Sometimes, the best fun is discovering hidden gems in Texas that tourists, and even many locals, don’t know they exist. Here are 11  of the best hidden gems in Fort Worth that may not make the travel brochures, but are worth checking out!

1. The Hand Collection, Baylor University Medical Center

3600 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
Jen R/Flickr
Whoever knew that hands could be so interesting? The Hand Collection is on display at Dallas' Baylor University Medical in the George W. Truett Memorial Hospital lobby. The display is open and free to the public 24 hours a day. This exhibit of more than 100 cast, bronze-coated hands is the work of Adrian Flatt, M.D., who was chief of orthopedic surgery at Baylor Dallas. He wanted to show how expressive and revealing individual hands could be.

2. Ray Charles' Dallas Home

Thomas Hawk/Flickr
2642 Eugene St, Dallas, TX 75215, USA
Google Maps
Did you know that Ray Charles once called Dallas home in the mid-1950s? It was in this small frame home on the south side of Dallas where he composed songs, practiced, and began perfecting his distinctive sound.

3. Foucault Pendulum in Hunt Oil Building

1900 N Akard St ste 100, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Erin McClure/Flickr
This incredibly beautiful pendulum balances science and art as it swings over an intricate mosaic consisting of 2,600 stone pieces! The lobby where it is displayed is open to the public, and it will enrapture kids and adults alike. Make sure you refresh your memory on how the pendulum works so you can wisely explain to others how it proves the Earth is rotating right under it.

Learn more about how Foucault pendulums work:

4. Replica Munster Mansion

3636 FM813, Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
Jersey/Google
The husband and wife duo who own this home are so passionate about the 1960s The Munsters TV show that they made a replica of it, both indoors and out! They reside in the home full-time, meaning it is not a general tourist attraction, but they open it up for special events. Gawkers are always welcome, of course.

Take a tour of this wonderful mansion:

5. Aurora Cemetery

507 Cemetery Rd, Aurora, TX 76078, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Was there an alien among us? The historical marker proudly tells of the legend that a spaceship crashed nearby in 1897. The pilot, who was killed in the crash, was allegedly buried here. Aurora is located about 30 miles north of Fort Worth.

Learn the legend of the alien that is said to be buried here:

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6. Lakeside Park (a.k.a. Teddy Bear Park)

Lakeside Drive, Lakeside Dr, Mesquite, TX 75149, USA
travis(ty)/Flickr
Rediscover your inner child around these adorable, yet not quite cuddlesome, giant stone teddy bears. In addition to the whimsical bears, Lakeside Park is filled with gorgeous waterways and trails guaranteed to put you in a youthful mood.

Editor's Note: This park is closed for improvements until Spring of 2024.

7. Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose

1014 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
The name may not be exactly original, but it sure is accurate! What's not to like about having lots of gigantic rocks near Glen Rose to climb on, all the while enjoying the sound of rushing water to sit and relax in?

8. Lee Harvey Oswald's Grave, Rose Hill Cemetery

76112, Fort Worth, TX 76112, USA
D. Davis/Flickr
Those interested in President Kennedy's assassination in 1963 may like the challenge of finding Lee Harvey Oswald's simply marked grave at this expansive cemetery. Staff won't give details on the location of the marker, so plan to spend some time looking. What really has folks puzzled is the similar marker to the right of Oswald's bearing the name "Nick Beef."

9. Heritage Trails Self-Guided Walking Tour - Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX, USA
Daniel R./Google
Stroll through downtown Fort Worth and learn about the city's rich history from the 25 markers located throughout the city. You can even download a map.

Editor's Note: Google Maps shows this as temporarily closed, however, there is no indication of this on related sites. Please check the Downtown Fort Worth website for the most current info.

10. The Dallas connection to Bonnie & Clyde.

David/Flickr
Although they traveled extensively during their two-year crime spree in the 1930s, infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde were from Dallas and returned here often, most likely to visit friends and family.
Dallas, TX, USA
meltedplastic/Flickr
While Clyde Barrow is buried in the private Western Heights Ceremony, Bonnie Parker's gravesite is viewable in Crown Hill Cemetery, at the northeast corner of Lombardy Lane and Webb-Chapel Road.

11. Dallas Underground Walkways - Downtown Dallas

Dallas, TX, USA
Deep Elum/Google
Unlike many other major cities, the underground in Dallas is relatively unknown to anyone other than downtown workers. It encompasses about 36 city blocks, with some areas below the surface and others elevated in skybridges. The grids aren't well laid out or accessible, but it's kind of fun to traipse through them as in a maze, if for no real reason other than a sense of adventure!

Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Fort Worth? What has been your latest hidden discovery in the city you call home? We’d love to hear about more hidden gems in North Texas in the comments! For more fun adventures, take a road trip and check out these other Texas hidden gems.

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Will Suphan | December 11, 2023

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The most hidden natural wonders in Texas include:

  • Westcave Preserve. This is like a grotto from a fairytale with clear water, moss-covered rocks, and sheer natural beauty.
  • Cattail Falls. These are notoriously hard to find, but if you do, you’re treated to an 80-foot waterfall that you won’t forget.
  • Blue Hole. You might think you’re on a tropical island when you see these bright turquoise waters that are purported to have healing properties.
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What are the most charming small towns in Texas?

The most charming small towns in Texas include:

  • Poteet. This was where George Strait was born and is known for its annual Poteet Strawberry Festival.
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  • Jefferson. This town is full of antique and specialty shops as well as over 70 historic landmarks.
  • Marfa. This tiny town has a huge arts culture and is the sight of strange lights known as the Marfa Lights.

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The most charming general stores in Texas include:

  • Luckenbach General Store in Lukenbach. This shop opened in 1849 and was originally a trading post. It now sells all sorts of Western items and even has a bar.
  • Fischer General Store in Fischer. The same family has been running this shop since it started and they are also the town’s namesake.
  • Nix General Store in Nix. This store started up in 1883 and was also a post office until 1906, yet the store is still in business.
  • Jefferson General Store in Jefferson. This old store has been around since 1870 selling antiques, collectibles, and foodstuffs.

Find out more about the most charming general stores in Texas. 

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