Best Things To Do In Corsicana Texas
Are you looking for the best things to do in Corsicana, Texas?
Corsicana is more than Collin Street Bakery. Strolling historic downtown Corsicana while looking for bronze statues are some of the fun things to do in Corsicana.
It is also the birthplace of your favorite Wolf Brand Chili. And do you know there is a vineyard & winery just outside Corsicana?
Corsicana is a small city, so a day visit should be enough to cover all the major attractions in town. Now, let’s dig into the things to do in Corsicana, TX.
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Best Things To Do In Corsicana Texas
1. PIONEER VILLAGE
It’s the best place to start your visit by learning about the history of Corsicana: there are historical houses, artifacts, and memorabilia of the indigenous people, first settlers, cotton gin, oil fields, and the Lefty Frizzell Museum.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Closed from noon to 1 pm. Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission: Adults $8, Senior 65+ $6, Child/Student 4-17 $5, Veteran/Under 4/Active Military FREE, First Responder/NCHS Member FREE.
Address: 912 W Park Ave, Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 654-4846. Pet-friendly.
2. OAKWOOD CEMETERY
It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Navarro County, dating back to the early 1800s. It is believed more than 500 veterans of the Civil War were buried here.
You can spend a day here to find the oldest tombstone, but a slow drive around the cemetery will be fine.
Our founding of the oldest people buried here was a Reverend, born in 1808. It is one of the free things to do in Corsicana, Texas.
Hours: 7 am to 7 pm.
Address: 700 N 15th St., Corsicana, TX 75110.
If you like visiting old cemeteries, you may want to visit Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches. It is one of the famous cemeteries in Texas; a final resting place for some legendary Texans.
3. BRONZE TOUR
It is Corsicana unique way to appreciate what its renowned locals brought and gave to the community. Expect to see Lyman Davis’ pet wolf (founder of Wolf Chili Brand) to a hard-working oil field worker, Lefty Frizzle to Jerry Grimmett (the longest-tenured employee at Collin Street Bakery), and many more. You will find them around historic downtown Corsicana and some places around town. Click here for the locations.
Bronze Tour is one of the kid-friendly things to do in Corsicana.
4. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR
Like most county seats in Texas, Corsicana also has numerous surviving old buildings. Walk along N Beaton Street and turn to streets that pass the N Beaton St. Structures you can’t miss are the State National Bank, Palace Theater, Corsicana Opry, and Victorian Sample Florist.
5. PEARCE MUSEUM
It’s not big like the ones in big cities, but the Pearce Museum at Navarro College consists of focused collections. You will find details of information on the American Civil War, Hunter-Gatherer (related to Central Texas’s pre-historic period), western art exhibition, and special exhibit.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Saturday, noon to 4 pm. It is closed on Sunday.
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors (55+) $6, Students $4.
Address: 3100 W Collin St., Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 875-7642.
5. COLLIN STREET BAKERY
No visit to Corsicana without stopping at Collin Street Bakery. After all, who hasn’t heard about this famous Corsicana Texas fruitcake?
The bakery’s history dates back to 1896 when a German baker brought a fruit and nut cake recipe to town. His fruit cake started to gain the trust of local customers, and today, celebrities, business and world leaders, and even royalty are their loyal customers.
You can find all kinds of cookies and breads also in the bakery. Children 12 and under get a free sample here.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm.
Address: 401 W 7th Ave, Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 874-7477.
6. PETROLEUM PARK
The first oil discovery in Texas leading to commercial oil production was made on this side in 1894 while drilling for water. It’s only a 0.5-acre park, a quick stop before you do something else.
Address: 418 S 12th St., Corsicana, TX 75110.
7. CARRIAGE DISTRICT DRIVING TOUR
Following the oil boom, people built buildings and homes in Corsicana. With this Driving Tour, you can see the surviving structures from 1846 through the 1900s. These are private properties. They are not open to the public. Click here to download the directions and information on each house on the tour.
8. HOUSE OF PRAYERS TOUR
If you like visiting churches and other houses of prayer, there are two places that you must see in town. The first one is the First United Methodist Church on N 15th St. It was built in 1896 and looks like somewhere in Europe. The second one is Temple Beth-El, a historic Jewish Moorish Revival Synagogue built in 1898. The location is on S 15th St., and you hardly miss it with its green onion-shaped domes.
Additional Things to Do in Corsicana Texas This Weekend
– Shopping in Corsicana.
When you do the historic downtown walking tour, don’t forget to stop at numerous stores around the square. From antique to boutique, vintage farmhouse to western style, you may find that thing you’ve been looking for for months.
– Visit Angelita Vineyard & Winery.
You will find the winery in Angus, just outside of Corsicana. Angelita is Navarro County’s first and only vineyard and winery. Go for a wine tasting and leave with bottles of their wine. You can also rent a place at the winery for your special events.
Address: 254 Shady Creek Lane, Angus (Corsicana), TX 75109.
– Fishing or Kayaking at Richland Chambers Reservoir.
Perhaps you prefer outdoor activities more. Then, don’t forget to bring your fishing gear or kayak and have fun at Richland Chambers Reservoir.
– Glamping at Purdon Groves.
Extend your stay in Corsicana by glamping at one of the tents or a tiny house in Purdon Groves. Of course, don’t skip learning about the hydroponic farm and enjoy the delicious farm-to-table meals at the grove.
Address: 9803 SW County Rd 3100, Purdon, TX 76679.
Places to eat in Corsicana
When visiting small towns, I prefer local eateries over national chain restaurants. Here are the recommendations I got from the Visitor Center:
Across the Street Diner
It is one of Texas’s oldest continually operating soda fountains. Located in historic downtown Corsicana, it is a local favorite spot with traditional American cuisine and high-end dining food.
Address: 125 N Beaton St., Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 874-9111.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 am to 4 pm. It is closed on Sundays.
Across the Street Bistro by Andreas
An upscale dining experience that you would never expect in a small town. Its location is next to Across the Street Diner and owned by the same person. Both restaurants are featured in the Dallas Observer.
Address: 123 N Beaton St., Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 218-2118.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5 pm to 10 pm. Friday-Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Napoli’s
Located in historic downtown, it is another local spot for people who prefer Italian cuisine.
Address: 111 E Collin St., Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 874-9004.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 am to 2 am. Sunday, 4 pm to 2 am.
Old Mexican Inn
It is a local favorite for Mexican food, located outside the downtown area. You must try the infamous orange dip and the coconut margarita if you are a fan of coconut. It has been a family-owned restaurant in Corsicana since 1941.
Address: 2407 W 7th Ave., Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 874-9061.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10.30 am to 10 pm. Friday-Saturday, 10.30 am to 11 pm. Sunday, 10.30 am to 10 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
My family and I had lunch at Across the Street Diner and were not disappointed. My son loved his burger, while my husband loved his chicken fried steak. The fries and onion rings that came with our orders were delicious. They weren’t oily, just like my fried catfish order. Portions were perfect; not too big and not too small.
My son also ordered a chocolate milkshake, and he said it was yummy. Too bad I didn’t have room for the desserts. A guy came to pick up his order of 6 different pies. I thought their pies must be good! I should get some for our snacks on the way home.
Fun Facts About Corsicana
- Established in 1848.
- Named after the Island of Corsica in Italy, the birthplace of Jose Antonio Navarro’s father (Jose Antonio Navarro was one of the founding fathers of the Lone Star State who got to name the city).
- It is the county seat of Navarro County.
- Birthplace of the Texas Oil Industry.
- Home of the original “Deluxe Fruitcake” Collin Street Bakery.
- Birthplace of Wolf Brand Chili.
Driving Directions to Corsicana Texas
The closest big cities to Corsicana are Dallas and Fort Worth, with driving distances less than an hour from Dallas and about one and a half hours from Fort Worth. It makes visiting Corsicana a good day trip from Fort Worth and Dallas.
From Dallas, follow I-45 S to I-45BL S/N Business 45 in Navarro County. Take exit 235B from I-45 S. Follow the road to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/State Hwy 31 W in Corsicana. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Blvd./State Hwy 31, then turn left onto S Beaton St. Corsicana Visitor Center will be on your right. The distance is about 58 miles to the south of downtown Dallas.
From Fort Worth, take US-287 S and I-45 S to I-45BL S/N Business 45 in Navarro County. Take exit 235B from I-45 S and follow the directions from Dallas. The distance is about 78 miles to the southwest of downtown Fort Worth.
Have you been to Corsicana, Texas? What are your favorite things to do in town? Let me know if I miss something for a day’s visit to Corsicana. Leave your comment below, and I will go check it out.
If you haven’t been to Corsicana, use this travel guide to help you plan a fun trip to the city.
While you are here, check out some of the articles about cities or activities around Corsicana:
– Things to do in Waxahachie, Texas.
– Things to do at Purtis Creek in Eustace, Texas.
– A visit to Fort Parker State Park and Historic Site in Mexia, Texas.
– Things to do in Hillsboro, Texas.
– Cool stops between Fort Worth and Waco.
There is also one of only a few scrapbook stores in Texas. For the avid scrapper it’s worth a trip to visit Scrappin Good Times.
Thank you for the info. I went to their website and it reminded me of a scrapbook store I visited in Houston. I will add this to the article.
Corsicana really looks quaint laid back town with all European vibes. Good to know it is named after Corsica – a famous European destination. I would love to take historic town walking tour and would spot some historic buildings. Pioneer village too look very interesting due to many historical houses, artifacts, and memorabilia of the indigenous people, first settlers, cotton gin, oil fields, to country music legend.
I have never heard of Corsicana but it seems like an interesting town to visit. We love small, historic town that you can see a lot of local life. Pioneer Village would definitely be the place we would start our tour from. Great guide what to see in Corsicana!
What a cool town to visit. I’ve always wondered what Texas is really like and would love to visit and take in some of the smaller places too. Love the history there too and so cute that you can take your dog exploring too.
Small towns are more interesting and I’m glad that they allowed dogs at lots of places.
What an interesting place to visit. I also love that you were able to enjoy some places with your dog. Pioneer Village sounds like it would be a good idea to stop by first to get a little bit of history about the area. I also would stop by that fruitcake place:)
We were glad that our dog could visit the Pioneer Village with us. He enjoyed his time there.
You are showing me so many spots to visit when we get to Texas some day. I love small towns like Corsicana that you can visit for a fun day trip. It would be great to visit the historic sights. But we would be sure to pick up some of that fruitcake!
I would like to grab some fruitcake next time we go there again.
I am always fascinated about the history of a place whenever I am visiting. So it would be great to start by learning about the history of Corsicana. The historical houses and the memorabilia of the first settlers would be interesting to see. The walking tours are always interesting and would love to do that without fail. Collin Street bakery is another place I would love heading to. Love the look of Corsicana.
It’s always a good start to learn about the history of the new city we visited, just like when we visited Corsicana.
I’ve never heard of Corsicana Texas but wow, it looks beautiful! I love how it exudes whimsical old-school vibes and I adore cities that have that historical touch to it. The Pioneer Village is definitely something I’d love to check out. Thanks for such useful insights, i’ll add this to my list for sure!
As an Italian-American I am pleasantly surprised to hear that an Italian helped to found Texas. Very cool. It is interesting that there is a Russian-looking church there too.
I was impressed, too. I never thought an Italian arrived in this part of the country that early. All this time I thought Navarro was one of the Indian tribes.
I love the old-town feel of Corsicana. I think your list hits every major thing I would want to know about a new city. And now I’m curious to try Wolf Brand Chili, as I’ve never heard of it before!
Let me know what you think after you try the Wolf Brand Chili.
I add Corsicana Texas to my next road trip itinerary. What an interesting story with the name of the place, that is named after the Island of Corsica in Italy. I want to visit Petroleum Park, Pioneer Village, and Collin Street Bakery.
It’s interesting to know the history of the name of the city. I wonder whether all the people who live there know about this.
I’m a huge fan of public art and love that Corsicana honors its residents in this way. I need to stop in Pioneer Village to learn about cotton gin, I’m very curious about this. It sounds like the Collin Street Bakery is a must stop and fruitcake mix would be a wonderful gift for the pet sitter
The cotton gin is interesting. We even drove through cotton field on the way there. I would think it was bigger than now.
I’ve not read about Corsicana before so thank you for introducing me to a new place to visit. I’m a history nerd so the Pioneer village appeals a lot. And I like the look of the bronze tour, finding all the pieces around town.
Corsicana sure does look like a quaint little town to explore and as I am just starting to learn about the American history with the cival war etc, then this town sounds like the perfect spot to explore. But I got my eye on the diner, I love American diners and the food they serve (espeically if a milkshake is involved). I take it one day and one night is probably enough here before moving on?
Yes! One day and one night is enough before you move on to the next destinations. Or, you can even stop here on the way to Dallas from Houston.