Best Things To Do In Terrific Tyler, Texas

things to do in tyler texas
Mike
Mike 
Updated
| 4 min read

Tyler, Texas welcomes you with open arms and hopes that you bring your sense of smell with you. Otherwise known as ‘The Rose Capital Of America,’ you should visit the Tyler Rose Garden as soon as you arrive. Tyler is known nationwide for its exceptional rose production and the Tyler Rose Garden has been a symbol of northeast Texas since the turn of the century. Here are some activities that are especially desirable for the entire family while you’re visiting terrific Tyler, Texas.

1. Chamblee’s Rose Nursery

Chamblee Rose Garden, Tyler, TX IMG 0450
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Chamblee’s Rose Nursery is one of the most well-known businesses in Tyler. Mr. Mark Chamblee has managed and operated the nursery since 1973 and he and his wife have nurtured approximately 200+ species of roses for visitors to see, admire, and purchase.

Chamblee’s Rose Nursery

Address: 10926 US HWY 69 N, 75706 Tyler, Texas

Website: Chamblee’s Rose Nursery

Visited this place?

2. Lake Tyler

Tyler state park tx
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Larry D. Moore used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Tyler is a combination of 2 lakes joined by a canal - Lake Tyler East and Lake Tyler West. Located east of Tyler, Texas, Lake Tyler provides the drinking water for the city and it is also a significant recreation area. The favorite recreational venues are swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, and camping at Camp Tyler, a favorite of all travelers and visitors. Exclusive family fun on clear, glassy smooth Lake Tyler.

Lake Tyler

Website: Lake Tyler

Visited this place?

3. Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial Museum

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum August 2018 14 (Douglas AD-5 Skyraider)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (HAMM) is located at the Tyler Airport. It is a huge aeronautics museum at the airport’s old terminal that is not being used today. The museum includes a multimedia theater, a souvenir shop, a library, provides a variation of informative programs, and what makes it a must-visit is the large variety of military aircrafts on display.

Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial Museum

Address: 150 Airport Dr # 2-7, Tyler, Texas

Website: Historic Aviation Memorial Museum

Visited this place?

4. Discovery Science Place

Tyler May 2016 19 (Discovery Science Place)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

At Discovery Science Place, the activity center puts the world of science in children’s terms. The learning is all about hands-on, entertaining displays that inspire creative amusement and interaction with other kids. Some of the unique exhibits include the ‘Dino Dog Pit’; imagine the excitement of your child uncovering a fossil, or 'The Cave’, which is a reproduction of a cavern; even a replication of an earthquake. This is a center that teaches children and their parents about all different aspects of science.

Discovery Science Place

Address: 308 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler, Texas

Website: Discovery Science Place

Visited this place?

5. The Children’s Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Children’s Park of Tyler is an attraction that rejoices the lives of all children and their accompanying grown-ups. Located in the beautiful eastern part of the State of Texas. It is a unique park that provides occasions for both participation in outdoor play and quiet reflection. The children will also be amazed as they are given an opportunity to engrave their names along the sidewalk. We want to welcome you! We’re so glad you’ve decided to visit!

The Children's Park of Tyler

Address: 110 E Dobbs St, Tyler, Texas

Website: The Children’s Park of Tyler

Visited this place?

6. The Center for Earth and Space Science Education

Tyler Junior College May 2016 29 (Center for Earth & Space Science Education)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) designs and manages federal programs with a focus on earth and space. These programs address engineering, mathematics, technology, and science as a continuing legacy of America’s leadership on the frontiers of science and technology. The center is a learning attraction that welcomes the young, the middle-aged, and the elderly as the center is on a mission to show there are no borders for the story of our existence. Oh! By the way, when you visit don’t forget to take your first simulated trip to the ‘final frontier.’

The Center for Earth and Space Science Education

Address: 1411 E Lake St, 75701 Tyler, Texas

Website: The Center for Earth and Space Science Education

Visited this place?

7. American Freedom Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Do you know the crucial wartime moments in our country’s history? When you come to Tyler, the American Freedom Museum answers all your questions by providing you with the history of the American experience; from the slopes and lowlands of the American Revolution to the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan, you will discover the voyage of our nation’s military who have bravely and gallantly sacrificed to allow us the many freedoms that we enjoy today. The museum is dedicated to honoring American veterans and present military personnel for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation free. The museum also aspires to enlighten this and future generations about our rich legacy and inspire others to accomplish excellence. This is America’s story. Are you ready to tell your story after your visit?

American Freedom Museum

Address: 1051 N Houston St, Bullard, Texas

Website: American Freedom Museum

Visited this place?

8. Tyler Museum of Art

Tyler Junior College May 2016 05 (Tyler Museum of Art)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on the property of the Tyler Junior College, it was opened in 1971. The two-story museum has three galleries in the structure, a 1,000 square foot (93 m2) gallery, and two larger 2,000 square feet (190 m2) galleries. Since the opening, the museum has collected over 1,500 works for its permanent exhibit. The museum sponsors the annual high school art exhibition offering encouragement to local student artists throughout the year by providing workshops, films, lectures, and tours. It is family friendly and welcoming; well worth visiting this vibrant attraction.

Tyler Museum of Art

Address: 1300 S Mahon Ave, Tyler, Texas

Website: Tyler Museum of Art

Visited this place?

9. Tyler State Park

Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dough4872 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The 985 acre (398 hectare) Tyler State Park, just north of the city of Tyler, features many historic structures,100-foot (30 m) tall trees, a 64-acre (26 ha) lake, and you can participate in many other recreational activities as well. There is an overabundance of fun activities at the park, including bird watching, swimming in the lake, hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, studying nature, picnicking, and boating. Whether you decide to drop in for an afternoon or a weekend, you will find something for everyone. This is a peaceful getaway in Northeast Texas that you will fall in love with immediately!

Tyler State Park

Address: 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, Texas

Website: Tyler State Park

Visited this place?

10. Caldwell Zoo

Entrance to Caldwell Zoo, Tyler, TX IMG 0550
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The ‘Pièce de Résistance’ of your amazing visit to Tyler, Texas. The zoo is just an amazing attraction for you and your family. Roaming the zoo’s meadows are wild turkeys, 'Texas Longhorns’, deer, and the astonishing sightings of the North American Bison. A continuing walk through the North American segment of the zoo environment will take you to a habitat of predatory birds like bald eagles, playful otters, cougars, a family of coatis, bobcats, red foxes, and ocelots. Also housed in the North America section of the zoo, are two white Asian Tigers that are brother and sister who have won the hearts of all Caldwell Zoo guests and workers. It is a continuing and unforgettable adventure that you will thoroughly enjoy.

Caldwell Zoo

Address: 2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, Texas

Website: Caldwell Zoo

Visited this place?

A jewel in the state of Texas

‘Quaint’ is probably not in the Texas vernacular but if it was, it would be a perfect description for Tyler. It is welcoming, friendly, peaceful, and nearly all of the other adjectives you can think of. Your visit will be full of attractions, as you have just seen and read about, as well as fine dining, excellent entertainment, amazing cabin rentals, and local cultural events being offered year-round.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

I retired from my work in 2011. I have many skills and qualifications that I had to continuously utilize during my employment career, including leadership, planning, organizing, decision making,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Tyler
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.