White Rock Lake sprawls over 1,015 acres (410.75 hectares). It boasts picturesque picnic spots and recreational areas that provide great respite from city life. Numerous waterfront trails are popular among local hikers and bikers as well as those visiting Dallas. A complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. The adventurous can indulge in an array of outdoor activities on offer like fishing, sailing and, horseback riding. Bird enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the area attracts beautiful, exotic species. The panorama of verdant landscapes that enclose calm waters is the very definition of tranquility.
The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre (146-hectare) preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.
This historic site sprawls over 227 acres (918,636 square meters) and has one of the nation's largest collections of Art Deco buildings. Built in 1936, Fair Park is registered as a National Historic Landmark. It was built by the WPA to house the Texas Centennial Exposition, celebrating Texas' independence from Mexico. It boasts an inspiring list of museums including the African American Museum, Age of Steam Railroad Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, Music Hall At Fair Park, Dallas Aquarium and Dallas Horticulture Center. You will also find concerts at the outdoor Coca Cola Starplex, college football in the Cotton Bowl, and the annual State Fair of Texas. The Visitor Center shows a 10-minute film about the park and offers walking tours by appointment.
Dallas Zoo encompasses 106-acres (42 hectares) of exotic and traditional zoo animals. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by one of the tallest statues in Texas - a 67.5 foot (20.5 meters) giraffe. The Wilds of Africa attraction includes the chimpanzee forest, the gorilla center and an aviary on a quarter-mile nature trail where six natural habitats are featured: forest, mountain, woodland, river, desert and brush. A 20-minute monorail ride runs the course of the attraction and costs an additional fee. The ZooNorth attraction includes a bird and reptile building, children's zoo with touchable animals, cheetah exhibit, elephants, giraffes, flamingos and other traditional animals.
The Nasher Sculpture Center on Flora Street is a significant landmark in Dallas. The gallery, designed by Renzo Plano, displays works by Rodin and Picasso. This monumental structure with glass ceilings is bordered by a beautiful garden. The works are just as striking as the building itself. Rodin's Eve is an excellent example of how a simple subject can be sculpted beautifully. Picasso's elegant sculpture, Fleurs dans un vase, uses a mix of materials and will mesmerize you.
This is a permanent exhibition of the tragic events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza opened in 1989 and is located in the Dallas County Administration Building (initially named Texas School Book Depository), the site from where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot the President. Displays include a moving overview of the time period and the life and accomplishments of the 35th President of the United States. Enlarged police photographs, news footage and audio tools allow visitors to learn about the tragic events of November 22, 1963.
While shopping the gallery district in Dallas, be sure to stop at Roughton Gallery and indulge your passion for fine 19th and 20th century paintings. Located just north of downtown Dallas, Roughton Gallery offers a wide selection of quality paintings including the works of Louis Aston Knight and Hovsep Pushman. The gallery was founded more than 60 years ago and has a satellite showroom in Los Angeles. Other services include appraisals, framing and installation.
Promoters of Texan culture, Adobe Western Art Gallery features a collection of traditional and contemporary western art. Aimed at putting local art and artists on the map, this gallery features a host of artistic depictions of historically and culturally relevant moments of the state, as well as a number of abstract creations. From paintings and sculptures to the occasional furniture collection, most of the art work on display here are created by artists from the state.
Serving Dallas since 1857, this Episcopal Cathedral Church is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. The church, along with being an important place for worship, is also a recognized historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. Interesting architectural and artistic features of the church include the 19th-century stained glass windows, most notably the Nativity scene, and the collection of Victorian-era paintings.
The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre (146-hectare) preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.
Located in South Dallas, the Cultural Center displays African American art. The Center offers art classes and hosts a regular Marketplace, where original works of art are sold. It also has a theater facility as well as a gym where you can enjoy live jazz. Featuring a black box theater, a visual arts gallery and even studios for dance, the center's aim is encouraging creativity. Apart from artistic endeavors, a full service digital recording studio provides interested individuals with engaging programs in digital recording technology. However, creating an awareness of art of the African Diaspora seems to be the central focus of this place.