Greenville Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Greenville, Texas, including must-visit museums and historical places, outdoor adventures and scenic views, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, hotels and guesthouses, local food scene, and customs and traditions.


Introduction to Greenville

Located in Blackland Prairie, in Prairies and Lakes region of Texas, Greenville is a charming city steeped in history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Founded in 1846, Greenville has a rich past that can be witnessed today in its museums and historical sites, each showcasing the city’s colorful heritage. Besides, the city is blessed with natural wonders, including parks, green spaces, and water bodies ideal for outdoor activities like hiking trails and biking routes. Tourists can explore amazing food and drink culture, enjoy several activities and tours, and savor local customs and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Greenville

  • Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Hunt County, the Texas cotton industry, and the heroic life of Audie Murphy, the most decorated US soldier of World War II.
  • Showmanship Theater: An Art-Deco styled movie palace built in 1949, showcasing current Hollywood hits and serving the best popcorn in town.
  • U.S. Senator Rayburn House State Historic Site: A museum that was once the home of Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Wesley United Methodist Church: A magnificent architectural marvel standing tall since 1884 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Pecan Grove Park: A beautiful park ideal for picnicking, fishing, and disc golf, with its eight-acre lake drawing anglers from all around.
  • Tawakoni Lake: A fantastic fishing location, with its picturesque 376 miles shoreline offering a perfect spot for water sports.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Greenville boasts an impressive collection of museums and historical places that commemorate the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum

The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum is known for its stunning collections that include the life and achievements of Audie Murphy, a native of Hunt County awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during World War 11. It offers visitors a glimpse of the history of the Texas cotton industry, including exhibits on the production and marketing of cotton, as well as on quilting and needlework.

U.S. Senator Rayburn House State Historic Site

The U.S. Senator Rayburn House is an iconic museum and the one-time home of Sam Rayburn, the longest-running Texas Congressman. The museum showcases the life of Rayburn and other great United States leaders of his time. Its exhibits offer a glimpse into the politics of Congress and the way of life of Texas lawmakers.

Wesley United Methodist Church

This magnificent church has been a feature of Greenville since 1884. Built-in the Gothic and Romanesque style, the church boasts an exquisitely designed nave, chancel, and tower. It is an architectural marvel that is only a few blocks away from Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum and U.S. Senator Rayburn House State Historic Site.

Natural Attractions of Greenville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Greenville’s natural wonders offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities.

Pecan Grove Park

Pecan Grove Park is a lovely park situated on 22 acres of green space. It has well-maintained picnic tables, grills, and benches, perfect for picnics, cookouts, and relaxation. The park also has an eight-acre lake with fishing piers and an ADA-accessible trail.

Tawakoni Lake

Tawakoni Lake is a fantastic destination for water sports and fishing enthusiasts in Greenville. With a circumference of around 50 miles and a depth of up to 70 feet, Tawakoni Lake offers an incredible experience of fishing crappie, catfish, and bass. It is also the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day out on the water with kayaking and boating opportunities.

Pike Park

Pike Park is an attractive park in downtown Greenville and a great spot for local events and activities. It features walking trails, a multi-use court, picnic tables, and bike racks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Greenville

Greenville is home to several hiking and biking trails, offering nature lovers a chance to explore the city’s stunning natural beauty.

Audie Murphy Trail

The Audie Murphy Trail is a 2.8-mile paved trail that runs along White’s Creek. It is perfect for jogging, biking, or walking your dog, with plenty of shaded areas to take a break.

Greenville City Park Trail

The Greenville City Park Trail measures about 2.1 miles and circles most of the park, offering outstanding natural views and hills. The trail is ideal for jogging, hiking, or biking, with opportunities to spot migratory songbirds and nesting waterfowl in the surrounding trees and waterways.

Best Things to Do in Greenville: Activities and Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Greenville

Food and Drink Scene of Greenville

Greenville has a thriving food and drink scene, serving everything from classic American dishes to Southern cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ Brisket: Arguably one of the city’s most iconic dishes, BBQ brisket is a delicacy prepared with slow-cooked meat, local spices, and savory sauce.
  • Frito Pie: Made with Fritos topped with chili, cheese, and onions, Frito pie is a beloved Texan dish.
  • Fried Catfish: Served with hush puppies and tartar sauce, fried catfish is a southern specialty that you can’t miss in Greenville.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A symbol of southern hospitality, sweet tea is the perfect beverage to complement your Southern meals.
  • Shiner Bock Beer: This Texas-brewed beer is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike, with its smooth taste and rich dark color.

Where to Stay in Greenville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

What to Buy in Greenville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Local Culture and Customs of Greenville

Best Time to Visit Greenville

Do’s and Don’ts of Greenville

Do:

  • Do bring a camera to capture stunning scenery, from the rolling hills and scenic hiking trails to the waterfalls and green spaces.
  • Do explore the city’s museums and historical sites, offering a unique insight into Greenville’s history and cultural heritage.
  • Do try the BBQ Brisket, Frito Pie, and Fried Catfish, among other iconic local dishes.
  • Do visit during autumn when the city is abuzz with color changing foliage, milder weather, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to carry insect repellent, especially during summertime, when mosquitoes are plenty at some outdoor areas.
  • Don’t plan a visit to Greenville during tornado season, from March to June, when the weather can be unpredictable.

Safety and Health

Traveling to a new city may come with unique health and safety risks. Here’s what you need to know when visiting Greenville.

Safety in Greenville

Tourist Safety

Greenville is a safe city and annually ranked one of the safest cities in Texas. However, you should take the necessary precautions that you would take when visiting any other city.

Natural Hazards

Greenville is part of Texas, and it is prone to natural hazards such as tornados. Tourists should stay away from outdoor activities during severe weather conditions.

Health in Greenville

Like every place, Greenville city has its share of health risks. The following are recommended as precautionary measures:

  • Safe water and food consumption at all times
  • Wearing of insect repellent
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn

Getting to Greenville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Greenville is easy with several transportation options available, including:

Airports Near Greenville

  • Dallas Love Field: This airport is an hour drive from Greenville and offers local and international flights.
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: This airport is about 100 miles from Greenville and serves several international and local airlines.

Bus Stations Near Greenville

The nearest bus station to Greenville is:

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Sulphur Springs, Texas: approximately 30 minutes drive from Greenville.

Other Options

Tourists can explore the city on bike rentals or car rentals by renting from reliable agencies.

How to Get Around in Greenville

Getting around in Greenville is easy, with several transportation modes available, including:

  • Taxi Services
  • Car Rentals
  • Bicycle Rentals
  • Public Buses

Where to Go Next from Greenville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Greenville is well connected to other famous destinations in Texas, making it possible to experience more of the state. Here are some of the places that you can visit:

  • Texas A&M University-Commerce: Located just 20 minutes from Greenville, Texas A&M University-Commerce boasts an attractive campus and offers plenty of things to explore.
  • City of Dallas: Dallas is located an hour from Greenville, and it is known for its world-class attractions and events for tourists to enjoy.
  • Tyler State Park: A 2-hour drive from Greenville, Tyler State Park is known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and fishing spots.

Conclusion

Greenville is a destination that offers an excellent mix of culture, nature, outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, friendly people, and welcoming vibes. Its charms can captivate any traveler who wishes to explore it all, from hiking trails and bike paths to cultural attractions and natural wonders. This city of Texas is a must-visit destination for people who appreciate historical sites, modern culture, and outdoor adventure.