Mesquite prides itself on offering a wealth of lush, well-maintained parks with trees, water features and endless ways for kids, adults and pets to spend the day outside. If you’ve never visited a park in Mesquite before, you’ll probably notice that the city has a lot of them—more than 70. You’ll find lots of great options for family get togethers, reunions and other events, even weddings.
A couple of the must-visit parks include City Lake Park, which offers tennis and lake views, plus is next door to the City Lake Aquatic Center. Valley Creek Park is known for its lake (perfect for fishing) and four lighted baseball fields. The Palos Verde Lake Park also has fishing piers, while Samuell Farm features shaded trails that make for pleasant hiking. Westlake Park has a pond, six lighted basketball courts, nine lighted tennis courts (six of which are indoors), an archery range and nine picnic tables.
2. Check Out a Historic Family Farm
Learn about the rich history of Mesquite at the Opal Lawrence Historical Park. This sprawling Texas farmhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1874 and actually inhabited until 1995. Visitors can also explore the Florence Ranch Homestead, built in the late 19th century, on the same property. Tours offered Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. There’s also a fourth Saturday open house that takes place every month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
3. Stroll the Butterfly Trail
If getting some fresh air means you’d like to get away from sidewalks, traffic and shops, the Butterfly Trail at Paschall Park just might end up being your favorite place in Mesquite. This exquisite patch of wilderness located right in Mesquite is a walking trail that’s part of the Bruton Park-Travis Williams Greenbelt System. Take a stroll and see trees, birds and — of course — butterflies. Migration starts in October, a great time to visit.
4. Play a Round of Disc Golf
On a sunny, Sunday afternoon, there’s nothing better than meeting up with some friends for a round of disc golf. It’s fun, it’s free and it’s the perfect way to get some fresh air in Mesquite. Best of all, you have your choice of courses around town at Paschall Park, Porter Park, and Debusk Park.
There’s Paschall Park, which has 18 holes spread out among trees and creeks. Porter Park offers a nine-hole course with short, open fairways that is well-suited for newcomers to disc golf. Debusk Park is another nine-hole course set along a creek that is well-suited for those anyone looking for a challenge.
5. Take Your Bike for a Spin on the Mesquite Heritage Trail