Why Visit Pioneer Village?
Pioneer Village is a local history museum with a couple of features that make it unique from other areas. It has a tribute to hometown and national celebrity Lefty Frizzell, and Corsicana happens to be home to the famous Wolf Brand Chili. (More on that below.) It is situated next to a park and is a nice stroll. You should be able to explore all the buildings and exhibits in an hour or two.
A Great Field Trip for These Topics:
- Pioneers
- Texas History
Quick Info:
912 W. Park Avenue
Corsicana, TX 75110
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Adults: $5
Military: $3
Student: $3
Children 4-17: $3
Children 0-3: $0
What Can You Expect to See & Do at Pioneer Village?
Begin by purchasing admission at the office. Then make your way along the paved walkway. It runs in a loop through several points of interest. You can go inside most of the buildings and structures to explore rooms and view various artifacts.
A Few Highlights:
The frontier area contains eight log structures including a home, general store, and blacksmith shop.
View the cotton gin scale house and learn about cotton farming.
Around the bend is a building showing off the town’s affection for Wolf Brand Chili and a vintage filling station where you can learn about Magnolia Oil.
The Lefty Frizzell Museum will be of interest to country music fans. He is credited as one of the most influential country music artists of all time.
Another highlight is the restored 1860s Redden House complete with period furnishings.
Tips for Visitors
- A small picnic area is available if you would like to bring lunch. (There is also a park directly behind the museum with a playground and swimming pool.)
More Fun Stops in Corsicana
- Corsicana is probably best known for fruit cakes, made famous by the Collin Street Bakery.
- The Russell Stover factory and store offers their large variety of chocolates, as well as ice cream and coffee. The back room has past seasons of candy marked way down. So, if you don’t mind eating Halloween candy on Valentine’s Day, you can get some great deals.
- The Across the Street Diner sits on a corner in downtown Corsicana at the site of one of the oldest continuously running soda fountains in Texas. It’s also the corner where Wolf Brand Chili was first served. Today, visitors can stop by the giant can of chili for a fun photo and a kitschy piece of Texas history. (After all, chili is the Texas State dish.)
Pioneer Village Overview
Additional Resources
Books for Hands-on Learning:
Great Pioneer Projects: You Can Build Yourself
The Quilt-Block History of Pioneer Days: With Projects Kids Can Make
Pioneer Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes
