The Instagrammable Roadside Attraction Is Worth the Drive From Dallas

Dallas has several stand-out attractions that have made our list of “Only in Texas.” For instance, it’s home to Deep Ellum art murals, an outdoor art project featuring over 100 Instagrammable murals painted on buildings throughout the artsy neighborhood. We think it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the state, even if it’s just to see it once. And although I can name similar finds, drive approximately 100 miles northeast and you’ll find another eye-catching attraction worth the trip, too. You’ve probably seen or heard of the Eiffel Tower in France, but Texas has its own version, sitting in the small city of…well, Paris. Seeing this 65-foot iconic attraction is one of the best day trips from Dallas and beyond.    

Why People Are Making the Trip From Dallas

A recent visitor said the tower is “better than the original,” while others remarked that it “exceeded expectations.” So, aside from the obvious fact that the Paris Eiffel Tower is not the 1,000-foot-tall structure across the ocean, this mini version has its own appeal and a larger-than-life Texas charm. Plus, the Texas replica has a striking feature that the tower in Europe can’t duplicate—a three-and-a-half-foot-tall red Stetson cowboy hat at the summit. The addition of the red hat in 1999 was a brilliant marketing move for the city of Paris, Texas. 

In recent years, the replica has been printed on logos and used as promotional material by locals and by the city of Paris. For visitors, it’s a trendy place to take selfies and live out Instagrammable moments, as well as a top pit stop on a road trip in the Southwest. The city and tower have gained their own following, and people from all over have driven to see this unique attraction in Texas for themselves. And with some cool murals around town, it’s easy to see why this became a fun road trip stop.  

What to Expect When You Visit

Road trippers, families, couples, or anyone traveling on a Texas road trip near Dallas-Fort Worth can access the tower. The city is less than two hours from Dallas via Interstate 30, then a drive through the farmlands along State Highway 24. There is plenty of parking in the large lot off South Collegiate Drive, so anyone with RVs or large vehicles can drive in. And the area is open 24 hours, meaning travelers can visit any time of day.

What’s more? The tower lights up at night with the red, white, and blue, the signature colors of the Lone Star State flag, making it a cool stop after sunset. You won’t find large crowds here, but you might run into other roadtrippers or folks taking quirky pics of the tower or having a picnic on the grass. Or perhaps couples on a romantic outing. 

To add to its appeal, from the parking lot, you can access a three-mile wheelchair-friendly hiking route through the countryside, Trail de Paris, featuring shaded paths linking downtown Paris, Texas to nearby cities and sites. So, this would be a great way to extend your time in the area, while seeing more of the rural side of Paris. Additionally, a lovely veterans memorial sits right next to the Eiffel Tower replica, where families with little ones can stop and learn a bit of history.  

Is It Worth the Drive?

For a few gallons of gas and a short trip from Dallas, you’ll see a cool Texas-style Eiffel Tower, you can hike or bike a trail, and learn some Texas history. If you ask me, this roadside attraction in Texas is not only worth the drive, but it’s a budget-friendly option for you as well. Anyone dreaming of seeing the actual Eiffel Tower but can’t make it right now can forget about the passport, skip the extra expenses, and the long flight across the ocean, and drive to northeast Texas instead.

Did I mention that this entire attraction is FREE, pet-friendly, and accessible, too? It's the kind of stop the entire family can enjoy on a day trip. Moreover, if you would like to extend your time in the area, you’ll find places to eat, shop, and explore in Paris, Texas.