A Carrollton one-day itinerary can combine Downtown Carrollton, local history at the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum and a walk among the woods, meadows and ponds of Greenbelt Park. The museum has limited weekly hours, so plan around its schedule and leave time for the park.
- Getting to downtown: Downtown Carrollton station is about 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from Lone Star Inn, a hotel in Carrollton.
- Museum hours: Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; tours are also available by appointment.
- Admission: The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum is free.
- Greenbelt Park: The city describes woods, meadows and ponds along Furneaux Creek.
Start with a practical route plan
Start by checking whether the museum is open on the day you plan to visit, then arrange your trip to Downtown Carrollton. The Green Line serves Downtown Carrollton.
If you’re using public transit, DART’s Green Line serves both Downtown Carrollton and Trinity Mills, with connections to destinations along the line, including downtown Dallas. The DCTA A-train connects with the Green Line at Trinity Mills. For a broader look at local routes, the guide to getting around Carrollton covers the city’s transit connections.
Spend time in Downtown Carrollton
Downtown Carrollton gives your day a central starting point, with a DART Green Line station and bus route 229 at the Downtown Carrollton station. The station is at 1025 North Denton Drive. DART identifies the annual Festival at the Switchyard as an event that honours the railroad’s role in Carrollton’s history, while Downtown Carrollton Square also hosts seasonal events.
For a visit focused on the area’s layout and local sights, use this Downtown Carrollton guide to shape your time around the square and station. Keep the museum’s opening window in mind before deciding how long to spend downtown: its regular public hours are only two hours on each listed day.
Add a nearby activity
The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum and Greenbelt Park add local history and open-air time to a Carrollton day. The museum is at 1509 N. Perry Road and interprets Carrollton and North Texas history from the 1840s through the 1930s. Admission is free, and self-guided and docent-guided tours are available during public hours or by appointment.
A.W. and Sarah Perry arrived in Carrollton in 1844 from Carrollton, Illinois, and claimed 640 acres. The present museum house was built in 1909 by their son Dewitt and his wife Francis, using some lumber from the earlier house. It was restored in 1976 and designated a historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 1977.
For time outdoors, Greenbelt Park is at 1600–1602 Crooked Creek Drive. The city describes woods, meadows and ponds along Furneaux Creek; its natural areas welcome residents and non-residents year-round for activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching and picnicking. Stay on designated trails and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
If you’re planning a separate outing beyond Carrollton, the guide to choosing a unit at Ray Roberts Lake State Park covers that destination.
Carrollton’s parks are generally open daily from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Park rules prohibit unauthorized vehicles, alcoholic beverages, fireworks and golfing, and dogs must be kept on leash.
Check transit and opening times before you go
The museum’s public hours are Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; you can also arrange a tour by appointment. Plan your museum visit within that window, then leave the rest of the day for downtown and Greenbelt Park.
Check the official site before you go: use the City of Carrollton’s site for museum and park details, and DART and DCTA’s official sites for transit schedules.
At the museum, animals are not allowed inside except ADA service animals, and food and drinks are not permitted indoors. Visitors should not touch or move display items unless directed by a guide, or enter the barn or root cellar. Children under age 7 must remain supervised.
Seasonal note: The Perry Homestead and Pearl Perry Gravley Park are decorated every fall for the recurring Perry Pumpkin Patch, which features classic games and photo-op stations. In spring, the city spreads wildflower seeds at six locations and shares updates through its Wildflower Watch.
FAQs
Is the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum free?
Yes. Admission is free, and self-guided and docent-guided tours are available during public hours or by appointment.
When is the museum open?
Its regular public hours are Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. You can also arrange a tour by appointment.
Can you take the train from Carrollton to downtown Dallas?
DART’s Green Line connects Carrollton with destinations along the line, including downtown Dallas. DCTA’s A-train connects with the Green Line at Trinity Mills.