From railroad depots to a drive-in theater, the Tomball and Magnolia areas offer multiple sites for residents to visit.
1. DaVinci Artists Gallery
Located a half block from Tomball City Hall, the DaVinci Artists Gallery is home to the work of 17 different local artists. From oil paintings to photography, the gallery holds a variety of pieces. Artwork is rotated on the first Monday of every month.
315 W. Main St., Tomball
281-516-9595
www.davinciartistsgallery.com
2. Magnolia Historic Depot
The Magnolia Historic Depot opened in January 1902 as a center of commerce. Last summer Magnolia became the third city to be part of the Texas Rail Trail guiding visitors to various railroad depots. The depot complex features a museum open for tours Thursdays through Saturdays as well as other historic buildings.
426 Melton St., Magnolia
281-615-5697
www.magnoliatxhistoricalsociety.com
3. Main Street Crossing
Main Street Crossing hosts a variety of live music events with up to five concerts each week by nationally known and local artists. Founded by Rick and Terri Davis in 2004, Main Street Crossing—a nonprofit organization—also seeks to supply a place for small community churches to congregate, including Journey Church and Sondays Church.
111 W. Main St., Tomball
281-290-0431
www.mainstreetcrossing.com
4. The Oil Ranch
The family-owned, 56-acre ranch has been owned by three families since 1976, each one contributing various items to add to the ranch’s history. The ranch includes a swimming pool, sports fields, stockyard maze, hay barn, petting zoo, a 2,800-square-foot jumping pillow and putt-putt golf. Guests can also visit the dairy barn to milk a cow, board the O.I.L. Express train and go fishing at Lake Buenas Noches.
23501 Macedonia Road, Hockley
281-859-1616
www.oilranch.com
5. Showboat Drive-In
Just a few minutes west of Tomball, family-owned and -operated Showboat Drive-In is the only drive-in movie theater in the Tomball and Magnolia areas. One ticket purchase includes two feature films. A snack bar with popcorn, drinks, candy, burgers, hot dogs, nachos and other food items is also on-site.
22422 FM 2920, Hockley
www.theshowboatdrivein.com
6. Tomball Historic Railroad Depot Plaza
The depot has been part of Tomball since 1906 as part of the Trinity & Brazos Valley Railway passenger and freight line. With two model railways, toy trains, a gallery of railroad art, exhibits and memorabilia, the depot welcomes railroad enthusiasts and families alike. Tours are available weekends.
201 S. Elm St., Tomball
281-290-1400
www.tomballtx.gov
7. The Wilderness Campground
The family-friendly campground, located near Magnolia High School, is a donation-based campground with 12 campsites. The campground offers an outdoor dodgeball arena, picnic area, barbecue grills, an outdoor movie screen and other game areas.
14350 FM 1488, Magnolia
281-804-8683
www.battlecryministries.org/wilderness
8. Zube Park
The 225-acre Harris County Precinct 3 park features a splash pad, playground, asphalt trails, soccer fields and a disc-golf course as well as an outdoor gym, gazebo and picnic areas. Zube Park is also home to the Houston Area Live Steamer Association, a nonprofit organization that provides model trains large enough for visitors to ride.
17560 Roberts Road, Hockley
281-496-2177
www.pct3.com
Off the beaten path
9. Chaparral Genealogical Library
Genealogical record books line the shelves of the library, including an extensive collection of books from Texas, Louisiana and Virginia, Chaparral Genealogical Society President Mary Williams said. Visitors can browse the books to trace their family lineage.
31350 Friendship Drive, Magnolia
281-259-7500
www.chaparralgensoc.org