Top Five Popular Attractions on a Trip Between Cedar Hill and McKinney, Texas
Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Hill to McKinney, Texas and wondering where to stop for some adventure and fun? Look no further! We've got a list of the top five popular attractions that you don't want to miss.
Exploring the Route and the Halfway Point: Dallas, TX
Cedar Hill and McKinney are two cities located in the north-central region of Texas. The two cities are about 50 miles apart, and the driving time is about one hour.
Perhaps the most famous city in the region is Dallas, which is conveniently situated at the halfway point between Cedar Hill and McKinney. Dallas is a vibrant city, full of activities and attractions, including sports, museums, and parks. If you want to take a break from your road trip, Dallas offers many options to explore.
For example, you might visit the iconic Reunion Tower, located downtown, where you can get an unmatched panoramic view of the city skyline from over 500 feet above the ground. Or you could check out the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll amidst the flowers and greenery of this 66-acre oasis.
If you're hungry, you'll find no shortage of options in Dallas. The city has over 20,000 restaurants, serving everything from classic Texas barbecue to international cuisine.
Now that you've had a glimpse of Dallas let's get back on the road and explore the top five popular attractions on your journey from Cedar Hill to McKinney.
1. Cedar Ridge Preserve
Located in Cedar Hill is the sprawling Cedar Ridge Preserve. This 600-acre tract of land is open to the public and managed by the Audubon Dallas society. The area is filled with miles of hiking trails that loop through grasslands, juniper forests, and prairies, offering stunning views of the Dallas skyline. Visitors often spot wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and an array of birds. If you're feeling adventurous, climb to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the area.
2. Southfork Ranch
After driving northeast for 27 miles from Cedar Hill, you will come across the Southfork Ranch. This is the iconic filming location of the hit TV series, "Dallas." Visitors can take a tour of the grounds and mansion, exploring memorable locations used in the series and learn about the history of TV production.
3. Plano Balloon Festival
The Plano Balloon Festival is an annual event held every September in Plano, Texas, located about 10 miles south of McKinney. The festival features hot air balloons, food stalls, live music entertainment, and carnival rides. You'll feel like you're floating on air while watching the balloons inflate and light up the night sky.
4. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in McKinney, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary features interactive exhibits, hiking trails, and wildlife exhibits. The museum's mission is to bring guests closer to nature through hands-on and outdoor exploration.
Visitors can learn about various ecosystems and habitats and see animals such as bobcats, bison, and coyotes in their natural habitat.
5. Chestnut Square Historic Village
The Chestnut Square Historic Village is also located in McKinney and is a collection of six restored homes from different periods of the city's history. The properties serve as a window into the past and allow visitors to explore life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The village hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including holiday tours, quilting classes, and themed dinners.
The Best Route for Your Road Trip
Now that you know the top five attractions to explore on your trip between Cedar Hill and McKinney, here's the best route to take:
Start your journey in Cedar Hill and head north along US-67 N for 27 miles to Southfork Ranch.
After your visit to Southfork Ranch, take US-75 N for six miles to McKinney.
While in McKinney, make sure to explore the Chestnut Square Historic Village and the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.
For the Plano Balloon Festival, head 10 miles south from McKinney along US-75 S to Plano.
Your journey ends in McKinney.
So there you have it! A road trip full of adventure, history, and fun, exploring the top five popular attractions on a journey between Cedar Hill and McKinney, Texas.