Itinerary to Visit Dallas's Best Hidden Gems

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame

For a glimpse into one of the world’s most popular pastimes, make your way to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington. With over 40,000 square feet of exhibits, this destination celebrates the rich history and cultural impact of bowling around the globe. Peruse the Bowling Memorabilia Gallery featuring iconic bowling artifacts and learn about superstar bowlers in the Hall of Fame Gallery. Bring your group for a fun and educational experience, then head to the on-site bowling center for some friendly competition on the lanes.

Address: 121 E. Sherrod Ave, Arlington, TX 76011

Phone: (817) 385-8215

Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive Sculptures

Right in the heart of downtown Dallas you’ll find an unexpected sight – a cattle drive frozen in bronze. Pioneer Plaza features larger-than-life longhorn steers and horseback cowboys sculpted by Robert Summers. Walk among the detailed statues and feel like you’ve been transported back to the old west. It’s a perfect photo op for your group and a can’t-miss hidden gem when exploring downtown Dallas.

Location: Young St. between Akard, Lamar, and Griffin St.

Phone: 214-670-3613

Trees of the World

For a peaceful nature walk just minutes from downtown, visit the Dallas Arboretum’s Trees of the World exhibit. This 3-acre garden features over 100 species of trees from around the globe, providing shade, beauty, and intrigue. Wind through paths bordered by exotic magnolias, stunning cherry trees, sculptural bonsai, and other unique trees and plants. It’s a hidden tropical oasis perfect for meandering strolls with your group.

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Phone: 214-515-6615

White Rock Pump Track

Adventurous groups will love this pay-to-play bike park tucked away inside White Rock Lake Park. The White Rock Pump Track features a series of dirt mounds, banked turns, and small jumps perfect for cyclists to test their skills. Bring your own bike and safety gear or rent everything needed on-site. Then let the friendly competition begin as your group tries to master this hidden gem.

Address: 8300 East Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75218

Phone: 214-670-7570

Dallas Pinball Museum

For a truly unique experience, bring your group to the Dallas Pinball Museum, home to a collection of over 60 vintage pinball machines. This retro gamer’s paradise allows you to step back in time and play pinball games dating from the 1940s to the 1990s. With machines like Elvira and the Party Monsters and Star Wars Episode 1, your group could spend hours immersed in pinball fun at this quirky hidden gem.

Address: 10220 E Northwest Hwy STE 100, Dallas, TX 75238

Phone: 469-567-6825

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Escape the concrete jungle and find serenity at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Architect Philip Johnson designed this urban park, featuring three unique water features: the aerating pool, the quiet pool, and the active pool. Let the tranquil sound of cascading water relax your group as you explore the contemporary concrete landscapes. It’s a hidden oasis perfect for photo ops and admiring a superb architectural achievement.

Address: 1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Phone: 817-392-7111

Dallas Arboretum Rosine Hall Mirrors

Within the sprawling Dallas Arboretum, you’ll find a surreal hidden gem – Rosine Hall’s Mirrors. This unusual attraction located inside a historic mansion features floor to ceiling mirrors positioned across from one another, creating infinite reflections. The dazzling effect is perfect for striking group photos and admiring the mirrored details. After enjoying the mirrors, continue exploring the arboretum’s stunning gardens.

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Phone: 214-515-6615

Escape Reality Games

For offbeat fun with your group, visit Escape Reality Games and see if you can crack the code in time. These interactive “escape rooms” challenge your communication, logic and teamwork by locking you inside themed rooms. Work together to find clues and solve puzzles before time runs out. With mysteries like “The Heist” and “Maze of Mayhem,” it’s an exhilarating hidden gem your group won’t want to miss.

Address: 1241 W Campbell Rd #140, Richardson, TX 75080

Phone: 469-619-4939

Dallas Heritage Village

Step back in time at Dallas Heritage Village, an immersive living history museum sprawling across 13 acres. Tour a collection of historic homes and buildings dating from the 1840s to the early 1900s that have been lovingly preserved and restored. Costumed interpreters bring the eras to life while you explore the blacksmith shop, farmstead, train depot and more. It’s a hidden gem that vividly showcases Dallas history.

Address: 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215

Phone: 214-421-5141

Alexandre Hogue Gallery at the University of North Texas

On the University of North Texas campus in Denton, you’ll find a real artistic treasure – the Alexandre Hogue Gallery. Dedicated to the works of Dallas artist Alexandre Hogue, this gallery features a rotating exhibition of his Eroded Series paintings depicting the Dust Bowl era. Wander the gallery taking in Hogue’s impactful depictions of the Southwest, then admire works by other influential Texan artists.

Address: 1155 Union Circle #305100, Denton, TX 76203

Phone: 940-565-4001

Trinity River Audubon Center

Nature lovers will relish this hidden gem nestled along the Trinity River. The Trinity River Audubon Center’s 120 acres of wetlands and bottomland forest provide serene walking trails and excellent bird watching opportunities. Your group can check out the interactive exhibits inside focused on conservation and even rent binoculars and field guides as you explore. It’s a wonderful wilderness escape just minutes from downtown.

Address: 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217

Phone: 214-309-5310

Cloud 9 Charters

For an only-in-Texas experience, book your group on Cloud 9 Charters’ Longhorn Cattle Drive. You’ll saddle up and help drive a herd of Texas longhorns through wide open pastures and across the Trinity River while cowboys share stories about life on the range. After working up an appetite, enjoy a chuckwagon lunch around the campfire. It’s a one-of-a-kind Texas adventure.

Address: 591 Pratt Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028

Phone: 972-874-4328

Sparks! Old City Park

At this living history museum in Mesquite, experience hands-on exhibits and historic buildings that recreate 1880s-era Dallas. Help operate an old printing press, try ice cream churning, and visit the blacksmith shop and apothecary. Costumed interpreters engage your group with stories, crafts and games. It’s an immersive experience perfect for kids and kids at heart.