarkana is to head downtown to the Regional Arts Center. A park just to the east of the building has been designated an art park. The park is a large green space that’s filled with local art and sculptures as well as a giant art wall. You’t miss it. The Art Wall is a community art project that is changed out seasonally. Art representing seasons or philanthropic causes are painted by local elementary students or summer art camp students. Make sure you follow the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council on Facebook to hear about those art camps.

Murals at Kress Gap.

Do you love murals? So do we. Luckily downtown Texarkana has tons of them! There is a parking lot where a building was torn down that’s been redeveloped to a gathering place called Kress Gap. It has multiple large scale murals from several different artists. They’re all great photo ops. The space is especially beautiful at night when the overhead lights are on. A tip: try a jumping photo in front of the alien spaceship for a super fun photo to share. Kress Gap is located here. Another tip: there are amazing murals all over Texarkana. Don’t miss the brand new Otis Williams mural right across from the Perot Theater.

See an art tractor.

If quirky art installations are your thing, you won’t want to miss this. Just out front of the Regional History Museum downtown is an art tractor. What’s that? It’s just like it sounds. This 1953 Super H Farmwall antique tractor is covered in bits and baubles that represent Arkansas on one side and Texas on the other. Created by artist Barbara Dybala, it was installed as part of the 2023 sequiscentennial celebrations in Texarkana. It’s there permanently so you can visit it anytime. Stop in and browse the history museum while you’re there!

Ride a pump track.

Another fun and unique thing to do in Texarkana that is the new is the pump track at Bringle Lake East. A pump track is a somewhat circular course that has jumps and ramps and is meant for bicycles. Scooters can work too. Remember, no motorized vehicles on the pump track. Read the park sign next to the track for more rules and tips and wear your helmet!

Supporting local.

Here at ArklaTex Adventures we love supporting local and small business however we can. If there is a business, activity, or unique thing to do in Texarkana that I’ve missed please let me know! Thanks for reading and happy adventuring.