The Prairies and Lakes Region is located in the north central part of Texas. It is home to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States. This region also has a beautiful countryside with ranches, "bed and breakfasts", and many recreational lakes. Whether you're looking for the excitement of a big town (shopping, dining, nightlife), or for a more leisurely time in the rural areas, you'll find it here in the Prairies and Lakes Region.

Regions

The Prairies and Lakes region of Texas is divided into 3 bands which run roughly northeast to southwest, plus the metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth.

• Cross Timbers - from the Oklahoma border west of Lake Texoma to southeast of Fort Worth, including areas north, west, and southwest of the Metroplex.
• Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex - wedged between the Cross Timbers and the Blackland Prairie, includes Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
• Blackland Prairie - from the Oklahoma border east of Lake Texoma to just north of Austin, covers the northeast, east, and south sides of the Metroplex.
• Post Oak Savannah - from the edge of the Piney Woods down into the cradle between Austin and Houston.

Cities

• 1 Addison - Over 170 restaurants in 4 square miles (10sqkm).
• 2 Arlington - Amusement parks and the Texas Rangers. "Fun Central"
• 3 Bastrop - Home of Texas' Lost Pines.
• 4 Bryan-College Station - Brazos Valley. Home to Texas A&M University.
• 5 Denton - University town with a vibrant music scene and easy access to the Texas Motor Speedway.
• 6 Dallas - The Arts, the dining, the nightlife... Dallas has it all.
• 7 Fort Worth - "Where the West begins".
• 8 Gonzales - "The Birthplace of Texas Independence" Historical sites, festivals, good eats, and shopping
• 9 Irving - Home of the Las Colinas Urban Development Center, and (until 2009) the Dallas Cowboys.
• 10 Mesquite - The Mesquite Championship Rodeo.
• 11 Waco - Cattle, cotton, corn, collegians, and culture.

Other destinations

• 1 Dinosaur Valley State Park
• 2 Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Do

Many rivers and lakes are in this area. Camping and RV'ing is very popular here.

Events

• 1 Monolithic Dome Institute Open House, 177 Dome Park Place, Italy, Texas, ☏ +1 972-483-7423. Many of the buildings and features at the Institute complex will be open for viewing. Refreshments will be served. Free.