Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Greenville, TX

  • Published 2022/11/19

At the heart of Hunt County lies the city of Greenville.

Its rich history can be seen in its blackland soil, which was necessary for cultivating cotton, making it economically relevant.

Thanks to this, Greenville became known as the cotton capital of the world and saw its population rise throughout the years.

With the creation of six more railways, Greenville gradually industrialized and established many more facilities and buildings.

At present, Greenville has around 26,000 residents and offers multiple activities for locals and tourists alike.

The attractive city might’ve caught your eye, and you might’ve asked yourself what the best things to do in Greenville, Texas, are.

Here’s a list of 20 activities you can do while you’re in the city:

Learn More about Cotton’s History in the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

Exterior of Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At 600 Interstate 30 East, you can find the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum.

This museum is located in a wide area surrounded by suburbs, accessible from the highway.

Hunt county cotton exhibit Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Paying homage to the life of Audie Murphy and his pivotal role in the cotton industry, the museum contains valuable artifacts from Texas’ long history.

Cotton exhibit in Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can also learn more about the time when cotton was one of Texas’ best-selling cash crops.

Since its establishment in 1987, the museum has collected various historical artifacts such as cotton compresses.

Steam-powered gin model in Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cool the Heat at Splash Kingdom Air Patrol

Bringing along family or friends to Greenville?

If so, you should also make a stop at Splash Kingdom Air Patrol.

Located just off Interstate 30, this waterpark has different rides and attractions suitable for swimmers of all ages and experiences.

If you want competition, “Dogfight” lets you race against your friends down four different slides.

For those who want to experience a long and gentle slide to the pool, “Goose Maverick” gives you a scenic view of the sky on your way down.

There’s also a closed tube option for the “Goose Maverick” that’s great for swimmers with a fear of heights.

Experienced swimmers can try the “Splash Landing,” a ride that drops you into ten-foot deep water.

You also wouldn’t need to worry about your kids as there’s also the “Splashport Kids Area,” which features shallow water.

Join the Celebration at the Hunt County Fair

Greenville is the county seat of Hunt County, and it’s no surprise to know that it has an event that brings everyone in the county together.

If you time your trip to Greenville in April, you can get to experience the Hunt County Fair.

This annual celebration seeks to showcase the county’s youth, agricultural, and economic strengths, among others.

As a fair, it has rides that are suitable for the family, as well as for daredevils who want something thrilling.

The festive atmosphere is also made much better by band performances on the outdoor stage.

If you have the opportunity to visit, go to the Jack Finney Boulevard near Majors Airport.

You can’t miss it!

Enjoy Shows at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium

Exterior of Greenville Municipal Auditorium

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you hear of Greenville, chances are you’ll also hear about its renowned Greenville Municipal Auditorium at the heart of the city.

This historical entertainment house along Washington Street has stood against the test of time and has hosted a number of performances.

Since its establishment in 1939, the Greenville Municipal Auditorium has seen acts from Elvis Presley and Duke Ellington.

Side exterior view of Greenville Municipal Auditorium

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Now, the Greenville Municipal Auditorium has proudly partnered with the famous Dallas Symphony Orchestra to give three performances each year.

For the rest of the year, the Greenville Municipal Auditorium hosts other performances such as classical, country, and big band music.

There are also plays and recitals that cater to every patron’s taste.

Explore Greenville’s Public Art Installations

While you’re out in the city, you might have already noticed some of its interesting public art installations.

There are a number of public art installations that you can find in Greenville, especially along the length of its Lee and Washington Streets.

These public art installations are funded privately through Hunt County Public Art.

Some of the popular public art installations you can find include “Spectrum,” a complex artwork containing a famous citizen’s statue.

Another one is the interactive art named “Find Your Match,” where tourists can match tiles with the same color.

With local food and camera in hand, the best way to explore Greenville’s public art installations is by walking the streets.

Play Sports at the Greenville SportsPark

For an opportunity to do something more physical, the Greenville SportsPark is your go-to location.

The Greenville SportsPark boasts an impressive area of 18,000 square feet and can be found along the Leo Hackney Boulevard.

Thanks to its six softball fields, nine various size soccer fields, four sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, and two batting cages, you’re sure to find something you’d like to play!

There’s also a dedicated playground for children and a fishing pond for those who want to try it.

If you’re just visiting to watch others play, time your visit during one of the sports tournaments being held in Greenville SportsPark.

Every 4th of July, you’d also witness the biggest fireworks show in Hunt County.

With loads of stuff to do, you’re all set to spend a day at the Greenville SportsPark.

Participate in the Cotton Patch Challenge

Do you want to do something physically challenging while also helping others at the same time?

Every September, Greenville city organizes one of the biggest bike rides in Hunt County—the Cotton Patch Challenge!

Beginning as a small event organized in 1996, the Cotton Patch Challenge has grown to establish seven different bike routes.

These bike routes have various lengths for you to choose from, from the shortest being 6 miles to the longest being 76 miles!

All bike routes start and end in Downtown Greenville.

This bike ride for a cause extends all proceeds from registration and merchandise to charities, such as those for scholarships, medical assistance, and crisis centers.

With its noble intentions, the Cotton Patch Challenge deserves to be on your to-do list when visiting the city.

Have Coffee and Be Entertained at the Texan Theater

Exterior of Texan Theater

Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greenville has a lot of historical sites.

One of these is the Texan Theater built in the late 1800s and was only recently acquired and renovated by a native in 2010.

Found along Lee Street, the Texan Theater offers a unique entertainment experience paired with good food.

You can experience shows such as musicals, concerts, and plays.

Exterior of Texan Theater

mivod / Shutterstock.com

The Texan Theater experience is made much more attractive by a four-course meal that comes with the tickets you buy!

From the Texan Theater’s intimate setting, you can also have a meet-and-greet with performers from the comfort of your own seats.

The Texan Theater also has an impressive diner for snacks and meals.

But you should also try out their specialty coffee.

Signs at Texan Theater

Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Relax and Unwind at Graham Park

If you want some peace and quiet, the city’s multiple parks are a good choice, especially Graham Park.

Since the city purchased the property in 1909, it has since been continuously improved, and facilities have been added.

It’s located on the outskirts of the city along Walnut Street and is sure to give a relatively calmer experience.

More sporty tourists can use the park’s facilities to play basketball, disc golf, and sand volleyball.

Graham Park is a great option to hold picnics for family and friends, and you can even bring your dog for walks.

There’s also a pond in the park where you can try fishing.

Overall, the park’s serene atmosphere and different things you can do make it a must-see place when visiting the city.

Eat, Drink, and Play at Shenaniganz

Shenaniganz is an excellent place for hanging out with friends and family or celebrating occasions such as birthdays.

This all-purpose bowling alley along Joe Ramsey Boulevard offers everything you would need to spend a wonderful time.

Its in-house restaurant has the usual burgers, pizza, and sandwiches on its menu, but if you want something with more kick, the bar is your best friend.

With its 60 different options for alcoholic beverages, such as draught and bottled beers and wines, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.

Shenaniganz’s real gem, however, is its massive gaming center.

Here, you can choose between different activities such as a bowling alley, virtual reality, arcade games, ax throwing, and escape rooms.

Watch the Greenville Christmas Parade

During the first Friday of December, Greenville’s streets get a more festive feel just in time for the holidays.

The Greenville Christmas Parade officially marks the Christmas season in the city.

Here, the Christmas Parade of Lights moves along Downtown Greenville, bringing marching bands, antique cars, floats, and the city’s prized animals with it.

Because of its joyous atmosphere, the Greenville Christmas Parade is a perfect bonding experience with your family.

After the Greenville Christmas Parade, you can then go to a publicly available movie night, depending on the plans of the organizers.

There are also other events held during December to mark the holidays, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

Experience Wine-Tasting at Landon Winery

Exterior of Landon Winery

mivod / Shutterstock.com

Greenville has a lot of options when it comes to food, but nothing else bests the Landon Winery when it comes to drinks.

Landon Winery was founded in 1989 and opened its doors in Greenville in 2005.

This award-winning winery is located along Lee Street and has interesting offerings to its patrons.

One thing you should try is Landon Winery’s wine-tasting experience, where you can either choose the wines you want to taste or have the winery choose the wines for you.

To mix it up, Landon Winery also has art classes and music to go along with your wine.

If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to learn from the founder Bob Langdon himself!

Visit the Longhorn Arena and Event Center

Horses are an important animal for Greenville and the rest of Hunt County.

It’s not surprising then that there’s a dedicated place for animal-related shows, especially for horses.

Curious about what sorts of shows and competitions Greenville has for its horses?

Head down to the Longhorn Arena and Event Center, just along the Interstate 30 highway, and watch horsemen showcase their stallions or compete against one another.

With its area of 30,000 square feet and a climate-controlled building, the Longhorn Arena and Event Center is the perfect place to hold animal events.

There are also weekly events such as the Tuesday sorting and Thursday barrel racing competitions.

If you want to witness the events held here, you can either bring your own chair or sit on one of the benches that can accommodate up to 300 people.

Watch the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest

Greenville is home to the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest, which honors the legacy of Bob Wills.

This event is held annually every last week of October or the first week of November and attracts fiddlers and fiddle fans from across the country.

During the event, there are outdoor stages where performances from local musicians are showcased, as well as popular food from Greenville’s restaurants.

The festival concludes with the Bob Wills Fiddle Contest, and it’s something that music lovers look forward to.

Here, fiddlers give their best performances and try to beat others in playing the violin or guitar.

This music festival is a magical experience that you wouldn’t want to miss out on when you visit the city!

Stuff Yourself Full at the Buffet Palace

When choosing where to eat, buffets are a good option for those who want to go for seconds.

That’s where the Buffet Palace comes in with its refreshing Asian cuisine (they mostly have Chinese food).

Located along Lee Street, this buffet has a wide variety of food options for you to try out with their remarkably oriental taste and flavor.

There are multiple choices for fried rice, shrimp, sauteed vegetables, noodles, soups, and meat, and you can try mixing different dishes together to get a rich experience that’d keep you coming back for more.

Its prime location and food variety make it an attractive restaurant if you want to go for something other than fast food.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Cheesebrough & Campbell Specialty Chocolates

Extensive selections of treats are available at Cheesebrough & Campbell Specialty Chocolates, a candy shop that provides chocolates for individuals with a sweet taste.

With the use of Belgian Chocolate, they ensure their products are delectable.

They presently have a 24-piece Diverse Gift Box available in addition to their assorted packages of small truffles and a wide selection of desert-sized truffles.

Everything is freshly crafted in tiny portions to guarantee customers get the finest experience when buying from their chocolate store.

Items are available for purchase for sweet toots and chocolate addicts in Grenville and the nearby areas.

Plan a Party and Engage in a Fun-Filled Day at Shenaniganz

The best place to have fun in East Texas is Shenaniganz in Greenville, Texas!

Many enjoyable activities are available, like bowling, axe throwing, escape rooms, an arcade, a full restaurant, and more.

Shenaniganz is the destination for entertainment in East Texas, whether you’re searching for the most incredible location for kids’ parties, adult birthdays, team-building outings, community group activities, or simply a wonderful place to have action.

Due to the abundance of things to do, Shenaniganz in Greenville is the ideal location for birthday celebrations.

It is a location to enjoy your cuisine and have fun in general.

Meals for all appetite sizes are available on their extensive menu item.

Book a Massage at Angel’s Day Spa

After working at Day Spa by Lambert for over eight years as a licensed massage therapist with 14 years of experience, Angel Holley assumed ownership of the facility in 2014.

The utmost levels of client satisfaction are the company’s main priority at Angel’s Day Spa.

The spa provides various services, such as massages, body treatments, facials, spa packages, and more.

Visit Angel’s Day Spa if you want a deep tissue, therapeutic, or soothing massage.

Plan a day of self-care with friends or family to treat yourselves to a pleasant experience and make an investment in your well-being.

Try New Cuisines at Tony’s Italian Kitchen

Visit Tony’s Italian Kitchen if you are planning to experience the thrill of trying something new!

Your beloved old-world Italian meals are served in the family-run Italian restaurant Tony’s Italian Kitchen.

They have been in operation for more than 20 years and look forward to offering visitors and residents excellent homemade pasta and beyond.

There are several variations at Tony’s Italian Kitchen, including chicken, veal, seafood, and anything else you can imagine.

Try some handmade pasta, including linguini meatballs, lasagne, and spaghetti.

They are open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday and Monday and from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.

Purchase Healthy Products at Greenville Farmers Market

Farmers’ market sellers offer the freshest products from nearby and regional harvests.

The Farmers Market offers seasonal goods plus fresh and clean farm-to-you produce, such as delicious red tomatoes and Halloween pumpkins.

Locally sourced meats, fresh farm eggs, jams, pickles, bread, baked goods, soaps, and other things are available at the Farmers Market.

Fruits, vegetables, local honey, and even sugar cane, when in season, fill their tables.

Support the neighborhood farmers and growers by taking advantage of this shopping occasion.

On Saturdays, the Greenville Farmers Market is available to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. from May through October.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Skydive at the Dallas Skydive Center

At just about 12 miles from the heart of Greenville, the Dallas Skydive Center is a recommended destination for a more adventurous time.

From a height of 13,500 feet, the skydiving from this location gives a nice view of Greenville and surrounding areas in Hunt County.

Whether you’re skydiving on a whim or have actual plans for it, Dallas Skydive Center will cater to you because they’re open seven days a week.

For your safety and peace of mind, your tandem skydiving partner is a professional and certified skydiver.

If you want to hang around more and watch others skydive, Dallas Skydive Center also provides you with picnic tables for your food and drinks.

Cap off your trip to Greenville with skydiving!

Final Thoughts

Thanks to its abundance of activities and celebrations, Greenville, Texas, is a place that you’d want to come back to every time.

With its offerings for a more casual time or if you’re up for exploration, there’s always somewhere to be in and something to do in the city.

But reading about it is different from actually experiencing it.

Come book your trip to Greenville, Texas!

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