GRAND PRAIRIE

Population 101,361

Altitude 528

General

Established at the close of the Civil War on Texas and Pacific Railroad with original name of Deckman. Renamed in 1873; incorporated in 1902. Population spurred by large defense plants during World War II. Public recreation facilities include playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, swimming, boating, and golf (Great Southwest Golf Course has gold in sand traps, assaying about $2.85 per ton).

CEDAR HILL STATE PARK

PALACE OF WAX & RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

TRADERS VILLAGE

VISITORS CENTER

Attractions

• CEDAR HILL STATE PARK - 1,850 acre park on east shore of Joe Pool Lake amid rolling cedar-covered hills; camping, trailer facilities, picnicking, shelters, swimming, rest rooms and showers, hiking and fishing. Although considered an urban park because of its location, the beauty of the woods makes it a popular destination for D/FW residents. At night, the metroplex skyline lights are reflected softly n the lake. Four miles Southeast of Grand Prairie on F.M. 1382. For information, reservations, 214-291-3900.

• PALACE OF WAX & RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! - Following a disastrous fire in 1988, reconstruction of a bigger and better facility began immediately. New building dubbed and "Arabian Fantasy" because of the huge onion domes, minatets and exotic detailing.

  The unusual, bizarre, and unbelievable displays Ripley's Believe It or Not! are from the collection of a man who collected the world's most interesting artifacts. Enter overgrown ruins of mystic temple and discover arts and weapons of primitive people, or walk over a bed of fiery coals, if you dare! Visitors experience an earthquake and find themselves on the ocean floor in undersea world of Atlantis and they'll hold onto their hats as they step into a Texas tornado and emerge safely to inspect the unbelievable things 200 mph winds can do.

  Exhibit in the wax museum feature all new collection of wax figures in environmental settings. Themed areas include Hollywood, history, horror, childhood fantasy, and religion. Visitors also see the resident sculptor at work in his studio. Open 10 a.m. daily. 601 E. Safari Pkwy.

• TRADERS VILLAGE - 106 acre flea market and shoppers bazaar with hundreds of dealers in novelties, handmade goods, plants, arts, crafts, and antiques of every description. Special events include rodeos, antique auto swap meets, Indian powwows. Restaurant, RV park. Open Sat. - Sun. Parking Free. Admission.

• VISITORS CENTER - The Grand Prairie Convention and Visitors Bureau operates a visitor center offering abundant details about local events, accommodations, dining and points of interest. 605 Safari Pkwy. Suite A -6.

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:37:47