We are located in the northeast corner of Texas, halfway between Dallas and Texarkana and I-30 runs within our City Limits. We have all the ingredients for the perfect ‘getaway’ – motels, relaxing B&B’s, Historic homes just a stroll away from a picture-postcard downtown; an active arts community; and birding and nature tourism galore!

Drive the ancient, marked Indian Trails or visit the restored home of the tallest Confederate soldier in the Civil War – Col. Henry Clay Thruston. Or you might want to visit the ‘Don Meredith Sports Memorabilia’ Exhibit at the Old Fire Station Museum – sports items donated by Mount Vernon’s own Don Meredith, former Dallas Cowboy quarterback and host of Monday Night Football. Also in the Old Fire Station Museum, the Nations Bird Egg Exhibit houses an exquisite, Smithsonian - quality bird egg collection.

Or kick back and relax at beautiful pine-tree lined Lake Cypress Springs – just 8 miles south of Mount Vernon! TWICE named the “Most Beautiful Lake in Texas” by D Magazine! Your perfect weekend is waiting for you! 

Housed in a 1940 WPA-financed firestation, the museum is home to permanent as well as changing exhibits. Of note is the Don Meredith Memorabilia Exhibit, donated by Mount Vernon native and former Dallas Cowboy Quarterback Don Meredith. Memorabilia includes Monday Night Football  Sports Jacket; Ring of Honor, extensive career and family photographs, and Cowboy Football Jersey.

Seasoned ornithologists as well as the 'backyard-birder' will want to visit the Nations Bird Egg Exhibit, which is also located in the structure. It is one of only 13 museums in existence holding eggs of the extinct Carolina Parakeet, Heath Hen, and Passenger Pigeon.

This quality attraction is housed in state of the art exhibit materials specially selected to preserve the integrity of the eggs.

Located 1 block south of downtown Mount Vernon on Kaufman Street.

Historic home of Col. Henry Clay Thruston who, at seven feet seven and one half inches tall, was the tallest soldier in the Civil War.

The two story dogtrot-style home was meticulously restored using TXDOT enhancements funds and local funds.

The home is on the historic Bankhead Highway, an early transcontinental route from San Diego to Washington DC (1919). 

Located 0.2 miles west of TX Hwy. 37.

This 57 acre nature preserve with primitive, winding walking trails is situated adjacent to the Bankhead Highway Visitors Center, restored home of the Tallest Soldier in the Civil War.

The nature trail is marked by 65 signposts and printed guide to flora and fauna. A nature and bird  lovers' delight, the parks also boasts a pavilion for reunions, parties, etc. 

Located .02 miles west of TX Hwy. 37. Open dawn to dusk.

Located just south of Interstate 30, West End Nature Preserve is situated on the west side of Lake Cypress Springs. Pristine and primitive, the Preserve is comprised of 455 acres with a 1.2 mile marked nature trail that meanders into deep forest. Its entry is on the west side of Highway 37, 10 miles south of the City of Mount Vernon just north of the main bridge over Cypress Creek.

Circa 1883 farmhouse with authentic architecture, original outbuildings, and land now enclosed by City. Picnic tables available. 701 S. Kaufman. Owned and maintained by Franklin County Historical Association.

Restored 1894 Cotton Belt Depot Museum features model train exhibit and working telegraphy and railroading exhibits. Also on display is an 1898 Studebaker covered wagon.

The museum is meticulously restored and features Depot 'waiting room' and freight room.

It is often used for meetings, seminars, and parties as well.

Located 1 block south of downtown Mount Vernon on Kaufman Street.   

The newly remodeled Cultural Arts Center opened its doors for artists' conferences, workshops, music venues, and shows in 2006. Pottery shows, juried art shows, etc. are standard fare for this lovely facility.  

The structure boasts new kitchen, performance stage, and beautiful outdoor Courtyard complete with 'water wall.'

Located 1 block west of  Downtown Mount Vernon.

Housed in a circa 1912 jail, the Old Jail Art Museum has changing art exhibitions as well as a permanent collection on display on the upper floor of the structure.

Adding to the visual interest at the museum, original prison 'cells' house soft sculpture 'prisoners.'

Located north of Franklin County Courthouse, Kaufman Street, downtown Mount Vernon.

Franklin County Courthouse is a cornerstone of downtown Mount Vernon.

Built in 1912, the classic revival white limestone structure has presided over generations of Mount Vernon natives and transplants alike. It is a working structure and continues to be home to many Franklin County offices.

With a district Courtroom to rival any early Texas movie set, it continues to host the famous and infamous in local trials.

Located on the north side of the Square, downtown Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon Music is located in a beautifully restored, historic church located near downtown Mount Vernon. It is composed of four professional musicians from northeast Texas whose mission is to provide outstanding performances of live music to northeast Texas communities.

Concerts are typically held several times per quarter in this lovely venue. Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and piano concerts are just a few of the offerings that have been held at this site.

Commemorative museum showcasing artifacts and changing exhibits. Events, concerts, children's activities. Located CR 4104 one half mile east of Exit 147 on Interstate 30. For information, 903.588.2442.