7 Texas attractions you may not know about

In a state where superlatives reign supreme and things are frequently described as “biggest” and “best,” Texas lays claim to many legitimately impressive attractions. In other words, we’re not just “all hat and no cattle” around here. But in such a large state, it can be hard to keep tabs on all the standout things to see and do.

Here, discover 7 such standouts—along with insider tips on how best to enjoy them. Some of the attractions may surprise you, and you’ll wonder how they escaped your attention.

An admirer of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, oil tycoon Algur H. Meadows set out to establish a small Prado for Texas at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The Meadows Museum, which opened in 1965, is now home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. See artwork dating from medieval times to present day, including works by Spanish masters such as El Greco, Goya, and Picasso.

At the entryway, the massive undulating Wave sculpture by storied Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava greets visitors. Made of bronze bars installed over a black-tiled pool, it’s magnificent to view day or night. Adults, $12.

Insider tip: Periodically through the year, the museum hosts Drawing From the Masters, informal art classes led by artists and inspired by the museum’s collections. Check the program calendar for upcoming sessions.

In the early 2000s, Baylor University professor Robert Darden (a longtime religious-music journalist) was growing concerned about the preservation of Black gospel music, a genre that has informed most of America’s music history.

This prompted Darden to write a New York Times op-ed piece in 2005 warning that “early gospel may soon be lost forever” due to a lack of organized archival efforts. Bolstered by the enthusiasm of other gospel fans who shared his concern, Darden soon took up the charge. The result: a state-of-the-art listening center and treasury of old record albums in the basements of Baylor’s Moody and Jones libraries.

Thousands of hours have gone into digitizing albums dating back to 1912, including ones from Grammy Award winners Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland, in addition to lesser-known artists. Free.

Insider tip: If you can’t visit the center in person, access some of the recordings online at the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program’s Royce-Darden Collection. “Old Ship of Zion” by the Mighty Wonders (1972) is one of the collection’s jewels.

The sanctuary’s approximately 30 acres of preserved forest make it the largest patch of old-growth sabals in the U.S. For a magical experience, walk along its 3 miles of nature trails, spotting feathery creatures from bird blinds and at a bird-feeding station. Adults, $5.

Insider tip: Through Airbnb, you can overnight on the sanctuary grounds at the historic Rabb Plantation House, a Queen Anne–style mansion built in 1892. $80 per night for a room with a queen bed and a private bathroom.

More than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the world’s largest bat colony—make their summer home just northeast of San Antonio at Bracken Cave, located on private land owned by Bat Conservation International (BCI). Mama bats give birth and raise their young here, so call it a maternity ward of sorts. Bats may have their detractors, but environmentalists and farmers praise their pest-eating prowess and welcome their presence.

Every night, the bats fly out of the cave to dine on approximately 400,000 pounds of moths, mosquitoes, and other insects. On select nights from May through September, the public can watch the dramatic spectacle at sunset. Tickets must be purchased in advance and go fast, so reserve early. Tickets, $30.

Insider tip: Join BCI as a member for additional opportunities to see the bats emerge on members-only nights.

Gordon Hartman’s daughter, Morgan, was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. As a testament to his love for her, Hartman created Morgan’s Wonderland in 2010, the world’s first fully accessible amusement park.

Everyone can come here for a thrilling day of fun, no matter their physical or cognitive ability. Think adaptive swings, waterslides (at the adjacent water park Inspiration Island), and more. Visitors with disabilities enjoy all this for free. Adults without disabilities, $19; $29 for both parks.

Insider tip: At Wonderland’s 8-acre lake, volunteers help people of all abilities do catch-and-release fishing from an accessible dock.

But you don’t have to sail the ship to experience its magnificence. Simply tour it, imagining life at sea in the 19th century. Roam the upper decks and marvel at the 3 towering masts, then explore the crew quarters below deck. Adults, $16.

Insider tip: Also at the seaport, a “Ship to Shore” exhibit provides insight into what Galveston was like for immigrants arriving at one of the nation’s largest immigration ports in the late 1800s. 

In the eastern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas, you’ll find the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Each day, San Solomon Springs feeds more than 15 million gallons of crystal-clear water into the 1.3-acre pool.

The water stays a nippy 72 to 76 degrees year-round, and swimmers share it with turtles and fish, including the small and endangered Comanche Springs pupfish, which you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The pool is up to 25 feet deep, so you’ll see scuba divers here, too.

Speaking of diving, a high dive delivers plenty of thrills for those who take the leap. The park restricts the number of swimmers each day, so book online in advance. Adults, $7.

Insider tip: Although the pool is open daily, the park’s campsites and lodge rooms are under renovation and aren’t currently available for overnight stays.

Cynthia J. Drake, an Austin-based travel writer, regularly contributes to AAA Explorer, Southern Living, and Texas Monthly.