Explore the DFW area: Texas Tulips and Lake Ray Roberts State Park
If you want to combine a trip to pick fresh flowers and exploring a State Park, this is your itinerary for a family road trip.
Texas Tulips is located in Pilot Point, Texas. They have an expansive field of many varieties of tulips. Entry is only $5, with a, “U-Pick” option for picking your own stems (baskets to borrow are provided) for $2.50/stem. Parking is included in this rate, as well as portable restrooms.
Upon checkout, they place the tulips in flower gel to keep them fresh, and wrap them in your choice of tissue paper. You may bring in water for yourself/your children. There was also a small section of hay bales for kids to play on at the back! Bring shoes you’re comfortable with getting dirty as the field may be muddy after a rain or watering.
Pilot Point is conveniently located approximately 2.5 hours north of Waco, and about 1 hour & 15 minutes north of DFW. It makes a fun, easy day trip with kids & provides some beautiful photo opportunities.
For a more full day or weekend trip, Texas Tulips is located only 15 minutes away from Lake Ray Roberts State Park.
The Isle du Bois Unit of the state park boasts 2 playgrounds. One of the playgrounds is located directly off of a sandy beach on the lake, perfect for building castles, dipping your toes in, or having a picnic. The beach was immaculate, and the playground has multiple creative play opportunities including a small ropes course, climbing wall, and smaller play area for toddlers. The Isle du Bois unit has several paved trails, which are great for strollers or bicycles.
It’s important to note when hiking in the Isle du Bois State Park that some trails allow for horseback riding! When encountering horseback riders on the trail, both bikes & pedestrians must yield to the horses by standing to the side of the trail & remaining quiet if possible.
In the state park, it’s possible to spot wildlife such as geese, herons, unique, vibrant green beetles, and deer! We also enjoyed observing bracket fungi (often referred to as, shelf mushrooms), raccoon tracks, and different types of lichen on the trails.
The Jordan Unit of Lake Ray Roberts State Park is approximately 12 minutes from the Isle du Bois unit, and hosts Lone Star Lodge & Marina, where you can stay in their comfortable guest rooms. Each guest room has a private bathroom, mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave, and TV.
The Master Suite at the lodge has a bedroom, living area, and two full restrooms, in addition to the other amenities provided in each guest room. Access to a fridge & microwave, as well as full, private bathroom makes “camping” much easier! Just as in other state park lodging, pets are not allowed within the buildings, nor is smoking allowed within the guest rooms. You are granted a state park pass for the duration of your stay at the lodge, included in your room’s rate! We went between both the Jordan & Isle du Bois Units during our stay using this guest pass (placed in the windshield) throughout our visit.
The Jordan State Park is situated on 500 acres, and the back patio of the lodge has stunning sunset views of Lake Ray Roberts. Lone Star Lodge & Marina has the option to rent single person kayaks, jet skis, or motorized pontoon boats. They are also currently building a 500 slip Marina, with an open slip list now!
If you prefer to camp without the distractions of a TV, the Isle du Bois Unit has camp sites available.
Lake Ray Roberts State Park is an ideal road trip from Waco or DFW where you can relax on a beach, or soak up the tranquility of a forest hike. The option of paved trails and playgrounds, as well as clean restrooms make it accessible to families with children.
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This article was written by Lydia Hays. You can find more helpful adventure tips and tricks on Lydia’s Blog: https://mrslydiahays.wordpress.com