General-

Grand Prairie was established at the close of the Civil War on the Texas & Pacific Railroad with the original name of Deckman.  Renamed in 1873, it was incorporated in 1902.  The population was spurred by large defense plants during World War II.  Public recreation facilities include playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, swimming, boating and golf (Great Southwest Golf Course has gold in the sand traps, assaying about $2.85 per ton).

Palace of Wax & Ripley's Believe It or Not!-

Dubbed an "Arabian Fantasy" because of its huge onion domes, minarets and exotic detailing, the museum offers stunning displays- all in wax.  Exhibits, in environmental settings, include Hollywood, history, horror, childhood fantasy and religion.  Visitors also see the resident sculptor at work in his studio.  The unusual, bizarre, and unbelievable displays in Ripley's Believe it or Not! are from the collection of a man who collected the world's most interesting artifacts.  Enter overgrown ruins of a mystic temple and discover the arts and weapons of primitive people, or walk over a bed of fiery coals, if you dare!  Visitors experience an earthquake, find themselves on the ocean floor in the undersea world of Atlantis, and hold onto their hats as they step into a Texas tornado and emerge safely to inspect the incredible things 200 - mph winds can do

Open 10 a.m. daily. 601 E. Safari Pkwy.  (Belt Line Rd. exit from I - 30 between Dallas and Fort Worth.)  Admission.  

Traders Village-

106 acre flea market and shopper's bazaar with hundreds of dealers in novelties, handmade goods, plants, arts, crafts and antiques of every description.   Special events include rodeos, antique auto swap meets, chili cookoff, Indian powwows.  Restaurant, RV Park. Open Sat. - Sun., 2602 Mayfield Rd. off Texas 360.   Parking fee; free admission.

Visitors Center-

The Grand Prairie Convention and Visitor's Bureau offer   visitor's center offering abundant details about local events, acc0omadations, dining and points of interest.  Open daily.  605 Safari Pkwy, Suite A-6.   214/263 - 9588.