Location: Gainesville
Top Things to do in Gainesville
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Top 9 Things to do in Gainesville, United States
Gainesville is a city in and the county seat of Cooke County, Texas, United States. The population was 16,002 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Texoma region.
Restaurants in Gainesville
1. Frank Buck Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Discover Frank Buck Zoo for a one of a kind family experience. Located in 85-acre tree filled Leonard Park which offers picnic tables, two covered pavilions, a sprawling community playground, Leonard Park Aquatic Center (seasonal), and miniature train ride (seasonal). An ideal value priced day trip destination for families and youth organizations. Discounted admission available for school groups. Located right in the heart of Gainesville, Texas, the Frank Buck Zoo has been serving the children, schools and citizens of North Central Texas and Southern Oklahoma for over 50 years. Over 75,000 guests visit the Frank Buck Zoo annually. In March of 2008 the Frank Buck Zoo became home to the World's Only Frank Buck Exhibit when Frank's daughter Barbara Buck befriended the zoo staff and donated items that belonged to her father. Resulting in a fascinating collection of camp tools used to capture animals and media memorabilia from the 1930, 1940, & 1950's. Be sure to plan your zoo arrival in time to experience the 10:30am daily public giraffe feeding. Experience a "giraffe's eye-view" of the African Savannah exhibit from an elevated walkway, the exhibit is home to eight different species of animals. Pause to take in the view at the African Outpost overlooking the water hole. Be sure to have quarters on hand so little ones can feed the friendly goats.
Reviewed By GhostTX - Sherman, Texas
My first time here, and I and the family enjoyed it. We went on a Tuesday, and it was rather cool and cloudy. Due to that, besides the zoo staff, we were the only ones there. I liked the layout, and they had a fair amount of animals. Not all the displays were "natural habitat", but everything looked cleaned and well maintained. I enjoyed the Cheetah exhibit, as we were a scant 10' from the cats, which was closer than I've ever seen them. Same for the Coyotes. The big highlight for me, was the Boardwalk. We came in the opposite was of the intended flow of it, so you walked up the ramp and *BAM* there it is: a WIDE open area of African animal goodness. I was impressed with the several acres of open space for the giraffes, ostriches, zebra and ibex(?). Having the camel and donkey tucked away in the same space, was nice, too. Overall, we really enjoyed it. Being by ourselves, and taking our time, reading a lot of the informational signs and watching the animals that held our interest, it only took us hour and a half to walk the whole zoo. Despite the relative cold, most of the animals were out and active. My only complaints were some exhibits being worked on, so we couldn't see those animals, and some of the informational signs need to be replaced/redone.
Overall, for a nice zoo and not necessarily an all day affair, this is a great place to visit.
2. Saint Peter Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Charrie S - Ardmore, Oklahoma
My husband and I stopped here on our way to Muenster and were pleasantly surprised at such a massive, uniquely ornate cathedral in the middle of a little bitty town. It's right off highway 82 so it's easy to find. It was built in 1918 and recently had the inside completely repainted, quite a massive project which took two years!
When we arrived on a Friday afternoon no one was there except the maintenance man Leon who was kind enough to give us a tour and tell us the history. It's open from around 7am to sunset seven days a week. He also said many bus tours stop here and weddings from as far away as Dallas take place here. I can see why. It's a gorgeous church on the register for historical buildings and definitely worth stopping.
3. Amelia's Attic Antique Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By texasrepublichistory - Dallas, TX
Amelia's Attic is a great stop on the courthouse square in Gainesville. It is a large building, filled with booth after booth of antiques and collectables, I saw everything from toys and comic books to tools and furniture. I had a great time exploring and look forward to bring other family members for a shopping trip.
4. Lavender Ridge Farms
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Mommiegirl2 - Keller, Texas
Great Day trip! Walk thrust the gardens and enjoy the butterflies as they flutter around. Small lavender fields to enjoy. Gift shop has all natural made soaps, lotions and oils. Eat at the café and enjoy the lavender lemonade, lavender brownies and the lavender chicken salad.
A nice surprise was the birds and the lemurs that are on the property.
Nice drive down a two lane road to this little gem.
Admission and parking is free.
5. Leonard Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Patti4 - Texas
Took my 3 grandsons (12,10,and 5) to the aquatic center for the day. They absolutely loved the pool, slides, diving boards, basketball goals, and climbing wall. At $5 each, we had a great day at a great value! We will return!
6. Morton Museum of Cooke County
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By texasrepublichistory - Dallas, TX
The Morton Museum is located in a historic fire station building near the courthouse square. The exhibits in the main room rotate over time and the current exhibit covering the historic churches of Cooke County and their beautiful stained-glass windows was well-done and very interesting. I also enjoyed the exhibit describing the historic building and fire station, and the local Medal of Honor recipients. Friendly staff and volunteers are there for any questions. Nice little gift shop.
7. Wiese's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Frankredbeard - Gainesville, Texas
Pricing on the hog side. Replaced awatch band and cost over $25.00 when the bandcost just $15. Insatllation was too high.
8. Broadway Exchange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Charming Antique Shop in Historic Downtown Gainesville (2 blocks north of the Courthouse). Featuring 20 quality dealers and 5,000 s.f. of great and affordable finds. Offering an eclectic selection of antiques, primitives, vintage, collectibles, furniture, home decor, art, jewelry, books, gifts and more! Open Tues-Fri 10:30-5. Sat 10-4:30
Reviewed By Pat H
While looking for something to do while staying at WinStar casino, we can't play slots all day, we came across this quaint shop. They had lots of neat items and we were thrilled to come across Shawnee Corn items to add to our collection. The clerk was super friendly and even called the dealer to answer a question we had. We will stop by again next time we come this way. A great place to visit!
9. Just Kiddies
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Handmade Designs with high quality and low quantity for Infants, Toddler, Kids and also Handbags, Jewelry and Gifts for Adults. Everything is handmade in Texas or Germany.If you are looking for some gifts, you are at the right place... we have cute Baby-Shower and Bridal-Shower gifts and a lot of unique items.Owner, Manuela Reimann, is a Native German... living in Hawaii since 2015.
Reviewed By GaryTracySr - Whitesboro, Texas
Considering the size and advertising of Winstar. The event center appears small and crowded. Lots of popular stars appear on stage and do good shows. Just as not as elaborate inside and stage is rather small.
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