landmark
Texarkana Post Office & Courthouse
Stand in Texas and Arkansas at the same time on the front steps. Photographers queue here daily.
Pregunta a ParleyEstados Unidos
Texarkana
Two states, one city split down State Line Avenue.
introduction
Overview
Texarkana straddles two U.S. states, with Texas on the west side and Arkansas on the east. State Line Avenue forms the primary spine through downtown, where you can walk across state boundaries on a single pavement. Most visitors arrive by car via Interstate 30 or train via Amtrak. A day spent here focuses on rail heritage, early 20th-century civic architecture, and regional barbecue.
State line arrival
Texarkana Regional Airport sits three miles east on the Arkansas side. State Line Avenue divides Texas and Arkansas right through downtown.
Federal border anomaly
The 1933 Texarkana Federal Building is the only U.S. post office standing in two states simultaneously.
Time zone alignment
Both sides of Texarkana operate on Central Time despite straddling two state jurisdictions. You do not need to adjust your watch when crossing the street.
Texarkana
Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0
Downtown — Historic core split down State Line Avenue with grand civic buildings and local diners.
Chris Litherland · CC BY-SA 3.0
Eastside Arkansas — Residential districts and industrial heritage east of State Line Avenue.
Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0
Slow-smoked pork and beef rib platters are regional staples.
vxla from Chicago, US · CC BY 2.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Ace of Clubs House
Built in 1885 with an octagonal shape resembling a playing card suit. Guided tours detail Victorian life.
Pregunta a Parley
landmark
Texarkana Union Station
1930 passenger rail terminal serving Amtrak's Texas Eagle route. Trains connect daily to Chicago and San Antonio.
Pregunta a Parleyattractions
On the map
areas
Where life happens
Downtown
Historic core split down State Line Avenue with grand civic buildings and local diners.
WalkabilityHistoryArchitecture
A cambioQuieter on Sunday evenings as small businesses close early.
CercaPerot Theatre and Federal Building
Pregunta a ParleyEastside Arkansas
Residential districts and industrial heritage east of State Line Avenue.
Rail HistoryLocal MarketsQuiet Streets
A cambioFewer hotel options compared to the Texas highway corridor.
CercaTexarkana Regional Airport
Pregunta a ParleyNorth Texarkana
Suburban strip along Interstate 30 with chain hotels, parks, and dining options.
HotelsParksShopping
A cambioRequires a car to reach historic downtown attractions.
CercaSpring Lake Park and Richmond Road corridor
Pregunta a ParleyWestside Commercial
Retail hubs and casual eateries spread along modern suburban avenues.
ConvenienceDiningHighway Access
A cambioStandard suburban grid lacks pedestrian character.
CercaCentral Mall area and Interstate 30
Pregunta a Parleyfood
Smoked meats and Southern comfort
Texarkana sits at the intersection of Texas barbecue culture and Arkansas Southern cooking. Pitmasters here smoke pork shoulder alongside beef brisket over hickory wood. Local diners serve chicken-fried steak, catfish platters, and fried green tomatoes. Expect straightforward counter service and generous portions at independent spots.
Slow-smoked pork and beef rib platters are regional staples.
vxla from Chicago, US · CC BY 2.0- Brisket and ribs
Order barbecue by the pound at local pit joints along Texas Boulevard or Stateline Avenue.
- Lunch hours matter
Popular barbecue joints sell out of popular cuts like burnt ends by 1:30 PM.
- Sales tax variations
Sales tax differs between the Texas and Arkansas sides of town. State Line Avenue businesses account for this based on physical address.
history
A short history
Texarkana developed as a rail junction in the 1870s where the Texas and Pacific Railroad met the Cairo and Fulton Railroad. The state border was drawn prior to settlement, creating two distinct municipalities that share infrastructure. The city grew rapidly as a timber, agricultural, and freight transport hub.
- 1873
Town founded
Railroad executives establish Texarkana at the intersection of Texas and Arkansas rail lines.
- 1885
Ace of Clubs House built
Draughon family builds their distinctive octagonal residence, now a primary historic home museum.
- 1924
Perot Theatre opens
The Saenger Theatre opens as an ornate movie palace, later restored and renamed after H. Ross Perot.
- 1933
Bistate post office completed
Construction finishes on the federal building that directly straddles the state line.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your stay based on transit access and proximity to downtown. Driving travellers usually select hotels along Interstate 30 on the Texas side for quick highway access and modern amenities. Heritage travellers seeking walkability to historic sites prefer locations closer to the downtown core.
- History enthusiastsDowntown — Walkable to the Federal Building, Perot Theatre, and local museums.
- Budget travellersEastside Arkansas — Lower room rates with short drive times into the central business district.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
Courtyard Texarkana
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Residence Inn by Marriott Texarkana
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Holiday Inn Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center by IHG
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Hampton Inn Texarkana
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX
Pregunta a Parleytransport
Getting around
Texarkana is primarily a car-dependent city. Public transit options are limited, though downtown attractions can easily be explored on foot once parked. Interstate 30 and U.S. Route 71 serve as the main traffic arteries.
Desde Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK)
- Taxi10 min$15–22
Available outside arrivals; rates run slightly higher during evening hours.
- Rideshare10 min$12–18
Uber and Lyft pickup is permitted directly at the terminal curb.
- Rental car10 min$45–80/day
On-site counters located in the main passenger terminal.
Street parking in downtown Texarkana is largely unmetered, but check posted time limits.
The Texas Eagle stops at Union Station daily, connecting Texarkana to Little Rock and Dallas.
Congestion peaks along Interstate 30 and State Line Avenue between 7:30–8:30 AM and 4:30–5:30 PM.
cost
What things cost
Texarkana is an affordable travel destination relative to national averages. Meals, lodging, and attraction tickets cost significantly less than in major Texan or regional metropolitan areas.
- Barbecue lunch plate: $12–18
Includes smoked meat option, two sides, and bread.
- Museum admission: $5–10
Standard entry rate for local historic home and history exhibits.
- Hotel night (mid-range): $90–140
Standard double room at highway chain properties.
- Coffee at local cafe: $3.50–5.00
Espresso beverages and drip coffee in downtown spots.
seasonality
When to go
MAR – MAY
Mild temperatures and blooming flora make spring optimal for walking downtown.
Afluencia
Heat
JUN – AUG
Hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C).
Afluencia
Heat
SEP – NOV
Warm days and cooler nights offer pleasant autumn conditions for outdoor parks.
Afluencia
Heat
DEC – FEB
Cool winter months with occasional rain, though freezing conditions remain brief.
Afluencia
Heat
practicalities
Good to know
- Sunday closures
Many locally owned downtown restaurants and shops remain closed on Sundays.
- State law differences
Alcohol laws differ between Texas and Arkansas counties; sales restrictions vary depending on which side of the line you buy.
- Card acceptance
Credit cards are universally accepted across restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.
- Summer sun protection
Bring sunscreen and hydration when visiting outdoor parks between June and August.
- Emergency services
Dial 911 for emergency response. Dispatchers route calls based on your location relative to the state border.