Discover Irving through a variety of experiences: a sculpture at Williams Square, museums about local history, a 22-mile greenbelt and performance venues. There are also leisure activities centered on music, film and water. When planning a stay, it’s worth first considering whether cultural history, outdoor activities or a specific event date will be the deciding factor.
Art and Culture in Irving
The Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture is the focal point of Williams Square in the Las Colinas Urban Center. It was dedicated on September 25, 1984. The Irving Arts Center focuses on several cultural formats: the ten-acre complex includes a lushly planted sculpture garden and four independent galleries. It typically hosts more than 20 exhibitions a year. Hundreds of performances are also held in two venues, the Dupree Theater and Carpenter Hall. This means exhibitions and stage performances offer distinct options for a cultural visit. Since exhibitions and performance schedules can change, it’s worth checking the dates for your planned visit.
History with Different Areas of Focus
The Ruth Paine House Museum documents Irving’s connections to the Kennedy assassination. Public tours are available, but must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center focuses on something different: its three museums together tell the story of the Bear Creek community in western Irving. Their subject matter ranges from emancipation to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
The park in the Irving Heritage District is also home to historic buildings: the Caster Cabin, dating from 1887, and a replica of the Rock Island Depot built in 1903. Together with the museums, they offer different ways to explore Irving’s history—from the story of a community to individual buildings and their dates.
Campion Trails: River Views and Paved Paths
Those looking to spend time outdoors will find a 22-mile greenbelt along the Elm Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River at Campion Trails. Expansive river views are part of the landscape, along with birds, snakes, flowers, trees and shrubs. All trails are paved and suitable for walking and cycling. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors on foot or by bike, while the natural features give the area a distinct focus alongside the city’s museums and performance venues.
Music, Events and Gondola Rides
Toyota Music Factory brings together dining, movies, music and special events. It is also a venue for national and international touring performances. Since the program and tenants can change, check the current offerings for a specific date. Gondola Adventures offers gondola rides on Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canal year-round. Operating details can change here too, so check the information before planning a ride.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
Irving’s transportation options include two major airports, local and long-distance rail, and several major highways. When looking for a hotel in Irving, you can plan your stay around the experiences that interest you most: art and history, time on the Campion Trails or an event date. The city offers several clearly distinct areas of interest rather than focusing on just one type of stay.
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