Texas, known as the Lone Star State, is a place of rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From its vast deserts to its thriving cities, Texas is a state that has something to offer for everyone. With its unique blend of Southern charm and Western spirit, Texas is a fascinating place to explore. In this article, we'll delve into 33 eye-opening Texas facts that will leave you amazed and wanting more.
1. The King Ranch is Larger than Rhode Island
The King Ranch, located in southern Texas, is one of the largest ranches in the world, covering an area of over 825,000 acres. To put that into perspective, the state of Rhode Island is only about 776,000 acres, making the King Ranch larger than the entire state.
The ranch was founded in 1853 and is still operational today, with a focus on cattle ranching and wildlife conservation. The King Ranch is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and quail.
2. The Johnson Space Center is Home to NASA's Astronaut Corps
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, Texas, is the main hub for NASA's human spaceflight operations. The center is home to the Astronaut Corps, where astronauts train for missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
The Johnson Space Center has played a crucial role in many historic space missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing and the Space Shuttle program. Today, the center continues to be at the forefront of space exploration, with a focus on manned missions to the moon and Mars.
3. The Guadalupe Mountains are a Hiker's Paradise
The Guadalupe Mountains, located in western Texas, are a hiker's paradise, with over 80 miles of trails to explore. The mountains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with towering peaks and deep canyons.
The Guadalupe Mountains are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and mountain lions. Visitors can hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or explore the scenic trails and vistas of McKittrick Canyon.
4. The Midland-Odessa Area is the Hub of the Permian Basin Oil Field
The Midland-Odessa area, located in western Texas, is the hub of the Permian Basin oil field, one of the largest oil-producing regions in the world. The area has been a major player in the oil industry since the 1920s and is home to many major oil companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil.

The Permian Basin is estimated to hold over 500 billion barrels of oil, making it one of the largest oil reserves in the world.
5. The Cadillac Ranch is a Public Art Installation
The Cadillac Ranch, located in Amarillo, Texas, is a public art installation featuring ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in a field.
The installation was created in 1974 by a group of artists known as The Ant Farm and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. Visitors can view the Cadillacs and even add their own graffiti to the cars.
6. The Riverwalk in San Antonio is a Network of Walkways Along the San Antonio River
The Riverwalk, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars.
The Riverwalk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas, with over 10 million visitors per year. The area is also home to many historic landmarks, including the Alamo and the San Fernando Cathedral.
7. Big Bend National Park is One of the Most Remote National Parks in the US
Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is one of the most remote national parks in the US, with over 801,000 acres of rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, bears, and over 400 species of birds. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park's many scenic trails and vistas.
8. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-Acre Oasis
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located on the shores of White Rock Lake, is a 66-acre oasis in the heart of the city.
The garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, tulips, and daffodils. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take in the scenic views of the lake, and attend one of the many events and concerts held throughout the year.
9. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is One of the Largest Rodeos in the World
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held annually in Houston, Texas, is one of the largest rodeos in the world, attracting over 2.5 million visitors per year.
The rodeo features a wide variety of events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. The event also includes a carnival, live music performances, and a barbecue cook-off.
10. The Natural Bridge Caverns are a Network of Underground Caves
The Natural Bridge Caverns, located near San Antonio, Texas, are a network of underground caves, featuring stunning rock formations and underground pools.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns, which include the Throne Room, the Grand Canyon, and the King's Throne. The caverns are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and rare insects.
11. The El Paso Mission Trail is a Collection of Historic Missions
The El Paso Mission Trail, located in El Paso, Texas, is a collection of historic missions, including the Ysleta Mission, the Socorro Mission, and the San Elizario Chapel.
The missions date back to the 17th century and are some of the oldest buildings in the US. Visitors can tour the missions and learn about the history of the area and the people who settled there.
12. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a Living History Museum
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a living history museum, featuring a wide variety of attractions, including a daily cattle drive, a rodeo, and a cowboy hall of fame.
Visitors can explore the historic stockyards, visit the many shops and restaurants, and attend one of the many events held throughout the year.
13. The San Jacinto Monument is a 570-foot-tall Monument to Texas Independence
The San Jacinto Monument, located in La Porte, Texas, is a 570-foot-tall monument to Texas independence, commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836.
The monument is surrounded by a museum and a park, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts related to Texas history.
14. The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a Fossil Site
The Waco Mammoth National Monument, located in Waco, Texas, is a fossil site, featuring the remains of 24 Columbian mammoths that date back to the Ice Age. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the history of the mammoths and the geology of the area.
15. The Palo Duro Canyon is the Second-Largest Canyon in the US
The Palo Duro Canyon, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the second-largest canyon in the US, covering an area of over 120,000 acres.
The canyon features stunning rock formations, scenic vistas, and a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and deer. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the many trails and scenic overlooks.
16. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a 1,130-Foot-Long Pier
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, located in Galveston, Texas, is a 1,130-foot-long pier, featuring a wide variety of amusement park rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and carnival games.
Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, take a stroll along the beach, and attend one of the many events held throughout the year.
17. The Dallas World Aquarium is Home to a Wide Variety of Marine Life
The Dallas World Aquarium, located in Dallas, Texas, is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, stingrays, and even monkeys. The aquarium features a 10,000-gallon tank, a rainforest exhibit, and a hands-on interactive area where visitors can touch and learn about marine animals.
18. The Texas Hill Country is a Scenic Region of Rolling Hills and Wildflowers
The Texas Hill Country, located in central Texas, is a scenic region of rolling hills and wildflowers, featuring a wide variety of wineries, vineyards, and bed-and-breakfast inns. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the hills, go hiking or biking, and attend one of the many festivals and events held throughout the year.
19. The USS Texas is a Historic Battleship Turned Museum
The USS Texas, located in La Porte, Texas, is a historic battleship turned museum, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the ship's history and the US Navy.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship, explore the many decks and compartments, and learn about the ship's role in World War I and World War II.
20. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a 279-Acre Botanical Garden
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, located in Austin, Texas, is a 279-acre botanical garden, featuring a wide variety of native plants and wildflowers, including bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and Texas sage.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take in the scenic views, and attend one of the many events and exhibitions held throughout the year.
21. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is One of the Most Popular Museums in the US
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, located in Houston, Texas, is one of the most popular museums in the US, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and collections related to science, nature, and culture.
Visitors can explore the many galleries and exhibits, including the Hall of Texas Wildlife, the Gem and Mineral Hall, and the IMAX Theater.
22. The San Antonio Missions are a Collection of Historic Missions
The San Antonio Missions, located in San Antonio, Texas, are a collection of historic missions, including the Alamo, the San Jose Mission, and the Concepción Mission.
The missions date back to the 18th century and are some of the oldest buildings in the US. Visitors can take a guided tour of the missions, explore the many historic sites, and learn about the history of the area and the people who settled there.
23. The Fort Davis National Historic Site is a Historic Military Outpost
The Fort Davis National Historic Site, located in Fort Davis, Texas, is a historic military outpost, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the fort and the US Army.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort, explore the many historic buildings, and learn about the role of the fort in the Indian Wars and the Civil War.
24. The Galveston Island Railroad Museum is a Museum Featuring Historic Trains
The Galveston Island Railroad Museum, located in Galveston, Texas, is a museum featuring historic trains, including locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum, explore the many exhibits and artifacts, and even take a ride on one of the historic trains.
25. The Marshall Presidio San Luis is a Historic Presidio
The Marshall Presidio San Luis, located in San Elizario, Texas, is a historic presidio, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the presidio and the US-Mexico border.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the presidio, explore the many historic buildings, and learn about the role of the presidio in the Spanish colonization of Texas.
26. The Brazos Bend State Park is a 5,000-Acre Nature Preserve
The Brazos Bend State Park, located in Needville, Texas, is a 5,000-acre nature preserve, featuring a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and over 300 species of birds. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a guided tour of the park, exploring the many trails and scenic overlooks.
27. The Austin Nature and Science Center is a Family-Friendly Museum
The Austin Nature and Science Center, located in Austin, Texas, is a family-friendly museum, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and activities related to science, nature, and the environment. Visitors can explore the many exhibits, including the Dino Pit, the Texas River exhibit, and the Space Theater.
28. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-Acre Nature Preserve
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, located in Houston, Texas, is a 155-acre nature preserve, featuring a wide variety of plant and animal life, including walking trails, gardens, and a nature center.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the center, explore the many trails and exhibits, and attend one of the many events and workshops held throughout the year.
29. The Texas State Capitol is an Impressive Example of Late 19th-Century Architecture
The Texas State Capitol, located in Austin, Texas, is an impressive example of late 19th-century architecture, featuring a stunning dome and a wide variety of historic artifacts and exhibits.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the capitol, exploring the many historic rooms and chambers, and learning about the history of Texas and its government.
30. The Dallas Museum of Art is a World-Class Museum
The Dallas Museum of Art, located in Dallas, Texas, is a world-class museum, featuring a wide variety of exhibits and collections related to art and culture.
Visitors can explore the many galleries and exhibits, including the European Art collection, the Contemporary Art collection, and the Arts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas collection.
31. The El Paso Zoo is Home to a Wide Variety of Animals
The El Paso Zoo, located in El Paso, Texas, is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, monkeys, and lions. Visitors can take a guided tour of the zoo, explore the many exhibits and habitats, and attend one of the many events and workshops held throughout the year.
32. The Corpus Christi Bayfront is a Scenic Waterfront Area
The Corpus Christi Bayfront, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a scenic waterfront area, featuring a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum.
Visitors can take a stroll along the bayfront, enjoy the scenic views, and attend one of the many events and festivals held throughout the year.
33. The Big Thicket National Preserve is a 112,000-acre Nature Preserve
The Big Thicket National Preserve, located in Kountze, Texas, is a 112,000-acre nature preserve, featuring a wide variety of plant and animal life, including alligators, turtles, and over 200 species of birds.
Visitors can hike, bike, or take a guided tour of the preserve, exploring the many trails and scenic overlooks, and attending one of the many events and workshops held throughout the year.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.