A Guide to Arlington, Texas’ Tourist Attractions

Arlington, TX isn’t nearly as famous as its neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth, but it certainly has as much to offerâÂ?¦maybe even more. Home to over 300,000 people, it holds a major university, amusement parks, sports arenas, museums, and much more. Some of you may be also aware that it is slated to become home to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium (although you shouldn’t count on them changing their name to the Arlington Cowboys anytime soon!)

In the heart of the city is The University of Texas at Arlington. Largely a commuter school, it currently has over 25,000 students enrolled and is growing with each semester. UTA’s sprawling, 400-acre campus boasts 28 fraternities and sororities, 275 student organizations, 35 doctoral degree programs, and the six-time national champion Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team. It is widely recognized for its diversity in education as well as its students.

In northern Arlington, both tourists and locals flock to the city’s two amusement parks, Six Flags over Texas and Six Flags: Hurricane Harbor. Six Flags over Texas is the original of its chain and has been a big attraction for Arlington since it’s opening in 1961. Among its larger rides is The Superman Tower of Power, a 325 feet free-for-all. Hurricane Harbor is a massive water park that holds such favorite rides as The Black Hole, Sea Wolf, and Blue Raider. The two parks are conveniently located across the freeway from each other, making it easy for families to enjoy both in one day if they choose.

Also in North Arlington is Ameriquest Field, home to the Major League Baseball team, The Texas Rangers. Opened in 1994, the fairly new park was designed to resemble ballparks of old, such as Jacobs Field and Oriole Park. Ameriquest Field cost an estimated 90 million dollars to build and adds a great amount of revenue to the city of Arlington. Soon to join Ameriquest Field in this endeavor is the future Dallas Cowboys stadium. Citizens passed a vote in 2004 to bring the Cowboys to Arlington and it is scheduled to open in 2009.

Arlington isn’t all roller coasters and ball games. Visitors should also take note of The Arlington Museum of Art, currently located in Central Arlington, near UTA. Other cultural attractions include Theatre Arlington, The Center for Research and Contemporary Art (CRCA), and The Upstairs Gallery. Those looking for something a little different may find Arlington’s The House of Wax Museum/ Ripley’s Believe It Or Not to their liking. With so many attractions and diverse opportunities, it’s a wonder why Arlington is so often overlooked for it’s neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth.