Quality of Life

Canton, TX is a thriving community with something for everyone!

For local events, First Monday Trade Days is not the only exciting activity going on in and around Canton, TX. You'll also find an annual Balloon Festival, filled to the brim with fantastical hot air balloons of all types, vendors selling delicious food, and beautiful art.

For dance lovers, enjoy two annual Western Swing Festivals - the Classic Country & Honky Tonk Valentine's Party in February and the Classic Country & Honky Tonk Halloween Party in October.

As for a taste of adventure try Splash Kingdom, the largest water park in East Texas that offers a watery thrill for every visitor. Head a little east of Canton and experience YesterLand Farm - a delightful family-friendly farm filled with amusement rides and seasonal festivals!

If relaxation is more your style, Canton also boasts being home to the Van Zandt Country Club with a refreshing swimming pool, delectable dining and a state-ranked public golf course.

The Mighty Eagle Band under the direction of Canton High School band director, Mike Bartley, is a multi-year state champion in marching band and performs spectacular concerts throughout the year.

Make sure to put our annual July 4th Parade and firework show on your list. As the sun sets for the day, the crowd gathers on the First Monday grounds to witness the spectacular fireworks display.

In August, check out our new Canton Half Marathon & 10k! It's for the serious runners.

History lovers are also sure to find the wonders of Canton's rich past captivating. The Plaza Museum that houses the state’s largest bell collection donated by Miss Virginia Bell Brewer, who traveled the world to collect her bells, along with many more interesting artifacts. Also, check out our large collection of coin banks. A visit to the Blackwell House -  built in 1874, which makes it the oldest house in Canton - is also a must. Edgewood, about 10 miles from Canton, has the Heritage Park Museum which houses many old buildings from around the county. Around Canton, you can find SEVERAL State Historical Markers.

If you like boating and fishing, you’re in luck! Many lakes and rivers are easily accessible from Canton. They include: Lake Fork, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Holbrook, Cedar Creek Lake, Mill Creek Lake, Lake Athens and Lake Palestine. Canton’s Mill Creek is a tributary of the Sabine River, which holds records for the largest bass in the state and some monster carp. A 30-minute drive toward Athens will take you to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

During the Christmas season, don’t miss the Festival of the Trees presented by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The Plaza Museum will be filled with trees decorated by businesses and organizations in the city and are auctioned as a fundraiser for the Chamber. The Lighted Christmas Parade in December gets bigger every year and is a beautiful sight for visitors and citizens alike!

For retirees, Canton has something to offer you, as well. Our city is a "Certified Retirement Community" - which means we have some great amenities, community activities where you can make new connections and great volunteer opportunities.

Year-round, in Canton, TX, all ages can enjoy a small town with big living. See a comprehensive list of local attractions, amenities, and regional information below!

Go Texan Certified Retirement Community Logo

 

Local Attractions

First Monday Trade Days
800 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103
(903) 567-6556
Website | Facebook Page

Canton is host to one of the of the world’s largest flea markets, every month thousands of vendors and shoppers converge on Canton from all over the country. The market has over 450 acres of goods and merchandise for a great shopping experience.

Held Thursday-Sunday the weekend BEFORE the first Monday of every month – rain or shine (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Blackwell House Museum
314 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103
(903) 484-0675
Facebook Page

Please call for appointment.

Located in the oldest home in Canton, the Blackwell House Museum was built in 1886 by H.F. and Nannie Jane Bartlett Blackwell. The house has been restored and was donated to the City as a historical gift.

Canton Plaza Museum
119 North Buffalo
Canton, TX 75103
(903) 567-2291
Facebook Page

Admission is Free.

Located in the old Canton Plaza Theater, the Canton Plaza Museum houses the Brewer Bell collection, one of the largest bell collections in the state, a First Monday Museum, and the Kennedy collection of Indian artifacts and models. It also features a variety of local historic items. The museum is owned by the City of Canton and is operated as a private, non-profit museum.

Hillcrest Cemetery
On Hwy. 19 at Groves Street
Facebook Page

The oldest cemetery in Canton holds a great deal of Canton history. Look for the grave of D.C. White buried north and south after being hung for a murder in Van Zandt County history.

Splash Kingdom
Service Road off I-20 at FM 859 (Exit 526)
Canton, TX 75103
(903) 567-0044
WebsiteFacebook Page
info@splashkingdomwaterpark.com

One of the few outdoor water parks in East Texas, Splash Kingdom is a great place to take your family for a “stay-cation” or while visiting family in the area.

 

Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History - Courthouse Annex
250 E Grove St
Canton, Texas 75103
(903) 567-5012
Facebook Page

Admission is Free.

The Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History is a great place to do research on your ancestors and on the colorful local history of Canton and Van Zandt County. Volunteers are on hand to assist you in your search and are full of information about the community.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
5550 FM 2495
Athens, TX 75752
(903) 676-2277
Facebook Page
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Easter Sunday.

Admission $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3.50 children ages 4-12.

Texas Rose Horse Park
14078 State Highway 110 N.
Tyler, TX 75704
(903) 882-8696
WebsiteFacebook Page

Open Daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

With convenient access off of Interstate 20, Exit 548, located in the beautiful rolling hills of Tyler Texas, the Texas Rose Horse Park will be your horse show destination of choice.

Van Area Oil & Historical Museum
Hwy. 16 W
Van, TX
(903) 963-5435
Facebook Page

Wednesday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.

This museum holds the history of Van, Texas, as it grew from a farm community to an important part of the East Texas oil industry. There are many historical records and books to review and even actual oil derricks.

Sundance Hall
27914 State Highway 64
Canton, Texas 75103
(903) 567-5200
Facebook Page

State of the art sound and lights, three fully stocked bars, huge stage and dance floor!

Buffalo Creek Motocross Park
10180 State Highway
Edgewood, Texas 75117
(214) 939-4321
Website | Facebook Page
Friday 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Nights 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Buffalo Creek Motocross has outdoor track, a night track, a sand track and a Pee Wee track. Events held there are the Easy Money Texas Pro-AM, the Texas Legends Series and the Texas Spring National Pro-AM, along with many others. Live bands every Saturday night in The Door Club at the track.

East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park
9515 FM 1255
Grand Saline, TX 75140
(903) 962-5630
Facebook Page
easttexasgators@gmail.com
Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. till dusk year round

Children & Seniors $4
Adults $5

View gator eggs, baby gators and adult gators of all sizes, as well as a variety of ducks, snakes, swans, geese, lizards, turtles, fish and other reptiles.

Blueberry Hill Farms
10268 FM 314
Edom, Texas 75756
(903) 852-6175
Website | Facebook Page
Open 7 days a week in June & July
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pick your own blueberries at Blueberry Hill Farms. On-site store also sells a variety of other fresh fruit.

Edgewood Heritage Park
103 Elm Street
Edgewood, TX 75117
(903) 896-1940
Website | Facebook Page

Thursday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tours conducted 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. when museum is open, admission $4 adults, $3 students, Children under 6 are free. The purpose of the Edgewood Heritage Park museum is to preserve the rural culture and architectural heritage of Texas to ensure present and future generations an opportunity to celebrate their heritage.

Edgewood Historical Society
103 E. Elm Street
Edgewood, TX
(903) 896-1940
Facebook Page

For tour, please call Linda Kline at (903) 896-4220.


 

Parks and Recreation

Old City Lake
Pier and bank fishing, swimming (no lifeguard on duty), picnic areas, playground, lighted tennis and volleyball courts, baseball and soccer fields. Call City Hall 903-567-2826 to reserve for group events. Located on Old Kaufman Road, off Hwy. 64 west, main entrance beside Free State Storage.

Canton City Lake “Mill Creek Reservoir”
Boat ramp for fishing and sailboats, swimming (no lifeguard on duty). Call City Hall 903-567-2826 for boating and night fishing permits and to reserve for group events. Located on Arnold Paul Road off Hwy. 243 north of Wal-Mart Superstore.

Walking Trails
Check out both, Cherry Creek Park and Mill Creek Reservoir Park for a great walking trail system. Canton is The Walking Capital of Texas, and we take that title seriously with miles and miles of great walking trails.

First Monday Park and Civic Center
First Monday and Special Events – RV Park, Civic Center, pavilions, restrooms/hot showers, bandstand, picnic areas. Call First Monday Department 903-567-6556 for group events. Located at 800 Flea Market Road in Canton off FM 859.

Baseball Fields – CYRA
Call 903-567-4745 to reserve fields. Located off Hwy. 64 near Hwy. 243 intersections.

Van Zandt Country Club
Private club (open to the public) with 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, pro shop, clubhouse, and dining. 903-567-4884. Located on the north access road to I-20 between Hwy. 19 and FM 859.

Rodeo Arena and Van Zandt County Fairgrounds
Van Zandt County Fairgrounds Association 903-567-4149.

Located nearby:
Purtis Creek State Park
Tyler State Park
Athens Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni (fishing)
Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Fork


 

Recreation
Parks3
Area Lakes5
County Clubs1
Health Centers5
Public Golf Courses1
Theatres0
Tennis Courts4
Bed & Breakfast Facilities31
Hotel & Motel Rooms296
Hotels, Motels, and B&B's
Rooms Available in Community345
Facilities Available in Community with Meeting Space4
Bed & Breakfasts in the AreaOver 100
Housing and Development
Drive Time# of Units
20 min10,475
30 min24,081
40 min45,848
Data based on 2002 Census
Churches
Assembly of God
Baptist
Catholic
Cowboy
Church of Christ
Episcopal
Edgewood Heritage Park
Four Square
Full Gospel
Interdenominnational
Methodist
Lutheran
Non-Denominational
Pentecostal

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