Things to Do in Corsicana

Stunning historic buildings, a captivating downtown filled with charming shops and restaurants, and an abundance of extraordinary museums—you’ll find all of these in Corsicana, a quaint town nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Texas. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a romantic retreat, or a fun family adventure, Corsicana is hard to beat. But before you pack your bags, take a moment to discover all there is to do in town. Start planning your next trip by exploring everything this gem, located just an hour south of Dallas, has to offer.

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Experience Downtown Corsicana

Antique shops full of all manner of oddities, boutiques stocked with unique clothing and other treasures, and locally owned bakeries and cafés that fill the air with the aromas of fresh-baked bread and espresso are just a few of the things you’ll find in historic downtown Corsicana, a five-block district with wide, tree-shaded sidewalks, colorful 19th-century brick storefronts, and ample small-town charm. Put on your walking shoes and meander down Beaton Street past art galleries, independent retailers, and local restaurants, stopping wherever strikes your fancy. Be sure to stop by the original Collin Street Bakery, known for its world-famous fruitcake. With so much to do, eat, and see, no two visits to downtown Corsicana are ever the same.

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Hear the History

One of Corsicana’s most prominent displays of civic pride is its collection of privately funded bronze statues that commemorate some of the people who have shaped the city from its founding to the present day. With 11 bronze statues dotting the downtown streets and courthouse lawn, there’s sure to be one that catches your eye! Each statue also features a QR code at its base, allowing you to listen to a short history of the person’s contributions to Corsicana.

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See a Show

In addition to being a great place to grab a bite to eat or shop for a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, historic downtown Corsicana is also the heart of the city’s performing arts scene. For some down-home honky-tonk, catch a concert at the Corsicana Opry. Located in an eye-catching red-brick building, the Opry welcomes country musicians from across the nation for performances that will have you bouncing in your boots. If an evening at the theater is more your style, the Palace Theatre and the Warehouse Living Arts Center present a variety of dramas, plays, and musicals throughout the season.

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Explore the Stars

Not only can you see stars of song and stage, but you can also explore the stars above. Corsicana is home to the Cook Center Planetarium, the second-largest planetarium in Texas. Nestled on the campus of Navarro College, the planetarium features a 60-foot-diameter dome used to present a variety of astronomy programs throughout the year. Discover the celestial bodies in our galaxy and the planets in our solar system, learn how the stars have influenced religious beliefs and cultural practices, and much more.

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Go Fishing

With some of the best fishing around, you’d be remiss to leave your tackle box at home. Corsicana sits near three large lakes, all of which combine excellent fishing with breathtaking scenery. Richland Chambers Reservoir, the third-largest lake in Texas, is an excellent option if you enjoy fishing for catfish, crappie, and white and hybrid striped bass. Catfish and crappie are also abundant at Lake Halbert, located just southeast of Corsicana, and at Navarro Mills Lake.

While these lakes provide outstanding fishing opportunities, they’re just as well suited for boating, kayaking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. What are you waiting for?

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Step Back in Time

Read letters written by soldiers on the front lines of the Civil War, then learn how the hunter-gatherers of prehistoric Texas lived. You can do both at the Pearce Museum, which also showcases paintings and sculptures depicting the American Plains. Its collection of more than 15,000 Civil War letters, photographs, and artifacts is truly world-class, and the Pearce also regularly hosts visiting artists and renowned collections from other institutions.

To experience even more local history, giddy on up to Pioneer Village. Here, you’ll see a collection of early settler homes and outposts, as well as the Lefty Frizzell Museum, which honors the Corsicana native who became a honky-tonk legend.

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View Stunning Architecture

Downtown Corsicana’s red-brick streets and charming storefronts have plenty of appeal, but there’s far more to see if you’re a fan of historic architecture. For example, Temple Beth-El, an 1898 synagogue with two octagonal towers topped by black onion domes, is one of the few structures in Texas built in the Moorish Revival style. Just a few blocks away sits the recently restored 1905 Navarro County Courthouse, a three-story structure with an open clock tower and stately columns.

Beyond downtown, Corsicana has two other National Register Historic Districts—the Carriage District and Mills Place. Both areas are filled with distinctive, beautifully restored homes dating back to the 1800s that you can admire on a driving tour through each neighborhood. Maps for the Carriage District driving tour are available at the visitor center.

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Sip Wine at a Local Vineyard

A wide-open blue sky above, the rolling hills of a scenic vineyard before you, and a glass of wine in your hand. Make this daydream a reality by visiting Angelita Vineyard & Winery, a locally owned winery nestled among verdant hills less than 10 miles south of downtown Corsicana. Samples are available in the tasting room, where you can also pair your wine with appetizers. Relax and enjoy the music, then step outside to admire a stunning Texas sunset from the cozy patio. Whether you’re traveling with friends or your sweetheart, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Angelita Vineyard & Winery.