Every so often, North Texas serves up a grey, drizzly day. When it does, take a short drive to Nocona and spend a few unhurried hours at the Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum. It tells the story of this corner of Texas, from its earliest peoples to the cattle drives and industries that shaped the Red River valley.
The museum’s highlight is the Joe Benton collection, home to hundreds of Native American artifacts and European trade goods. It’s described as one of the largest regional collections of its kind. There are also exhibits on Western heritage, agriculture, the oil and gas industry and the leather goods that Nocona is known for. Rotating exhibits mean there’s often something new to see.
When to go: The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Sunday visits are by appointment. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. It’s free for young children, military, veterans and first responders. Check their website before you visit. Afterwards, head back to your yurt, dome or mirror house. Rain on the roof and a warm hot tub are a pretty good combination.
