Parks, Lakes & Open Space
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’s Historical Sites
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
Antiques, Trade Days & Local Shopping
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
What’s Happening in Bonham
Bonham has recurring events nearly every month. The full calendar is on the local events page. Highlights:
View full event calendar →
FAQ
Things to Do in Bonham TX — Common Questions
A solid day covers the Sam Rayburn sites, the Fannin County Museum, and a walk around the courthouse square. A two-day stay adds Bonham State Park, Bois d’Arc Lake, and the Safari Park. If you time your visit around a monthly event (Trade Days, a rodeo night, the July 4th fireworks), a weekend stay makes sense.
North Texas Safari Park is the strongest family-with-kids attraction — drive-through and walk-through, animal feeding, kangaroo encounter. Bonham State Park has trails and lake activities. The Fannin County Fair (October) and Lights Over Lake Bonham fireworks (July 4) are both strong family events. Fort Inglish Village is good for school-age kids. Trade Days has a general market atmosphere with food and unusual finds.
Several major attractions are free: Sam Rayburn Library and Museum, Fannin County Museum of History, Fort Inglish Village (donations welcome), the 1888 Courthouse exterior, Bonham Trade Days, the Lights Over Lake Bonham concert and fireworks, Heritage Day Festival, and the Christmas Parade. Bois d’Arc Lake public access areas have free boat ramps and parking.
Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites is at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr — walking distance from the courthouse square and downtown attractions. Five private guest spaces, no cleaning fee, self check-in. About 15 minutes from the Kueckelhan Rodeo grounds, 20 minutes from Bois d’Arc Lake, 5 minutes from Trade Days, and a short drive from Bonham State Park. Two pet-friendly cottages available.