Uncover McKinney’s Best: 21 Unforgettable Places to Visit in 2024

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you uncover McKinney’s best places to visit in 2024, ensuring reliable communication while exploring the city’s charming parks, historic sites, and vibrant attractions.

McKinney, Texas is a city that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern vibrancy. Just 30 miles north of Dallas, this under-the-radar gem is packed with unique attractions, from a beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown to expansive parks and fascinating museums.

With its friendly small-town atmosphere and surprisingly diverse range of things to see and do, McKinney is an ideal weekend getaway destination. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, you’ll find plenty of memorable experiences in this North Texas town.

Ready to start exploring? Here are 21 of the best places to visit in mckinney in 2024:

1. Historic Downtown McKinney

The heart and soul of McKinney is its picture-perfect historic downtown square. Anchored by the stately 1875 Collin County Courthouse, the square is lined with over 120 unique locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully restored 19th-century buildings.

Wander the charming streets and discover these downtown highlights:

• Cadillac Pizza Pub: Grab a slice of wood-fired pizza and catch live music on the patio of this 1950s Cadillac-themed pizzeria.

• Filtered Coffee Shop: Sip artisanal coffee and tea in a cozy, vintage-inspired cafe.

• Ettiene Market: Browse gourmet foods, unique gifts, and fine wines in a stylish specialty market.

• Fair and Square Imports: Shop handmade, fair trade home decor and gifts from around the world.

• Orisons Art & Framing: Admire works by local artists in this chic downtown gallery.

2. Chestnut Square Heritage Village

Step back in time at the Chestnut Square Heritage Village, a collection of six preserved 19th-century buildings just south of the downtown square. Costumed volunteers bring the village to life, offering tours and demonstrations that provide a glimpse into McKinney’s pioneer past.

Don’t miss these Chestnut Square highlights:

• Dulaney House: Explore an 1854 house furnished with period antiques.

• Johnson House: Learn about the daily life of a middle-class family in the 1870s.

• Faires House: See how an affluent Victorian-era family lived in the 1880s.

• Taylor House: Tour an 1863 house that served as a Tenant Farmer’s residence.

• Chapel Hill School: Visit a replica one-room schoolhouse from the 1870s.

3. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This 289-acre preserve features 6.5 miles of nature trails that wind through towering trees, native tall-grass prairie, and wetlands.

Check out these top Heard Museum experiences:

• Butterfly House & Garden: Walk among free-flying native butterflies in a glass conservatory. (Seasonal)

• Native Texas Snakes Exhibit: Get up close to non-venomous snake species.

• Pioneer Village: See how early settlers lived in replicas of historic buildings.

• Dinosaurs Live!: Encounter life-size animatronic dinosaurs on a half-mile nature trail. (Seasonal)

• Zip Line: Soar through the treetops on a thrilling zip line adventure.

4. Towne Lake Recreation Area

McKinney’s most popular park, the 108-acre Towne Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around a scenic 22-acre lake. Spend an afternoon fishing from the pier, picnicking under the shady trees, or hitting the trails.

Towne Lake’s top attractions include:

• The Hike & Bike Trail: Walk, jog, or bike this 1.2-mile loop trail around the lake.

• Disc Golf Course: Play a round on the challenging 18-hole disc golf course.

• Fishing Pier: Cast a line for catfish, bass, and sunfish (catch and release only).

• Swimming Beach: Take a dip in the designated lake swimming area (seasonal).

• Playground: Let the kids burn off energy at the nautical-themed playground.

5. Franconia Brewing Company

Beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to Franconia Brewing Company. This local craft brewery specializes in German-style beers brewed with traditional techniques and the finest imported ingredients.

Here’s what to expect at Franconia Brewing:

• Brewery Tours: Take a guided tour and learn about the brewing process.

• Beer Hall: Sample a flight of Franconia’s beers in the laid-back taproom.

• Beer Garden: Sip a stein of ale at a picnic table in the tree-shaded beer garden.

• Live Music: Enjoy live bands on the beer garden stage (weekends).

• Food Trucks: Grab a bite from rotating food trucks parked on-site.

6. Heard-Craig Center for the Arts

Art aficionados should make a point to visit the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts. Housed in the elegant 1900 Heard-Craig House, this cultural center hosts rotating exhibits showcasing local and regional artists.

Highlights of the Heard-Craig Center include:

• Art Galleries: View diverse works in the two light-filled gallery spaces.

• Sculpture Garden: Stroll the landscaped grounds dotted with outdoor sculptures.

• Gift Shop: Shop for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items by Texas artisans.

• Educational Programs: Take a class or workshop in visual arts, writing, or culinary arts.

• Special Events: Attend exhibit openings, artist talks, and cultural celebrations.

7. Erwin Park

Situated on the banks of the east fork of the Trinity River, the 212-acre Erwin Park is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Miles of scenic trails wind through lush bottomland forests and wide open spaces.

Must-do activities at Erwin Park include:

• Hike & Bike Trails: Explore 10+ miles of multi-use trails for all skill levels.

• Horseback Riding: Bring your horse and ride the extensive equestrian trail system.

• Fishing: Fish for bass, catfish, and more along the riverbank (license required).

• Picnicking: Spread out a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots.

• Camping: Pitch a tent at the park’s primitive walk-in campsites.

Where to Stay in McKinney

McKinney offers a range of accommodations to fit every budget and style, from quaint B&Bs to modern hotels in mckinney. For a truly local experience, consider staying in one of the charming historic inns in downtown McKinney.

Top picks for hotels in mckinney tx include:

For a special stay, consider these highly-rated downtown B&Bs:

• The Dowell House: Victorian-style B&B with period furnishings and gourmet breakfasts.

• McKinney Bed and Breakfast: Cozy B&B in an 1880s home with a lovely garden courtyard.

• The Tartan Thistle Inn: Scottish-themed B&B with luxurious rooms and a fantastic location.

Traveling with a furry friend? These pet friendly hotels mckinney tx welcome four-legged guests:

• La Quinta Inn & Suites: Budget-friendly hotel with no pet fees.

• Sheraton McKinney: Upscale hotel allowing pets up to 50 lbs (fee applies).

• Emerson at Stonebridge Ranch: Stylish boutique hotel with a low pet fee.

Getting Around McKinney with Airtel’s Conectivity

If you’re flying into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, it’s an easy 45-minute drive to McKinney on US-75. Having a reliable international roaming plan ensures you can navigate, book rides, make reservations, and stay connected wherever your McKinney adventures take you.

McKinney is an easy city to explore on your own. The compact downtown area is very walkable, with most attractions, shops, and restaurants within a few blocks of each other.

For attractions further afield, you’ll want to have your own car or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. McKinney does not have a public bus system.