Bonham Parks, Lakes, and Outdoor Stops
Bonham State Park
A 261-acre park built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression, featuring a 65-acre lake, 8.75 miles of hiking and biking trails, camping, and water rentals. One of the more underrated state parks in North Texas — quiet, well-maintained, and genuinely scenic.
The lake has a 5-mph speed limit and a boat ramp. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are available to rent from 8 AM to 3 PM daily, weather permitting. Camping ranges from full hookups to tent sites. Reservations strongly recommended; the park fills on weekends.
- ActivitiesHiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboats, camping, picnicking, geocaching
- HoursOpen daily · Office 8:15 AM–4:45 PM
- AdmissionDay-use fee per person (13+) · See tpwd.texas.gov for current rates
- CampingReservations required · reserve.america.com or call (512) 389-8920
- PetsAllowed on 6-ft leash
Texas’s newest major reservoir — the first major lake built in the state in nearly 30 years. Covers about 26 square miles and opened to public recreation in April 2024. Three free public access areas with boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms. Stocked with largemouth bass and catfish; also supports crappie.
No designated swim beaches or overnight camping at NTMWD public access areas. Best for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Boat ramps are free to launch and generally open 24/7.
- ActivitiesFishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking
- Access3 free public ramps · 24/7 · No overnight camping on NTMWD sites
- FishLargemouth bass, catfish, crappie
North Texas Safari Park
A drive-through and walk-through exotic animal park west of Bonham on US-82. The drive-through covers about half a mile of animals you can observe and feed from your car. The walk-through section includes a kangaroo and wallaby exhibit (Texas Down Under), a petting zoo with llamas, alpacas, and nilgai, and giraffe feeding. Sloth encounters are available separately by appointment.
Strong family attraction and one of the higher-rated things to do near Bonham on Tripadvisor. Plan about two hours. Admission at the gate — not sold online.
- Address2920 US Hwy 82 W, Bonham, TX 75418
- HoursFri–Sun 9 AM–3 PM (seasonal; verify before visiting)
- AdmissionAdults $25 · Kids 12 & under $20 · 2 & under free w/ paying adult
- Phone903-718-0305
- NoteAdmission at gate only. Hours vary — confirm before driving out.
History & Museums
Bonham History, Museums, and Downtown Stops
Bonham is an unusually history-rich small town. It was the home of Sam Rayburn — the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives — and the original 1837 frontier settlement of Fannin County. Most of the historical sites are free or low-cost and are within a few miles of each other.
Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
Sam Rayburn served 48 years in Congress and 17 years as Speaker of the House — the longest tenure in the office. His 1916 farmhouse is preserved as he left it in 1961: original furnishings, family photographs, his 1947 Cadillac, a smokehouse, barn, and garage. Guided tours depart from the visitor center.
This is a National Historic Landmark and genuinely one of the better-preserved political figures’ homes in the country. Reviewers consistently note it’s a more personal and revealing experience than expected.
- Address890 W. State Hwy 56, Bonham, TX 75418
- HoursTue–Sat 10 AM–4 PM · Closed Sun–Mon
- ToursGuided · Depart from visitor center
- Phone903-583-5558
Sam Rayburn Library and Museum
Downtown Bonham. Where the House covers his private life and home, this museum covers his political career. It features an exact replica of the Speaker of the House office as it appeared during Rayburn’s tenure — the furniture, the scale model of the Capitol dome he kept on his desk, the flag collection. Free admission, ADA accessible, on-site parking.
- Address800 W. Sam Rayburn Dr, Bonham, TX 75418
- HoursTue–Sun (verify current hours at briscoecenter.org)
- AdmissionFree
- Phone903-583-2455
- GroupsCall ahead for groups of 10+
Fannin County Museum of History
Housed in the restored 1900 Texas and Pacific Railway depot on the downtown square. Covers Fannin County from before the Texas Revolution through World War II. Standout pieces include a restored WWII PT-19 Fairchild training airplane from Jones Field, the fire engine that fought the 1929 courthouse fire, a railroad caboose, and period rooms covering pioneer life, the jazz age, and both world wars.
- Address1 Main St (T&P Depot), Bonham, TX 75418
- HoursMon–Thu & Sun 12–4 PM · Closed Fri–Sat
- AdmissionFree · Donations appreciated
- Phone903-583-8042
Fort Inglish Village
A replica of the 1837 frontier fortification and settlement built by Bailey Inglish — the founder of Bonham. Three original 1830s log cabins relocated from Fannin County, set up as a frontier cabin, a trading post with broom-making demonstrations, and a general store. Also includes a blacksmith shop, school/church, stockade, and carriage house. About two miles west of downtown.
- AddressHwy 56 & Chinner St, Bonham
- HoursThu–Sat 12–4 PM, March–November · Exterior viewable year-round
- AdmissionFree · Donations welcome
- GroupsSchool/bus tours: call Sam Rayburn House at 903-583-5558
1888 Fannin County Courthouse
The restored 1888 courthouse is the centerpiece of Historic Downtown Bonham and one of the most intact historic courthouses in North Texas. The surrounding square is walkable and includes antique shops, cafes, and local businesses. Heritage Day Festival (May 2) and most downtown events are centered here.
- Address101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr, Bonham, TX 75418
- AccessExterior always visible · Tours available during Heritage Day and some events
Shopping & Markets
Bonham Shopping, Trade Days, and Downtown Stops
Ready to compare live dates before you keep planning?
One of North Texas’ longest-running monthly outdoor markets, operated by the Bonham Kiwanis Club. Antiques, vintage collectibles, tools, small livestock, handmade goods, food vendors, and general merchandise. Free admission, free parking, rain or shine every month. The full 2026 schedule is on the Trade Days page.
- Location1100 W. 5th St. · Corner of Hwy 121 & Hwy 56
- ScheduleThu–Sun after first Monday · Every month · Year-round
- AdmissionFree · Free parking
Local Events
Bonham Events and Seasonal Weekends
Bonham has recurring events nearly every month. The full calendar is on the local events page. Highlights:
View full event calendar →
Free, Family, and Weekend Things to Do in Bonham TX
Free Things to Do in Bonham TX
Start with downtown Bonham, courthouse-square walks, public lake access areas, Fort Inglish Village when open, and museum stops that may ask for donations. Always confirm current hours before you go.
Things to Do in Bonham TX with Kids
Family-friendly stops can include Bonham State Park, North Texas Safari Park, Fort Inglish Village, local events, lake access areas, and easy downtown food or shopping stops.
How to Spend a Weekend in Bonham TX
Use one day for parks, lakes, and outdoor time, then use the second day for Sam Rayburn history, the courthouse square, Trade Days when scheduled, and a direct-book stay at Four Winds.
Things to Do in Bonham TX — Common Questions
A half day covers one or two history stops. A full day gives time for Bonham State Park, downtown, and museums. If your trip includes Trade Days, a lake stop, or a local event, plan an overnight stay.
Good family stops include Bonham State Park, North Texas Safari Park, Fort Inglish Village, local events, and easy downtown stops. Check current hours before you go.
Free or low-cost options can include downtown Bonham, courthouse-square walks, public lake access areas, Fort Inglish Village when open, and museum stops that may ask for donations.
Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites is at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr in Bonham, near downtown, local history stops, parks, and event routes. For pets, book Judge Roy Bean Cottage or Burke Trammell Cottage; main-house suites are not pet-friendly.
