Today it’s time for the third state in our series ‘What to do when in …’. We’re taking you to Texas! In this series we show you the best sights and activities of one of the 50 states. As a student-athlete you naturally spend a lot of time on sports and studying. Fortunately, there is also plenty of time to explore the country. So today Texas… where is the state? We point him out for you on the Slamstox map below.
Texas is best known for oil extraction and cowboys. But the state has so much more to offer. Curious about what you can do in Texas and which places are a real must visit? Then read on quickly.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in Southwest Texas, close to the Mexican border. The Rio Grande River flows through the park. The park is therefore excellent to discover from the water, both by kayak and boat, guided tours are offered for everyone. In the National Park you can find plenty of desert areas, canyons and rock formations, but there are also plenty of animals such as bears and many different types of birds. In addition, with geological funds, remains of overseas fossils and dinosaurs have been found.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a waterfront urban park in San Antonio and is the heart of the city. The footpath is almost 25 kilometers long and leads you to all the main sights. In addition, numerous restaurants and local shops are also located along the river. So the San Antonio River Walk is the perfect way to discover the city. Don’t feel like walking? You can also explore the city on a boat tour from the water and still see all of the San Antonio River Walk this way.
Terlingua
Terlingua is a ”ghost town” close to the Big Bend National Park. At the end of the nineteenth century, the city became extremely popular among miners and the city experienced its heyday. At the end of the Second World War, the mine went bankrupt and all the miners left the city. In the meantime, the city is completely deserted, and you can take a walk along the ruins or take a look at the old prison.
Fun fact: Every year in November, the chili cookout takes place here, a festive event and competition to see who makes the best chili.
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo is a public work of art, made up of ten Cadillacs standing straight up and buried with their noses in the sand. The artwork was designed in the 1970s by a group of artists from San Francisco. Although the site has been the site of several protests in the past, and is now officially on private land, it is still very popular among tourists and locals. Now it is mainly known for the graffiti sprayed works of art.
The USS Lexington
USS Lexington is an aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy. The aircraft carrier was used for various naval battles, including at Pearl Harbor. Nicknamed ”The Blue Ghost”, the ship has been moored in the port of Corpus Christi since 1992, where it has also served as a museum ever since. For this, the ship was restored and, for example, several cannons were placed back. In addition, the ship was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003. That must be an impressive museum.
Space center Houston
The Space Center in Houston is a science museum and official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The museum is immense (23,000 m2) and exhibits several relevant space explorations. Including the Apollo 17, which was used during a manned moon landing during the last Apollo mission. But there are also plenty of exhibitions and performances that teach you more about space travel and NASA. Plan a visit to the Space Center and imagine yourself in space for a while.
The Alamo
The Alamo is an important part of the history of the Texas War of Independence. The Alamo was a Catholic mission building in San Antonio and was the center of the Texas independence movement. The fact that it is such an important building proves the fact that there are many legends about it. A building that has been very important in Texas history. There are many places here that will take you back to the days of the Texas War of Independence, a must visit if you ask us.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibit and rodeo in the world. The event was first organized in 1931, and has been held since 2003 at NRG Stadium, where American football games are normally played. The event attracts more than a million visitors annually, lasts 20 days and has since become a true symbol of the city of Houston. Several well-known artists have also been present in the past, including Elvis Presley, Beyoncé and John Legend performed here during the show.
Dallas
Dallas was a hugely popular series at the end of the last century about a family living on a ranch made rich by the oil industry. Fan of the series? You can now visit the popular ranch yourself.
The city of Dallas is now best known as a metropolis, and the third largest city in Texas. The city mainly attracts many tourists because of its historic streets, cultural background and special and beautiful architecture. If you’re in Dallas, be sure to pay a visit to Dealy Plaza. This is where former US President John F. Kennedy was killed when he was shot at in an open limousine.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains is a national park in western Texas. The park is the pinnacle of Texas; Guadalupe Peak at 2,667 meters high. The park has a beautiful, versatile nature, with dense forests, but also extensive rocky areas. A must visit for a nice walk, because the park has no less than 130 kilometers of hiking trails. In addition, the park is also known for the world’s most extensive fossil reef from the Permian era. Definitely worth a closer look.
So plenty of fun things to see and do in New York State. We understand that student-athletes want to go to Texas. Do you want to become a student-athlete or would you like more information about sports and studying in America? Then contact us!
