22 Fun And Interesting Things to Do in Marshall, TX
Roughly 150 miles east of Dallas and 40 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana, Marshall is closer to the capitals of Arkansas and Mississippi. The city of Marshall has a history that stretches back to 1841. It is the county seat of Harrison County and is situated northeast of Texas. The city had a population of 23,392 people during the 2020 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.7 sq. miles of which 29.6 sq. miles are land and 0.1 sq. miles is covered with water. It is the first city in the state to create a telegraph service. Today, the city has many historical attractions and fascinating locations to explore.
With a land mass of 76.81 square kilometers, the city has lots of engaging activities for visitors and lovely sights to visit. Other places to see in the city are beautiful shopping locations and venues for fun activities.
Marshall is popular for hosting one of the biggest light festivals in the country, known as the Wonderland Lights, plus other fun festivals that you can be part of when you visit the city.
Wondering what to do in Marshall, TX? Check out the best things to do in Marshall, TX.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Marshall, TX?
The best time to visit Marshall, TX, will depend on your interest. Here is a tabular breakdown of what to expect from Marshall, TX, on different times of the year:
| Season | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Pleasant temperatures, wildflowers | Comfortable for outdoor activities | Can be rainy |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot and humid | Great for swimming, hiking, biking | Not ideal for those who dislike heat |
| Fall (September-November) | Comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall foliage | Many festivals and events | |
| Winter (December-February) | Mild temperatures | Fewer crowds | Can experience occasional freezing rain |
1. Cypress Valley RV Park
Address: 8838 US-59, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Of all the attractions to check out in the city of Marshall, one interesting place not to miss out on when you visit is Cypress Valley RV Park.
Cypress Valley RV Park is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors. You can easily locate the park beside U.S. Highway 59 and choose to spend even up to a month.
Different facilities are available here to provide you with a fascinating camping experience and activities that will pique your interest.
No matter the occasion, whether you choose to play a board game at their lodge or try your hands on fishing, the Cypress Valley RV Park has got you covered. They also have an amazing staff.
If you are interested in nature, camping, or both, visiting Cypress Valley RV Park should make up your list of the top things to do in Marshall, TX.
2. City Park
Address: 615 Valleloma St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 10pm
City Park is a wonderful place to visit, especially with your children. It is a top-tier family-friendly destination north of Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center.
The kids can have a great time playing in the open playground. The Park features a lighted ball field, two volleyball courts, four half-court basketball courts, and three sheltered pavilions.
In addition to these facilities, the City Park also has a large play structure, one quarter-mile walking path, restrooms, and others.
The Park occupies a land area of approximately 17 acres. It is an ideal place to have great fun with friends and family.
3. Blissmoor Valley Ranch Company Store
Address: 208 N Washington Ave, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Visit the Blissmoor Valley Ranch Company Store and check out the numerous unique items available if you are an antique lover.
The store contains a wide selection of unique items, from antique pieces to home decor, antique treasures, and accessories.
Whenever you are done shopping for these products, you can have a taste of their great selection of sweets at the Blissmoor Valley Ranch Company Store.
You can enjoy their handcrafted fudge, ice cream, and many more. There are also snacks and soda for you to enjoy at the store. If you want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Marshall, then the Blissmoor Valley Ranch Company might be the right choice.
4. Harvest Festival
Address: Marshall, TX, United States
Partaking in the Harvest Festival is one of the fun things to do in Marshall, TX. It is a popular event that is open to everyone and an ideal way to make your fall season pleasurable.
The Harvest festival celebrates the Halloween Season, which occurs around October. The festival features many activities and attractions, including hayrides, a petting zoo, and face painting.
You would see children engaging in trick or treating and having a great time with the various on-site facilities, like the bounce house.
The Harvest Festival is held in the downtown area of Marshall. It is carried out for just one day. If you have your vacation around this time, do well to be part of this incredible event.
5. Harrison County Historical Museum
Address: 1 Peter Whetstone Square, Marshall, TX 75671, United States
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 4pm | Saturday: 11am – 2pm
You can learn more about the history of this city by visiting the Harrison County Historical Museum. It is one of the top things to do in Marshall, TX, especially for history lovers and historians.
There are two venues for the Harrison County Historical Museum where you can get all the information you need about Marshall.
You can find the exhibits showcased at East Houston and Peter Whetstone Square. It does not matter the exhibit you choose to check out, as you can get all the necessary information about the county’s history and the history of veterans from this area.
The Harrison County Historical Museum also organizes educational and volunteer programs, which are open to everyone.
6. Panola Orchard & Gardens
Address: 1413, De Berry, TX 75639, United States
The city of Marshall features different locations and places you would love to check out. However, there are places just close by where you can enjoy various fun activities.
And just one place to enjoy this many fun activities is the Panola Orchard & Gardens in De Berry, Texas. The farm is roughly 27 minutes from Marshall. It has many activities for visitors depending on the season they visit.
The ideal season to visit is summer and spring, when you enjoy fresh fruits. Besides collecting fresh berries, visitors can see the fresh farm and frozen fruit that are up for grabs.
The farm also has a great selection of locally crafted products and snacks. They have an excellent staff, and the entire place is clean and well-maintained.
7. Lion’s Park
Address: 1201-1399 Louisiana St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 10pm
The Lion’s Park is an ideal destination for the entire family. It features many things to do that will pique your interest and that of everyone you come with.
The Park occupies a landmass of seven acres, providing you with a mole space and many facilities to make your stay in the park worthwhile and fun.
Things to find in the park include a baseball diamond, a baseball court, a small concrete bridge across a water creek, and several pavilions. It is a great spot for the kids to have a nice time.
In addition, it also has four swing sets, three picnic tables, one monkey set bar, and the Lions community center. It has great staff as well. Exploring this Park should be on your list of fun things to do in Marshall, TX.
8. Cajun Tex
Address: 104 W Grand Ave, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Cajun Tex has a fascinating history behind it. This family-owned and managed restaurant has been operating for over 12 years. It is also a favorite spot amongst the locals in this area.
Both owners have been part of this restaurant since they were teenagers. They are passionate about serving people delicious meals in their family-friendly setting.
The restaurant provides its guests with different foods, from Cajun cuisine to seafood, etouffee, gumbo, Peabody, and more, especially Texas Cuisine; chicken fried steak, bbq, steak, and lots more.
You can also try out their gator votes, Cajun chicken and waffles, beignets, and many more. So if you’re looking for what to do in Marshall, TX, don’t hesitate to visit Cajun Tex and give your taste buds a memorable treat.
9. East Texas Baptist University
Address: One Tiger Dr, Marshall, TX 75670, USA
East Texas Baptist University is a private Baptist University affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Southern Baptist Convention).
The university, also called the ETBU, was established in 1912 as a College of Marshall after efforts were put in place to produce a Southern Baptist college in East Texas.
In 1916, the university’s first building, known as Marshall Hall, was fully completed. It accommodates a chapel/theatre, library, gymnasium, classrooms, and offices.
The next year 1917, the College of Marshall began academic activities as a two-year junior college. The college was expanded during the time of President Frank Shelby Groner, the then-college President, from 1928 to 1942.
You can tour the campus and visit the many beautiful structures and sights.
10. Memorial City Hall
Address: 110 E Houston St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Memorial City Hall is the best place to see art performances in Marshall, TX.
The Memorial City Hall was made available for use in the year 1927, showcasing varieties of art performances from shows, information talks, and concerts. Apart from bringing a hub for art performances, this venue is also a conference center where different events are held.
The Memorial City Mall also carries out exhibitions by the local museum showcasing the history of the veterans from this area.
11. Market on the Square
Address: 1 Peter Whetstone Square, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Saturday: 7am – 12am
If you plan to visit the city of Marshall towards the end of May, then do well to visit the Market on the Square.
Market on the Square is an indigenous farmer’s market situated in the city’s downtown area. It opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
You will be able to find different vendors, each selling their unique farm products, which include honey, fresh jams, different locally crafted items, and other farm products.
You might also want to look at their great selection of free books, live performances, and other happenings in the market. The Market on the Square should be a must-see if you want to sample different market products and events.
12. Ginkgo Leaf Gallery
Address: 212 N Washington Ave, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
If you are an art enthusiast, one of the best places to visit in Marshall, TX, is the Gingko Leaf Gallery.
Visit this prime art gallery that houses various fascinating crafts and arts of Louisiana and East Texas artists.
The gallery is situated in the iconic Elks Lodge building. Works of artists in East Texas and outlying areas are displayed in the gallery.
The artworks are in different mediums such as metal sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, paintings, pottery, pottery realism, and abstract. You can also be part of their workshops, classes, and demonstrations.
13. Bear Creek Smokehouse
Address: 10857 TX-154, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
The Bear Creek Smokehouse is a primary attraction in Marshall and an ideal place to visit if you want to feel what the local food scene seems like in this area.
The Bear Creek Smokehouse has been functioning since 1943. It is surrounded by the State Highway. It is chiefly focused on smoked meats and provides visitors with various products.
Besides the varieties of meat products and smoked meats, the Bear Creek Smokehouse features soups, sweets, jarred goods, and many more.
You can also make purchases of retail products and a cookbook. You can opt in for a barbecue as well. There are lots of food products to make when you visit.
14. Sisters Art & Vintage
Address: 1902 E Travis St, Marshall, TX 75672, United States
Sisters Art & Vintage is an art gallery that consists of a comprehensive art collection. It has collectibles and artistic treasures dating back to the 18th century and present-day pieces.
There are also over a hundred original art and print items, various types of vintage products, and beautiful frames.
Sisters Art & Vintage is available for all and sundry, especially on Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm. They can change the time and day to fit in with your schedule; all you need to do is to call them.
This destination is an excellent place for vintage art lovers; their pieces are so unique and well-stocked that you can easily browse through them, so make sure to drop by during your tour for a fascinating shopping experience.
15. Martinez Pottery
Address: 183 N Marshall Industrial Ave, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm
The Martinez Pottery is one ideal place to visit if you are interested in pottery.
Martinez Pottery is a family-owned and run establishment showcasing handmade pottery varieties that come in several designs.
It creates over a thousand pottery items daily, providing guests with various pieces to meet their needs.
It does not matter what you have in mind to purchase; Martinez Pottery has a large selection of items that you can choose from. You will be able to see new sets of bowls or plates as well.
16. Infield Downtown
Address: 315 N. Washington Marshall, TX 75670, U.S.
Despite being exclusive to its members, Infield downtown is a primary location to check out if you are a baseball or softball fan.
If you love sports, Infield Downtown is a must-see destination for you. It has a large space for these sports activities.
This sports facility covers over 6,500 square feet and is next to North Washington. Infield Downtown features different batting cages and other facilities for use by members.
It also features a lounge space where guests can chill out and enjoy snacks before continuing their game. Make sure to stop by during your visit to experience sports life in the city.
17. Joe Pine Coffee
Address: 207 N Washington Ave, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7am – 9pm
Two native families own and carry out the smooth operation of this Joe Pine Coffee. It is a unique coffee shop that serves the area with great quality cups of coffee.
Their customers’ satisfaction is of great importance to them. They achieve this through their wonderful and well-prepared tasty coffee.
They also serve handcrafted shrubs for lattes and handcrafted pastries. They are situated in downtown Marshall’s central area, making it easily accessible while you tour the town. You can begin your morning by visiting this Joe Pine Coffee to taste their delicious coffee.
18. Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum/Depot
Address: 800 North Washington Street Suite 2, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 10am – 3pm | Saturday: 11am – 3pm
Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum/Depot
If you are a fan of history or a historian, one of the best places to visit in Marshall, TX, is the Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum/Depot.
From all of the several historical attractions that are located in the city, the Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum/Depot is one place you sure would like to explore.
This attraction is what is left in the T&P Railway yards. At one time, the Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum/Depot was an asylum for World War I and II soldiers and a location for immigration offices and telegraph.
Visitors can easily spot the depot as it has a big red building next to the North Washington area. You can easily get to the museum through a tunnel beneath the Amtrak line and the Ginocchio National Historic District.
Things to find include different train-related artifacts, such as a model train and an original passenger train artifact.
19. Michelson Museum of Art
Address: 216 N Bolivar St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 4pm | Saturday: 10am – 1pm
If you are an art enthusiast, an ideal way to begin your adventure in Marshall, TX, is to check out the incredible art pieces at the Michelson Museum of Art.
The Museum is home to varieties of artworks done by several artists. Just like its name, this museum showcases different art pieces by Leo Michelson.
Michelson Museum of Art was created in 1985 and, over the years, has received the artworks of different artists to be included in its collection.
You will see the works of Ramona Ward and Bernard Kronenberg, and at whatever month of the year you visit, you will see several exhibitions and different art forms from distinctive artists.
The museum also organizes summer programs to add to your experience. The museum is perched inside the Southwestern Bell Telephone Building in the North Bolivar area.
20. Starr Family Home State Historic Site
Address: 407 W Travis St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Starr Family Home State Historic Site is among the historical attractions in the city of Marshall.
You can tour this Starr Family Home State Historic Site by going to West Travis Street. This place has a history stretching back to the 1870s, and in 1986 it was recognized as a historical marker in this area.
The building is about 3.1 acres of land, with two stories and varieties of artifacts housed inside.
Most artifacts here are clothing, old home decor, and other items. Some of the items to find here have a history from the 1800s and showcase the life of a family of four generations.
21. Wonderland of Lights
Address: 600 Martin Lake Road, Marshall. TX 75670, United States
Wonderland of Lights is one of the best Christmas Lighting events. You would not want to miss out on it during your trip.
The festival is held for a month and has been happening for about 40 years, showcasing millions of lights that light up the Historic Harrison Courthouse in downtown Marshall.
There are many things to do during this festival and many sights to feed your eyes on. The various fascinating things to check out during this festival are the car show, Santa village, and parade.
You can also be part of activities such as train rides, ice rinks, carriage rides, and other entertainment at the festival. If you want to give your family a memorable and magical holiday experience, the Wonderland of Lights has got you covered.
22. Karma Farms
Address: 7925 US-59, Marshall, TX 75670, United States
Opening Hours; Monday – Sunday: 1:30 – 7pm
Among the best things to do in Marshall, TX, is to visit Karma Farms if you have a keen interest in and love horses.
Karma Farms is a breeding farm and horse riding venue. The game chiefly has Colonial Spanish horses and is focused on preserving this particular breed of horses.
The farm also provides horse riding programs for visitors who would like to be part of it. Karma Farms occupies 150 acres. If you would love to be part of any of their riding sessions, you have to make a reservation via a phone call.
Karma Farms is the ideal place to visit if you want a unique horse riding experience. Their staff are super, super friendly, and knowledgeable about horses.
Want to know more? Also read: 23 Insanely Captivating Things To Do In Marianna, FL
