Texas is a sprawling state full of endless plains and condensed, built-up cities. Fourteen miles southeast of Dallas, a settler named Andrew K. Gray established Prairie Valley in the beginning of the 19th century.
The area thrived on the cotton industry, being home to many cotton farms and gins thanks to nearby railroad stations.
The actual date the town of Wilmer as it’s known today was formed is a point of contention, but the earliest reputable record is from 1876. Originally steep in agricultural, the population of Wilmer doubled by the First World War at which time they also had a bank, was home to an oil corporation, and had telephone connections.
Today, the town has surpassed a mere 3,000 residents, but still remains small compared to its nearby neighbors.
Where is Wilmer, TX?
Wilmer is a mere 15 minutes away from downtown Dallas, the third largest city in the state. Lengthened only due to traffic, it’s a 50 minute drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
This convenient location has made Wilmer a commercial hub. Companies such as Amazon, Unilever, and Whirlpool use the city for global distribution. Its prime location near three interstate highways and two major regional ones make it ideal for traveling, but there is still plenty to do in the local area.
Things to do in Wilmer, TX
1. Texas Defensive Shooting Academy
Aim for a fun day out at Texas Defensive Shooting Academy (TDSA). Sat southeast of town, TDSA is the perfect place to practice your shooting.
They offer six different pistol classes, two levels of rifle training, and license to carry certifications.
They also have the option to enroll in private lessons so it’s just you and the tutor. The range has 11 tactical bays, a 300 and a 400 yard rifle range, and three gun training areas.
They host a monthly competition you can sign up to. TDSA is also a place to buy and service your firearm.
2. Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve
The Trinity River runs along the east end of Wilmer where you can find the river’s Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve.
Goat Island is one of the two islands in Trinity River and located actually about 58 miles west of the Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve.
Despite its distance from its namesake, the Goat Island Preserve is 501 acres worth of land in which visitors can hike and bike eight miles worth of trails.
There are a few different trails to choose from, like the Rapids Trail and Copperhead Trail, and you can bring your dog, too!
3. Bear Creek Nature Park
An alternative to the Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Island Preserve is Bear Creek. The Nature Park has over 200 acres worth of woody terrain with many different trails for hiking and even horse riding that wind around several creeks and ponds which fishers can also take advantage of.
Bear Creek isn’t just about moving and getting active, though, as it’s also a place to relax.
It’s an ideal park to go picnic in or spend a relaxing afternoon in their butterfly garden.
4. Xtreme Raceway Park
South of Wilmer, below the town of Ferris, is the Xtreme Raceway Park. It’s owned and operated by experienced drag racers who know what to give their audience.
All year ‘round you can go down to see a wide range of mod cars race to finish of the 1/8th mile course. Some special events feature pro mods, funny cars, sportman, and dragsters.
You can rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy the day, as Xtreme Raceway Park was purpose-built with the customer in pind.
There are concession areas and Bull Pen platform viewing areas. Best of all: giant, commerical fans to keep you cool in the Texas heat.
5. Commemorative Air Force
If you’re a history buff and bit of a thrill seeker, you must visit the Commemorative Air Force. Their aim is to celebrate aeronautic military history through the preservation of real, decommissioned aircraft.
Five of these planes are still flown regularly and you too are able to book a 20 or 30 minute ride in one of these historic crafts.
If you fall in love with the Commemorative Air Force, you can go along to one of their monthly meetings and get a membership, becoming part of history yourself in continuing to educate people about American aviation history.
6. Country View Golf Course
Country View Golf Course is a place that members or day-trippers can enjoy. Choose between 18 holes walking or 18 holes riding, with the price of a golf cart rental built in.
Memberships have three different levels and can be by the month or the year. If you prefer to get some practice in, Country View also has a driving range, putting green, and chipping green.
You can replenish your day of fresh air at the Fairway Grill on premises. What’s more, Country View is also a wedding venue, ideal for beautiful nature views on your big day.
7. Trinity Forest Adventure Park
How about high-rise fun outside the city? Trinity Forest Adventure Park takes you out of the concrete jungle and into the treetops.
This course rises 50 feet up and has rope obstacles and zip lines throughout – the longest zip line spanning 100 feet!
Those who want to face the challenge must be over 48” tall and at least 6 years old. Work together with friends or family to get to the end.
There are over 70 different obstacles throughout the Adventure Park and each course has you face between eight and twelve on your route.
8. Trinity River Audubon Center
If you’re not into heights, remain firmly grounded at Trinity River Audubon Center. 6,000 acres worth of land cover the Great Trinity Forest – the largest urban hardwood forest in the country – and bird sanctuary.
There are five miles worth of trails to wander throughout the Center from which you can view all the protected wildlife there.
Just be wary, there are snakes – some non-venomous, some venomous – and poison ivy throughout the Center.
This shouldn’t deter you, though, as Trinity River Audubon Center is a popular place for nature lovers to come relax and appreciate the conservation efforts.
9. Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre
Take a trip back to the old days and down to Ennis, Texas. There you can visit the Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre.
They have nightly double features from Thursday through Sunday starting at 6pm with a 10 minute intermission between the two films.
Enjoy the latest releases from the comfort of your own car. At only $7 per person, tickets are considerably cheaper than going to a movie theatre in town.
They even show 3D films. Nothing stops the show from going on, all movies play come rain or shine!
10. Mars Hill Farms
This is one for a mix of nature lovers and risk takers. Learn beekeeping at Mars Hill Farm. Don’t worry, there isn’t actually a big risk.
Beekeeping is an age-old farming technique used to cultivate honey and you can learn how.
Classes run for seven hours during which you can learn everything you need to know about beekeeping: you’ll learn about their biology and castes and how to maintain a hive to name a few bits.
Every class is a hands-on experience so get ready to suit up in a protective bee suit and tend a hive!
We’ll admit, most of these activities are on the outskirts of Wilmer at best, if not a bit further afield. Don’t despair, as that’s what keeps Wilmer a quit and comfortably little town.
A short car ride is all you need to still have lots of relaxing days out or complete adventures in and around Wilmer.
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