McKinney is less than 30 minutes from downtown Dallas, but its atmosphere and character are worlds apart. Ranked as one of the most livable places in America, this is a historic city with its own identity and family-owned businesses.
If you like good food and drink, you could easily spend the entire trip shopping at farmers markets, sampling local wines, or touring the city’s craft beer companies.
Another thing that makes McKinney ideal for a vacation is its calm atmosphere and slow pace, which is a refreshing break from the usual fast-paced city life. It is an ideal travel destination for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful vacation. Here 10 Best Things to Do in McKinney, 2023.
1. Historic Downtown McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney is a charming and well-preserved district located in McKinney. This historic area is known for its picturesque streets, beautifully preserved buildings, and a lively community atmosphere.
The city center features a large number of beautifully restored historic buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. These buildings house a variety of businesses, including shops, restaurants, and galleries. The architecture reflects the city’s rich history and provides a unique backdrop for visitors and residents alike.
Shopping: Downtown McKinney is a shopper’s paradise. The district is home to a wide array of boutique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and specialty stores. You can find unique clothing, home décor, jewelry, and much more.
Dining: The downtown area features numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries, making it a culinary destination. You can enjoy a diverse range of cuisines, from Texas barbecue to international fare.
Historical Entertainment:
McKinney Performing Arts Center, Experience live music and performing arts at MPAC’s historic Courtroom Theatre. Featuring a variety of artists including Lindsey Buckingham, Clint Black, Robert Earl Keen, The Indigo Girls, Ricky Skaggs, Pentatonix and many others, MPAC offers audiences an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Address: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069
Website: http://www.mckinneytexas.org/Index.aspx?NID=115
2. Chestnut Square Historic Park
Chestnut Square Historic Park is a notable historical and cultural destination located in McKinney. It is a living history museum and preservation site that provides visitors with a glimpse into life in Collin County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Historic Buildings: Chestnut Square Historic Park features a collection of historic buildings that have been carefully preserved and restored to their original state. These structures include houses, a school, a chapel, a general store, a doctor’s office, and more. Each building represents a different aspect of daily life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Living History: Chestnut Square Historic Park offers living history programs and events that allow visitors to interact with costumed interpreters who portray the people who would have lived and worked in the area during that time. This provides an immersive and educational experience.
The mission of The Heritage Guild of Collin County is to:
Celebrate Community. Preserve History. Inspire the Future
Hours: Tues, Thurs & Friday 9am – 3pm
Village Tours: Thursday and Saturday at 11am
Address: 315 S Chestnut St, McKinney, TX 75069
Website: https://www.chestnutsquare.org/
3. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular educational and recreational facility located in McKinney. It is known for its focus on natural science, wildlife conservation, and outdoor experiences.
Founded in 1967, Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and consists of a 289-acre nature preserve and natural science museum and exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our invaluable environment.
Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to bringing nature and people together through a variety of events and educational opportunities in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.
Upcoming Events : The goal of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is to connect our visitors with nature in hopes of inspiring within each person a deeper appreciation for the environment. Since 1967, the Heard has been dedicated to carrying out this vision through providing a variety of events and programs in our 289-acre nature preserve and museum.
- Educational Programs: The Heard offers a range of educational programs for people of all ages, including school groups, families, and adults. These programs cover topics such as wildlife conservation, natural science, and environmental stewardship.
- Special Events: Throughout the year, the Heard hosts special events and festivals, such as nature-themed art exhibits, bird watching weekends, and seasonal celebrations.
Address: 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069
Official Website: https://www.heardmuseum.org/
4. Towne Lake Park
Towne Lake Recreation Area is a popular outdoor recreational facility located in McKinney. Towne Lake Park offers a range of amenities and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
If you want to stretch your legs a little, this 108-acre neighborhood park is perfect. It extends around the shore of a 22-acre lake, served by a dock and rowboats. Year-round, you’ll even find people fishing off the pier or just relaxing in the sun.
There are also two picnic shelters in the park, each with electrical outlets, ideal for lazy summer days with the family.
When it comes to exercise, you can hit the volleyball courts, try your hand at horseshoe throwing, or take a leisurely stroll along the 1.2-mile trail.
The central feature of the park is the Towne Lake itself. Towne Lake Park provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other non-motorized water activities. It’s a tranquil spot for relaxation and water-based recreation.
Address: 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX
Official Website: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/912/Towne-Lake-Recreation-Area
5. Collin County Historical Society & Museum
The Collin County Historical Society & Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and heritage of Collin County, Texas. Located in the city of McKinney, this museum serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors interested in learning about the county’s past.
The museum is located in the historic 1911 Federal Building. It’s a great place to discover historical artifacts, photographs, documents, maps, archival newspapers, and records. The Collin County History Museum makes learning a fun experience and is a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, authors, teachers and students. ts.
Mission of the Collin County History Museum Preserve and Honor the Past, Connect with the Present, Embrace the Future.
Hours:
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays: Groups and Private Tours
FREE on Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 300 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX 75069
Website: https://www.collincountyhistorymuseum.org/
6. Oak Hollow Golf Course
Oak Hollow Golf Course is a public golf course located in McKinney. This 18-hole golf course is known for its picturesque setting and challenging layout, making it a popular destination for both local golfers and visitors.
A hidden gem in historic downtown McKinney, Oak Hollow Golf Course is a beautiful Maury Miller-designed par 70 championship that is both challenging for the average golfer and forgiving for the newcomer.
Oak Hollow Golf Course is a community favorite for hosting corporate golf leagues, charity events and annual golf tournaments. In October 2023, we celebrate the grand opening of our newly renovated 18-hole facility, with expanded greens and tees composed of Champion Bermuda Grass.
18-Hole Course: Oak Hollow offers an 18-hole golf course with well-manicured fairways, greens, and hazards. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a round of golf on this course.
Other amenities include a 2,700-square-foot lighted pavilion, a 300-yard driving range with 40 bays, and two full-size practice greens with a practice bunker.
They added over 150 trees to our course in the last three years and capital improvements are always at the top of our list. They hope you come and visit today to see everything that goes into a round at Oak Hollow Golf Course!
Address: 3005 N McDonald St, McKinney, TX 75071
Website: http://www.oakhollowgolf.com/
7. The Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney
McKinney’s Crape Myrtle Trails is a unique and beautiful 7.2 acres nature attraction in McKinney, celebrating the vibrant and colorful crape myrtle trees. These trails are designed to showcase and promote the city’s extensive collection of myrtle trees, and offer a charming and picturesque experience for residents and visitors.
The Crape Myrtle Trails Foundation was created in 1998 with the goal of making McKinney, “The place you go to see crape myrtles.”
Crape Myrtle Gardens: The trails consist of several designated crape myrtle gardens throughout McKinney, each with a different theme and a wide variety of crape myrtle cultivars. These gardens showcase the beauty and diversity of these flowering trees.
Seasonal Blooms: The crape myrtles typically bloom during the summer months, filling the gardens with vibrant and colorful blossoms. Visitors can enjoy the stunning displays of pink, red, white, and other hues during the peak blooming season.
Scenic Walks and Drives: The trails invite visitors to take leisurely walks, bike rides, or scenic drives along the designated routes, allowing them to enjoy the natural beauty of the crape myrtle gardens.
Address: 6452 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070
Official Website: http://www.mckinneytexas.org/index.aspx?NID=910
8. McKinney Performing Arts Center
The McKinney Performing Arts Center is a cultural and entertainment venue located in McKinney. MPAC is a hub for the arts and serves as a focal point for various cultural events and performances in the community.
- Historic Building: The McKinney Performing Arts Center is housed in a beautifully restored and historic building. The facility itself is an attraction, featuring architectural details that reflect the city’s history.
- Theaters: MPAC includes several theaters, including the Courtroom Theater, the Main Hall, and the Black Box Theater. These spaces are versatile and can host a wide range of performances, from plays and musicals to concerts and dance recitals.
- Live Performances: The center hosts a diverse lineup of live performances, including theater productions, musical concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, and more. It provides a platform for local talent as well as touring artists and groups.
- Art Galleries: MPAC often features art galleries where local and regional artists can display their work. These galleries add an artistic dimension to the venue and provide visitors with opportunities to appreciate visual arts.
Address: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069
Official Website: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/117/Performing-Arts-Center
9. Antique Company Mall
Antique Company Mall is located in the historic district of McKinney, TX. Mall have about 110 dealers in 15,000 square feet. Antique Company Mall is a true antique and vintage store. Theyhave farmhouse, cottage, cottage, shabby chic, country, retro, boho, garden items, mid-century modern, industrial, collectibles and more! Their products change daily so check back often.
Why you should go: The Antique Company Mall is an antique shopping zone in McKinney. If you love collecting antique and vintage items, the mall is worth checking out.
Things to do: Explore the shopping mall to get yourself or a loved one a unique antique gift.
The items range from hand-made furniture to other unique home accessories.
Address: 213 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX 75069
Official Website: http://www.antiquecompanymall.com/
10. Hutchins BBQ
Hutchins BBQ is a well-known and highly regarded barbecue restaurant located in McKinney. It’s a local favorite and has gained a reputation for serving delicious, authentic Texas barbecue.
Hutchins BBQ Mission: BBQ‘s mission has always been about serving the highest quality smoked meats and sides while providing excellent customer service. To ensure this we have built a culture where shortcuts are not allowed and customers come first.
Authentic Texas Barbecue: Hutchins BBQ is known for its commitment to traditional Texas barbecue techniques. They specialize in smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and more. The meats are slow-cooked over wood-burning pits, resulting in a rich and smoky flavor.
Variety of Meats: The menu at Hutchins BBQ offers a wide selection of smoked meats, so you can choose your favorites or try a little bit of everything. Brisket, in particular, is a standout item here and is often praised for its tenderness and flavor.
Homemade Sides: In addition to the meats, they offer a range of classic sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. These sides complement the barbecue dishes perfectly.
Casual and Friendly Atmosphere: Hutchins BBQ typically provides a casual and friendly dining environment. It’s a great place for families, friends, and barbecue enthusiasts to enjoy a meal together.
Among 10 Best Things to Do in McKinney I Like Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary very much…
These are just the tip’s of 10 Best Things to Do in McKinney, What other places would you add to the list, and which have you been to? Tell us about your experiences in the comments….
