Location: DeSoto
Top Things to do in DeSoto
- 1. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
- 2. Cedar Hill State Park
- 3. Cold War Air Museum
- 4. Reindeer Manor
- 5. Windmill Hill Nature Preserve
- 6. International Museum of Cultures
- 7. Joe Pool Lake
- 8. Texas Helicopter Experience
- 9. Duncanville Community Theatre
- 10. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill
Top 10 Things to do in DeSoto, United States
DeSoto in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Architectural Buildings. Discover best things to do in DeSoto with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in DeSoto
1. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 621 reviews
Symphony center in Dallas.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, Texas
Once a year SMU Meadows Symphony performs at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The performance is a fundraiser, though actual ticket prices are inexpensive for excellent seats. After spotlighting an honoree, the Meadows Symphony led by the amazing and wonderful conductor Paul Philipps performed two Samuel Barber pieces and Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1. A beautiful evening in a beautiful setting. The acoustics are excellent for the audience, but I understand that they are not as good for the musicians themselves. Normal performance Tickets and Will Call are on the lower level. Tickets for this SMU performance are through SMU symphony ticket office.
As an aside, the SMU performing arts program is exceptional. All other symphony, dance, opera, and theatre performances are on the SMU campus during the academic year. I am in no way affiliated with SMU, but I do go to their performances; they are professional and very inexpensive.
2. Cedar Hill State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
A beautiful, well- equipped park located near downtown Dallas; especially great for fishing.
Reviewed By lmclillly - Dallas, Texas
Cedar Hill State Park has some lovely camping spots. Good luck getting them though if you're just an average occasional camper. And good luck getting a straight consistent answer out of anyone at the state or local office either! They literally tell you something completely different for every person you speak with. The state park system is a screwed up mess. They really need to roll out the technology for reservations that allows you to pick a spot in advance and pay everything online. It's 2017 people. Get with it.
We had a Saturday-Monday reservation and it was recommended that I extend to Friday-Monday in order to check in to a preferred spot and pay my fees, so a camper rental could be dropped with no payment due. Well, they apparently can't do that online (even though the state office said they could) so they supervisor recommended I come down in person on a Friday morning. OK, that's a pain, but its'a special weekend - so I'll do it. I arrived on site on Friday at 11 to be told- What? No way. You can't. We're completely sold out & You REALLY need to come on Thursday for a weekend camp spot. WHAT? I need to come on Thursday for a Saturday camp spot? Oh and NO, even though you're here in person and a supervisor told me I could, there is no way to pay your fees before you start your reservation.
So, I was told to just send the camper rental company to check in for me and they could call me to pay the fees when they arrived. NOPE again. They won't take the fee payment over the phone either. Oh, and by the way they're still sold out- no spot for my rental camper. My camper rental person insisted SMARTLY on cruising the park to find an open spot (people leave before check out all the time) and she found one. Luckily she was nice enough to also pay my fees. So- all set. Finally, after at least an hour on the phone plus presenting myself in person and talking to four different people who said completely different things- ALL of which turned out to be wrong. SO annoying.
The camp spots themselves are nicely equipped and surprisingly well planned to have some nice privacy. So, that was nice.
They also have one more thing though- ANTS. LOTS of ants. OMG the ANTS. Bring bug spray. And Sevin dust if you can get it. It's a little late to find that out when you arrive. Especially since the marina, whose store might have sold you live bait or supplies like ant spray or ice is now permanently closed.
HIGHLIGHTS for those who want to skip to the end: They're a confused and disorganized office if you need anything other than the normal 2PM check in and you don't care at all about your spot. They have an ant infestation. The marina is closed. So are many of the trails. The camp spots are nice though. And the lake is nice too.
3. Cold War Air Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By AF_Hiker - Silverdale, Washington
This free museum has a few different aircraft from the cold war era. There are also a few civilian aircraft here. I thought the Russian helicopter, as well as the Bulgarian helicopter, were both cool to see. The volunteer showed me around and told me about the aircraft. It may be worthwhile if you are in the area, but call ahead. They are usually only open on Saturdays.
4. Reindeer Manor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By dagmara56 - Dallas, Texas
We are haunted house aficienados, having gone to Screams, Thrillvania, and others in the area. I wanted to go because I had read the sad history of Reindeer Manor, and since we've seen just about every other venue, we decided to try to this one. I don't remember how I found out about it, because I don't recall seeing any ads about it.
The drive on the road is creepy, and there is only a lighted arrow blinking off the side road, you assume its Reindeer Manor. There is an even creepier drive down a gravel road and then you park and wait in line under a shelter for the tractor ride to the venue.
WARNING: REINDEER MANOR DOES NOT ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS BUT IS CASH ONLY
There are three houses, we went to all three. Reindeer Manor is quite deceiving, its much larger than what it appears to be on the outside. The actors can, and do touch you. Groups of 6 enter the house and stay together, you will all be bonded by the end. I've never been so scared in my entire life; they seem to have found a way to include every frightening phobia or idea into a single haunted house and make it seem cohesive and interesting.
13th street morgue was good, but after Reindeer Manor, couldn't quite compare to that standard. The Dungeon of Doom was okay, but again, Reindeer Manor set a very high bar.
Frankly, I vote this venue number 1, I loved it.
5. Windmill Hill Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By dirtbagextreme - Wilmer, Texas
My six children and I have always enjoyed this little gem. It's not the largest space, but it can surprise you once you get going off the main trails.
Great for short hikes, mountain biking, or just walking the dog. Lots of well-maintained trails and small areas to stop and rest if needed. I believe the Boy Scouts take care or the area, trails, and maps......they do a great job at it!
Pretty clean all around and there are trash cans right where you tend to need them. It has 2 good parking lots that I know of and an entrance or two from adjacent neighborhoods.
If it has been wet out you may wander into murky & muddy areas on some of the outer trails or need the Wintergreen entrance side trails.
Fun spot for a small adventure!
6. International Museum of Cultures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 828TJA - Everett, Washington
It calls itself "a center for global awareness" and that sums it up well.
The small museum is divided into rooms, each with artifacts and information about one country, particularly those in Asia and the Pacific Ocean. Languages were a focus. We found it easy to spend more than an hour there.
The shop has some interesting items at appropriate prices.
The museum could be hard to find for those not familiar with Texas freeways. Most freeways have an access (frontage) road on each side. Get off US 67 at the Danieldale Road exit and drive south on the west side of the freeway. Look for it soon after the Wells Fargo bank.
7. Joe Pool Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By cassyg99 - Argyle, Texas
This is a nice lake to take the boat out, or you can rent a pontoon and spend a few hours out on the lake. The fishing is pretty good and it is a good sized lake to cruise around. If you have younger kids, take them to the marina and bring a couple loaves of cheap bread. They will LOVE feeding bread to the fish! When you throw in a little piece all of a sudden there will be swarms of fish clambering to get the bread. If you haven't seen it before you will be surprised yourself. It will keep the little ones entertained for at least an hour if you bring enough bread.
8. Texas Helicopter Experience
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Victerine - Dallas, Texas
I look the sunset tour from this Desoto group and it was beautiful. The Dallas skyline is amazing all on its own, but was extra beautiful with the sunset and then the city buildings had their own different colored lights. If you want a really different way to see such a great city, this is it!
9. Duncanville Community Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Founded in 1988, DCT offers quality live theatre for "Best Southwest" Dallas county. Producing six shows annually, DCT also provides theatre education classes and workshops to children and adults.
Reviewed By David K - Dallas, Texas
People can overlook the enjoyment of community theater because of the moniker "community." DCT puts on both classic and contemporary live stage shows and should be given a visit. An intimate venue with about 75 seats allows the theater goer to have a close up and enjoyable evening. Prices are reasonable for an evening of entertainment. It is 15 miles from the center of downtown Dallas and is a great value.
10. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center (DCAC) is part of National Audubon Society (NAS) whose mission is to protect bird species and other wildlife and their habitat. This conservation organization has been educating and protecting birds since 1905. DCAC opened in 2011, protecting 220 acres and provides opportunities to connect to nature through it's 2 miles of hiking trails, a children's Nature Play area, indoor and outdoor bird viewing areas and hosts a variety of programming including classes, school programs, Scout badges, citizen science, festivals and volunteer opportunities. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, and Nature Store.
Reviewed By Ruth Amy S
This is a wonderful nature center to visit, alone or with your friends or family. It's beautiful all year round, mostly shaded trails. the center is amazing with great displays and I love the architecture. A great place to get in a walk, a picnic and enjoy the outdoors.
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