General-

Commercially and culturally one city, but two separate municipalities, one in Texas, one in Arkansas.  Federal building is the only one of its kind in America.  Photo Island on State Line Ave. in front of Post Office is popular photo spot; tourists can stand with one foot in Texas and one in Arkansas.  

Nation's only bistate justice center serves two states on State Line Ave. and Broad Street. Center houses courts and jails for two states, two counties and two cities.   Like the Post Office, Justice Center built squarely on the Arkansas- Texas line.  

Home of Texarkana Community College and East Texas State University at Texarkana.  

A Scott Joplin mural, at Third and Main Sts. downtown, colorfully depicts the life and accomplishments of the Pulitzer prize winning musical pioneer from Texarkana.  In the first two decades of the twentieth century, Texarkana's Joplin was America's "King of Ragtime."  Joplin's works have been recently rediscovered; best known as composer of "Maple Leaf Rag," his music was utilized as theme in the movie "The Sting." 

Crystal Springs Beach-

Family oriented theme park centered around 12-acre spring- fed lake.   Facilities include two water slides and paddle/bumper boats.  Concession, video arcade and three- acre picnic area.  Camping with hookups; fee.  Open 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. on weekends in May; daily  Memorial Day through Labor Day.  18 miles West on U.S. 67.  General admission plus use fee for water slides.

The Discovery Place-

Rotating displays geared for children, but adults enjoy, too!   Open Tues.- Sat.  10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 215 Pine St.

Draughn- Moore "Ace of Clubs House"-

Legend says James Draughn won a huge pot in a poker game by playing the ace of clubs.  House is built in the shape of that card.  Elegant 1884 Italianate-Victorian house is furnished as a living museum.  Extensive restoration uncovered the original wall coverings which have been reproduced.  Mahogany treatment on paneling, embellished with gold leaf.  Period furnishings.  Open Tues.- Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  At 420 Pine St.  Admission.  903/793-4831. 

Oaklawn Opry-

Good old family entertainment every Sat. night specializing in new and old country/ Western music.  Doors open at 6:30, show starts 7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call 903/838-3333.  In Oaklawn Village at intersection of Robison Rd. and New Boston Rd.

Perot Theatre-

1600 seat neo- Renaissance theatre elegantly restored to its original royal blue and gilt splendor with gleaming chandeliers and mirrored checkerboard marble lobby.  Features drama, chamber music, ballet and musical theater.  For information call 903/792- 4992.  Box office open Tues.- Fri., 1 - 5 p.m. Third and Main Sts.

Regional Arts Center-

Housed in former U.S. District Courthouse built in 1909 featuring ornate plaster, copper cage elevator, and 26 ft. ceiling in grand hall.  Serves as focal point for the visual arts featuring national touring, juried and invitational exhibitions.  Open Tues. - Sat., noon - 4 p.m.  At Fourth St. and Texas Blvd. downtown.  903/792- 8681.

Texarkana Fun Park-

Go- carts and miniature golf share grounds with life- size replicas of wild animals.  Open Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; Sun. 1 - 10:30 p.m.  Located 3 miles north of I-30 on North Sate Line Rd.

Texarkana Historical Society and Museum-

Archaeological, pioneer, early medical, and farm tool displays;   Caddo Indian artifacts; period parlor, kitchen and office.  Housed in first brick structure (1879) in city.  Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  219 State Line Ave.

Texas Travel Information Center-

One of 12 centers provided by the state at key highway entrances to Texas, in the State Capitol complex, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry.  Operated daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., except for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's.  Staffed by uniformed professional counselors, free services include information, maps, literature about every part of the state, and expert assistance in charting routes.  On I - 30 west of U.S. 59; operated by Texas Department of Transportation. 

Union Station-

Built in 1929; served the two cities as a major transportation center for train service.  The restored building houses a restaurant.  Open Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Tours by Appointment. 903/794- 0140.  At 101 W. Front St.