Discover Tyler

Tyler combines the history of rose cultivation with architecture, art, railroad and local history, as well as opportunities to spend time outdoors. When planning your trip, you can choose from gardens and museums, trails of varying lengths, and nature- or science-focused experiences. These different themes give you more than one possible focus for your stay in Tyler.

Rose History, Art, and Architecture

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The rose theme also includes the Tyler Rose Museum, which preserves the history of rose cultivation in Tyler through memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and elaborate costumes from past Texas Rose Festivals. The Tyler Rose Museum also offers outdoor learning and play areas.

The Azalea District showcases architecture and homes from the early to mid-20th century. It is Tyler’s largest contiguous collection of homes from the early to mid-20th century and is divided into 36 recognized areas. These areas feature a range of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Craftsman, Classical Revival, Ranch, and International Style. For architecture enthusiasts, what sets the district apart is that it does not focus on just one style.

The Goodman Museum displays original furnishings, photographs, and memorabilia dating from the mid-19th century onward. The Tyler Museum of Art offers a different focus: its permanent collection tells the story of the development of a growing and vibrant institution that has fostered the community’s interest in fine art since opening in 1971. This places objects from a specific historical period alongside the history of an art institution.

Railroad and Local History

The Cotton Belt Depot Museum is located in the Cotton Belt Depot, which served railroad travelers from 1905 to 1956. The museum provides the public with a place to learn about the history of the railroad industry.

Camp Ford Historic Park is associated with the largest Confederate prisoner-of-war camp west of the Mississippi. The park includes a kiosk, a paved trail, and informational signs along the trail.

Trails and Time Outdoors

The trails also offer a clear comparison of their lengths: the nature trails at Faulkner Park cover nine miles; the Rose Rudman Trail is 1.2 miles long. It is a concrete path for jogging, walking, cycling, and inline skating.

The Rose Rudman Trail also has shaded picnic areas beneath tall trees, as well as places to relax and read.

Animals and Hands-On Exploring

The Caldwell Zoo is home to more than 3,000 individual animals representing over 200 species. Many of these species are endangered or threatened in the wild. Each habitat is specially designed to provide its residents with a safe and comfortable home.

Discovery Science Place has three exhibit halls where children of all ages can move around and explore freely. Visitors can watch bats in a bat cave and examine the bones of Big Ethel, a Triceratops dinosaur.

Discover more destinations: Whitehouse, Lindale, Hideaway.

For the broader travel overview: Smith.