Mckinney, TX

About: MCKINNEY TOUR

Unique by nature sums up the McKinney excursion. From the early days of survival in the harsh Texas sun to the settlement of a town square, McKinney has retained its unique nature by preserving the old while ushering in the new. Become captivated with this city’s rustic charm and delighted with its modern offerings.

On this tour, we’ll explore how McKinney was settled, what life was like in the 1800s for the early residents, then make our way into the business hub. In downtown, we’ll get a chance to watch the city grow in front of our eyes.

We will recess for lunch at one of Downtown McKinney's favorite eateries and give you some time to explore the local stores and galleries.

We will resume our tour revisiting the arrival of the railroads and the cotton boom to the north Texan town, we will also visit the historical courthouse and the country prison on our way to a local winery to enjoy a taste of local wine. Booms and busts, gangsters and guns, disasters, murders, triumphs, and more, McKinney truly has a lot to offer.

Route's Highlights

• Chestnut Square

  

  Over the years various organizations have painstakingly moved some of the original homes and buildings of McKinney to this 2.5 block shaded square. Here you can explore how the people lived and loved in the mid-late 1800s.

• McKinney’s Historic Square

  

  We will explore downtown McKinney incredible history and stop at the Lovejoy building one of the first structures to be erected as part of the town old business center. At this point we will pause our tour for an hour to give you the opportunity to visit the local stores, have lunch and explore the square.

• Lunch Break

  We will pause our tour for lunch. If we plan your lunch (which we recommend for a group of more than 10 guests) or you decide to make plans on your own, there are plenty of options to choose from around downtown McKinney. We will give you an hour to enjoy the local shops and galleries.

• Old Historic Courthouse

  

  During the height of McKinney’s cotton boom, the city spared no expense and remodeled its first courthouse on this spot in 1927. A source of civic pride, this build dominates the central square of downtown McKinney.

• Old Collin County Prison

  

  From Jesse James’ brother (Frank James), to one of the infamous members of the Barrow Gang (Bonnie and Clyde), come see the prison that housed them all. Be prepared for a murder trial that involves a well, some bailing wire, and a railroad tie…

• Landon Winery

  

  As we wind down our journey of historic McKinney, join us for a glass of local wine at Landon Winery. Sip a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a smooth Malbec as we wrap up the story of McKinney with some of the new.

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