Map Region
Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown McKinney is the heart of the city, blending rich history with modern charm. This vibrant district features more than 120 locally-owned businesses including boutiques, one-of-a-kind culinary experiences (some of the best dining in North Texas!), and lively entertainment, all set against beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. (Check out Michelin-recommended Harvest at the Masonic; you'll be glad you did!) With its bustling farmers market, seasonal festivals, and thriving arts scene, Downtown McKinney offers an inviting atmosphere for shopping, dining, and community gatherings, making it one of North Texas' most beloved destinations.
When in Historic Downtown McKinney, you'll want to explore the following experiences that make it such a popular and sought-out place to spend time.
Public Art - Check out public art installations including:
- a growing number of colorful murals,
- the McKinney Tiny Doors,
- Downtown McKinney Bird Guide,
- the Monarchs of McKinney,
- the Silo Mural, and
- the Benji statue, among others.
- The McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a cultural hub where history and creativity come together. Nestled in the center of the historic district and housed in the historic Collin County Courthouse, MPAC showcases live entertainment—from off-Broadway productions and concerts to comedy and theater—in its intimate 427-seat Courthroom Theater, and features an impressive collection of locally-curated works of art.
Hop on board the Downtown McKinney Trolley from Thursday thru Saturday for a free ride throughout the historic downtown square and across Highway 5 to TUPPS Brewery, Local Yocal BBQ & Grill, the Flour Mill, and City Hall. The Downtown McKinney Trolley's design is a call-back to the historic Interurban Railroad that used to stop in McKinney on its trek between Sherman (to the north) and Dallas (to the south) and points in between and beyond. (And don't forget to stop in at the Visitors Center to pick up a free collectible trolley pin.)
TUPPS Brewery is THE place to hang out with family and friends. A sprawling attraction that is much more than a brewery features beer and other beverage options and scratch-kitchen culinary options, all made on the premises, as well as an outdoor but covered beer hall and outdoor stage area where live music is featured every week. This community gathering place plays host regularly to events like Ratrodtober, BoHo Market, goat and regular yoga, comedy and trivia nights and much more.
- Night life in Downtown McKinney features multiple attractions like live music in many of the restaurants and wine room, comedy shows at The Comedy Arena, challenging your friends to races, jousting, and asteroid battles at the vintage Arcade 92, and ax throwing at Horse's Axe bar.
- Downtown McKinney is home to three history-based museums/attractions, each of which is different from but supports the other:
Chestnut Square Heritage Village, where you'll be able to tour some of the oldest homes in the county and visit the Farmers Market every Saturday in addition to other events. (Also a popular wedding venue and home to the world's largest collection of ice cream freezers on display in Dixie's Store.)- Collin County History Museum, where you'll see a wide array of artifacts from across the county in rotating exhibits that change once or twice a year. The museum is housed in the historic post office building.
- Heard-Craig Center for the Arts calls the stately Heard-Craig House and grounds home! This beautiful house, built in 1900, now houses a vast collection of art as well as furnishing, clothing, and other accessories from both the Heard-Craig family and the period when the home was built. A carriage house in the back is a venue for weddings and social meetings and the lawn is a popular wedding spot. (Check out the Art-o-Mat inside the carriage house.)
