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At first glance, Texarkana might seem like just a town you pass through on your way somewhere else. It sits at the crossroads of interstates and highways, surrounded by familiar shopping centers and restaurants, making it a convenient stop for errands, dinner, a quick overnight stay or a family staycation.
But slow down just a little, especially downtown, because Texarkana tells a different story.
This is a true border city, where two states share a common cultural identity and history, music, architecture and daily family life intertwine in ways you can’t find anywhere else in Arkansas. It is a place shaped by railroads and river trade, by musicians and merchants, by courthouse politics and by community cooperation. Today, it is quietly evolving into a destination families can revisit with fresh eyes.
A Border City With Deep Roots
Texarkana is located in the southwest corner of Arkansas at the junction of Interstate 30 and several major U.S. highways. It comprises two municipalities in two different states, often operating as a single city. The name itself is a combination of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, paying homage to the region commonly known as the ArkLaTex.
Long before highways and rail lines, this land belonged to the Caddo people, drawn here by the nearby Red River. French explorers passed through in the late 1600s. Trading posts followed in the early 1700s. By the late 19th century, railroads converged here, and a town was born almost overnight.
Texarkana grew because of connections – trains met, goods moved, people arrived and stayed.
That spirit of cooperation still shapes the city today. Nowhere is it more evident than downtown, where architecture, music history, and civic pride come together in a way that feels distinctly Texarkana.
The State Line That Made History
One of Texarkana’s most fascinating landmarks sits right on State Line Avenue.
The State Line Post Office and Federal Building is the only post office in the United States situated in two states. Built in the early 1930s, the building was intentionally designed to straddle Arkansas and Texas, featuring separate ZIP codes and a photographer’s island where visitors can capture the moment they stand in both states at once.
Just steps away is the iconic courthouse, often called the second-most-photographed in the country, behind only the U.S. Supreme Court building. Texarkana has always been one city in two states, and downtown illustrates that story better than any sign or slogan ever could.
Music, Art, and a Downtown Worth Exploring
Texarkana’s cultural history runs deeper than many visitors realize.
The Arkansas Municipal Auditorium was once a stop on the Louisiana Hayride circuit. Legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins performed here, helping shape early rock and roll. Today, the auditorium, adjacent to the Walk of Fame Park, and the surrounding downtown streets invite visitors to imagine the sound of music echoing through the city’s past.
Nearby, the Texarkana Regional Arts Center, located in the old federal post office, combines historic architecture with changing exhibitions and community programs. It is a place where art and history come together, and where families can visit without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Texarkana Works for Families
Texarkana shines for families seeking meaningful experiences without complicated planning.
- Easy weekend trips and short stays
- Multi-generational fun for parents, kids and grandparents
- Indoor and outdoor options are suitable all year long
- Relaxed attractions that don’t need reservations or long waits
- Easy access via Interstate 30 from across Arkansas
It’s the kind of place where you can visit a museum in the morning, have lunch downtown, let kids play at the park in the afternoon, take a late afternoon stroll and still be home by bedtime if you’d like.
Photo taken by local photographer, Eric Ethridge.
Things to Do in Texarkana
- Spring Lake Park – Popular with local families, offering walking trails, ballfields, playgrounds, and water views with ducks and geese just off I-30.
- Bobby Ferguson Park – A newer park with open green space and trails, popular for casual outdoor activities.
- Museum of Regional History – The city’s main history museum, accessible in size and engaging for school-age children.
- Texarkana Regional Arts Center – Features art, architecture, and rotating exhibits in a historic building.
- Arkansas Municipal Auditorium – A must-visit for music fans and history enthusiasts.
- Perot Theatre – A historic performing arts venue that serves as the heart of downtown culture.
- Four States Auto Museum – An excellent stop for car enthusiasts and families curious about transportation history.
- Holiday Entertainment Center – Bowling and arcade games for traditional family fun.
- Big Dam Waterpark – A popular summer destination with water slides, cabanas and splash pads.
Places to Eat That Locals Love
- Naaman’s Championship BBQ – Casual, family-friendly barbecue that locals often recommend. Don’t miss the unique cane sugar sodas and sassy sides.
- Hopkins Icehouse – A downtown staple with a relaxed, come-as-you-are feel serving bar food and American cuisine.
- Zapata’s Mexican Grill – A popular downtown Tex-Mex spot, known for its charcoal-grilled fajitas and a menu that entices from the sidewalk.
- Fat Jack’s Oyster House – A longtime local favorite for seafood and Southern classics, popular for casual dinners and family celebrations.
- Olde Tyme Burger Shoppe – A nostalgic stop for burgers and shakes that feels like a throwback in the best way.
- Joe’s Italian Bistro – Known for New York–style pizza and Italian favorites, making it an easy win with kids and teens.
- Rieki Hibachi on Wheels – A local food truck favorite serving hibachi and sushi, adding variety and personality to the Texarkana food scene.
- Big Jake’s BBQ – Another strong barbecue option locals swear by, especially when you want hearty portions and bold flavor.
- Johnny B’s Grill – Burgers, comfort food, ice cream treats and a dedicated local crowd.
- Verona Italian Restaurant – Delicious pizza and pasta that’s perfect for families.
- Sue ‘N Carol’s Kitchen – Home cooking since 1975 and a cherished breakfast destination.
- TLC Burgers & Fries – Often regarded as one of the best burger spots in town.
- Roma Italian Restaurant – A beloved local spot with a long history of serving traditional Italian dishes.
- Three Chicks Feed, Seed & Cafe – A charming, locally owned cafe full of personality among the feed store shelves.
- Dirty Dough Cookies – Large, indulgent cookies that are a simple family treat.
- Alley Cats Coffee – served inside a historic railcar across along historic Front Street. Sip on Onxy Coffee and seasonal Italian sodas dreaming of days gone by!
Local Shopping Worth a Stop
While most of the shopping that people “know” Texarkana for, like the Central Mall or the Interstate 30 corridor, falls on the Texas side, several local boutiques will catch your eye and your pocketbook!
- The Cracked Pearl – Gifts, home decor and thoughtfully curated finds.
- Moonstone & Moss – A downtown boutique with style and personality.
- Southern Grace – Clothing and gifts with Southern flair.
- Olive Street Vintiques – Vintage finds and local charm.
- Krazy Bins Liquidation – an overstock shopping experience where the hunt is worth the treasures.
Texarkana has always been molded by movement. Trains, highways, musicians, and travelers have traveled through for generations. But the more time you spend there, the more the city unfolds itself.
Downtown streets tell stories. Restaurants hum with local conversations. And the state line that once divided now connects.
For travelers looking to slow down, Texarkana is not just twice as nice; it’s twice as interesting.
Images throughout the story used with permission from Experience Texarkana.
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