Best Things To Do In Corsicana Texas
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Looking for the best things to do in Corsicana Texas?
Definitely Corsicana has more than Netflix “Cheer” docuseries. Strolling historic downtown Corsicana while looking for bronze statues are some of the fun things to do in Corsicana.
Corsicana is a small city, so a day visit should be enough to cover all the major attractions in town.
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 hour 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 same directions as above, from Dallas direction. The distance is about 78 miles to the southwest of downtown Fort Worth.
Best Things To Do In Corsicana Texas
1. PIONEER VILLAGE
A good 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, to country music legend.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Closed noon to 1 pm. Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission: Adults $5, Military $3, Children $3, Under 4 FREE.
Address: 912 W Park Ave, Corsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 654-4846. Pet-friendly.
2. OAKWOOD CEMETERY
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 do just well. Our found of the oldest people buried here was a Reverend who was born in 1808.
Hours: 7 am to 7 pm.
Address: 700 N 15th St., Corsicana, TX 75110.
3. BRONZE TOUR
Corsicana unique way to appreciate what its renowned locals brought and gave to the community. From 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. They are spread out around historic downtown Corsicana and at some places around town. Click here for the locations.
4. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR
Just like most county seats in Texas, Corsicana also has numerous surviving old buildings. Walk along N Beaton St. and make turns to streets that are passing the N Beaton St. Some structures that 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 Pearce Museum consists of focused collections. You will find details 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. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors $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 never heard about this famous Corsicana Texas fruitcake? The bakery history dates back to 1896 when a German baker brought a fruit and nut cake recipe to town. His fruit cake started to gain trust from 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
Buildings and homes were built following the oil boom. With this driving tour you can see the surviving structures that were built between 1846 and 1900. However, there are homes in the Carriage District that were built after 1900. These are private properties, they are not open to the public. Click here to download the directions and information on each house in the tour.
8. HOUSE OF PRAYERS TOUR
If you like visiting churches and other houses of prayers, 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 Jewish historic Moorish Revival synagogue that was built in 1898. Location is on S 15th St., and you hardly miss it with its green onion-shaped domes.
Places to eat in Corsicana
When visiting small towns I prefer local eateries over national chain restaurants. Here are the recommendation I got from the Visitor Center:
Across the Street Diner One of the oldest continually operating soda fountains in Texas. Located in historic downtown Corsicana, it is a wonderful local spot with traditional American cuisine and high-end dining food. Address: 125 N Beaton St., Cporsicana, TX 75110. Phone: (903) 874-9111. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 am to 4 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Across the Street Bistro by Andreas An upscale dining experience that you would never expect in a small town. Located next door, owned by the same person. Both restaurants have been 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. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Napoli’s Also 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 A local favorite for Mexican food, located outside of the downtown area. You must try their infamous orange dip and the coconut margarita, if you are a fan of coconut. This 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. Closed on Mondays.
My family and I had lunch at Across the Street Diner and we were not disappointed. My son loved his burger while my husband loved his chicken fried steak. Fries and onion rings that came with our orders were good. 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’s really good. Too bad we didn’t have room for the desserts. A guy came to pick up his order of 6 different pies. I should get some for our snacks on the way home.
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 visit to Corsicana. Leave your comment below, and I will go check it out.
If you haven’t been to Corsicana, use this guide to help you plan a wonderful trip to the city.
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.