When you stay at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, you are surrounded by many exciting places to visit, enjoy and explore. Whether your traveling to the area for business or for the annual Azalea or Rose Festivals, the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center is the place to stay!

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is a 14-acre park, making it the nations largest rose garden. The garden is full of breath-taking beauty, especially in the spring and again in mid-October when the Rose Garden is in full bloom. There are over 38,000 rose bushes of at least 500 different varieties, from tall grafted rose trees to miniature roses no larger than a dime. The Rose Garden is the site of the annual Texas Rose Festival held in mid-October each year. The Tyler Rose Garden is 5 miles from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.texasrosefestival.com/museum/garden.htm

Tyler Rose Museum

One of Tyler's favorite and most beautiful attractions is the Tyler Rose Museum, which has entertained thousands of visitors from the United States and around the world. The Museum is a unique concept that allows visitors to participate in an unfolding story that chronicles the events of the Festival's history and the agricultural industry it honors. As visitors enter the 7,500 square-foot Museum, they discover displays of memorabilia and hand-sewn, jeweled costumes dating as far back as 1935. The Tyler Rose Museum is located just 5 miles from Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.texasrosefestival.com/museum/museum.htm

Texas Rose Festival

Recognized by many as the states most elegant and beautiful community event, the Texas Rose Festival annually draws thousands of visitors to East Texas. For four days visitors are treated to art shows, concerts, floral displays, and special events, all to honor the Rose. The Rose Queen and her Court are presented at the Coronation, an impressive theatrical experience that always inspires first-time visitors. Gorgeous gowns, incredible colors, and an intriguing story make this a must-see Rose Festival event. Also plan to attend the Queen's Tea, free and open to the public, while you stroll through the beautiful Rose Garden and mingle with "Rose Royalty." The parade, open-air concert, arts and crafts fair, floral shows, and many more activities make sure every Rose Festival visitor is entertained in true Texas style. The Texas Rose Festival is held each year at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden in mid-October. The Festival is located just 5 miles from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.texasrosefestival.com/festival/index.htm

HGTV's 2005 Dream Home

We've always known that Tyler has many dream homes but now HGTV has made it official. Join us in watching the development of this beautiful dream home at Lake Tyler just 15 miles from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_nobanner/text/0,1783,HGTV_10680_19215,FF.html

Brookshire's Wildlife Museum and Country Store

Step into Brookshire's Country Store and you go back 70 years to a time when coffee was ground, meat was carved and sliced to your specifications and groceries were gathered for you. While visiting, look inside Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum to see animals from A to Z. Alaskan Polar Bear to Zebra, and every fish, fowl and four-legged creature in between! All of them have been carefully preserved through the ages. You can't beat the price - free! For groups of 15 or more, schedule guided tours can be arranged. Ramada Hotel & Conference Center is just 8 miles from the Brookshire's Wildlife Museum and Country Store. For more information visit: http://www.brookshires.com/company/museum.asp

Caldwell Zoo

Hear the lions ROAR! Nestled on 85 beautifully landscaped acres in the piney woods of East Texas, the Caldwell Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species. Animals roam the plains, swim in ponds and climb trees in their naturalistic multi-species environments recreated to resemble South America, North America and Africa. The zoo also has seasonal presentations including: a bird show, alligator feedings, giraffe feedings, and elephant demonstrations. Caldwell Zoo has just undergone a complete renovation! Come see the new changes! The Caldwell Zoo is a short 6-mile drive from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.caldwellzoo.org

Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park is a 985-acre park located in Smith County just north of Tyler. The park includes a 64-acre lake. Activities available at Tyler State Park include picnicking; camping; boating; fishing; birding; hiking; swimming and mountain biking. The Ramada Hotel & Conference Center is 15 miles from the state park. For more information on Tyler State Park visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/tyler/

Discovery Science Place

The Discovery Science Place offers hands-on family fun for kids of all ages. View bats in the bat cave, trigger an earthquake into motion under your feet, snake your way through mysterious tunnels and explore the depths of a limestone cavern. Investigate the bones of "Big Ethel", the triceratops dinosaur. The Discovery Science Place is located 10 minutes from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.discoveryscienceplace.com/

Wonderland by Night

From November 1st through January 1st WONDERLAND BY NIGHT features scenes to delight young and old. As the North Pole comes to life with a talking Santa accompanied by Mrs. Claus, the elves and all the reindeer also greet guests. While driving through the brilliantly-lighted road, over 100 scenes will come to life including The Jumping Frogs, a huge tunnel of lights, Santa's train running on a 600-foot track, elves working in Santa's Candy Mine, and many more surprises. After driving over a river of lights, guests will experience very detailed scenes depicting some major events from the Bible and Jesus' life from Adam and Eve through the Resurrection. Wonderland by Night is located in nearby Van only a short 30-minute drive from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.wonderlandbynight.com/

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge

Ever wanted to see a big cat up close? Well here's your chance - visit Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is an "Incorporated Animal Shelter" for big cats. Tiger Creek provides rescue and rehabilitation for big cats that have been abused, neglected, or displaced. Tiger Creek provides a place for these great cats to live the remainder of their lives without threats in a stress-free environment that caters to their well being. Tours are given daily of the close to 40 cats they have that allow you to learn more about endangered species, the big cats, and their personal background. The park has been featured on the Animal Planet TV Station. This unique park is located just 40 miles from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.tigerlink.com

Dewberry Plantation

Colonel John Dewberry (1794-1897) came to Texas in 1835 after serving in the War of 1812 and quickly established himself as one of the most influential men in the forward development of this section of the Piney woods. Early on, the site for Dewberry's mansion served a pivotal role in the development of East Texas, when The Republic of Texas Army camped there prior to their final battle with the Cherokee Indians and Chief Bowles. The main house was named "Myrtle-Vale" by its builder because of the long walkway flanked by majestic crepe myrtles leading to the house.

Myrtle-Vale is the only original two-story, pre-Civil War house still standing in Smith County. Myrtle-Vale has been meticulously restored in 2001. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as being a Texas State Historical Landmark, and it is the sincere desire of the present owners to provide Americans today with a glimpse into the life and times of Antebellum East Texas. Dewberry Plantation is located in nearby Bullard, Texas just a short 40-minute drive from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.dewberryplantation.com

Camp Ford

If you're a Civil War buff, you won't wan to miss a stop at the Camp Ford marker. This was the site of the largest prisoner of war compound used for union troops west of the Mississippi during the Civil War. Between July 1863 and 1865, over 5,500 union prisoners were held there. Walking trails and interpretive exhibits help you relive this time in American history. Camp Ford is located just 20 miles from the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. For more information visit: http://www.campford.org

Quick Links to Tyler Attractions

• Tyler Municipal Rose Garden
• Tyler Rose Museum
• Texas Rose Festival
• Caldwell Zoo
• Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
• Discovery Science Place
• Wonderland by Night

Contact Ramada Hotel & Conference Center for more information about other Tyler attractions near our hotel.