Happier trails, more wooded bliss. Get greater golf and water with more wow.

The Big D means big fun all year round, and in Wilmer you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy it all, from the larger-than-life Texas State Fair to the Trinity River, the longest river contained within Texas borders. Take in a show with the cowboys of a Wild West show at the Stockyards, or a game on the gridiron with those other mighty Cowboys. You might be surprised, and you’ll surely be delighted, to find that in the midst of a hard-charging metro area like DFW there’s also the largest urban hardwood forest in the nation ready for you to explore.  And we’ve got more fun by the acre right here in Wilmer at the serenely beautiful Cottonwood Creek Preserve.

Cottonwood Creek Preserve

Once a sprawling farm that nurtured the region with beef and pecans, nowadays Cottonwood Creek Preserve nurtures the spirit as a naturally inviting getaway for Wilmer residents and visitors. The emerald gem of Wilmer’s park system, this 220-acre haven offers a rejuvenating setting for hikes and rambles along a 2.2 mile soft trail loop following the creek through sunny meadows and beneath the pleasant shade of pecan trees. Ideal for getaways or get-togethers under a welcoming picnic pavilion equipped with tables and grills.

Trinity River Audubon Center

Just 15 minutes from Wilmer, the 120-acre Trinity River Audubon Center serves as a delightful destination for nature lovers and fun lovers of all ages—great for hiking, biking, boating and learning. It’s also a gateway to the 6,000-acre Trinity National Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in America. Host to four popular annual festivals, Trinity River Audubon Center also offers academic programs, adventure camps, outdoor treks and signature events including Birds & Brews, Scissor-Tails and Cocktails and Songbird Supper. There’s always plenty to savor here.

Trinity River Greenbelt

Goat Island and Riverbend Preserve are two of the highlights in this verdant corridor winding through Dallas alongside the gleaming waters of the Trinity River. Hiking, horseback riding or just enjoying the wildflowers amidst the oak, elm and bois d’arcs are popular past times.

Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve

Wooded bliss that’s also birding bliss, this 600-acre preserve unrolls nine miles of walking trails, ranging from easy strolling to more challenging hikes. Butterflies flock to the butterfly gardens while human visitors find a pleasant perch in the Preserve’s picnic areas.

Cedar Hill State Park

Enjoy boating or fishing on Joe Pool Lake, hiking or mountain biking, roughing under the stars or taking it easy at one of 355 campsites with electricity, water and showers.

Golfing

This area’s love affair with the links is evident in the number of great choices—nearly 200 courses across the metro area, including excellent and challenging municipal courses as well as resorts such as The Four Seasons Dallas and Westin Stonebriar.