When you’re going through the Big D (and we do mean Dallas, Texas) it would be remiss to think that this busy Southern city is all rodeos and chicken fried steak. And if you don’t believe it, put the cultural offerings around downtown Dallas at the top of your to-do list. You’ll find yourself a world away from an 8 second ride.

Whether or not you’re old enough to remember that fateful day in November, 1963, the Sixth Floor Museum, with a focus on the John F. Kennedy assassination, is a gripping historical stop that is also a top tourist destination (though it may not answer any questions you have about conspiracy theories and the grassy knoll). For history of the natural sort however, the choice destination is easily the Museum of Nature & Science, with plenty of family-friendly exhibits both educational and entertaining.

When it comes to art, the city “big-one” is, of course, the Dallas Museum of Art, which along with the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Nasher Sculpture Garden constitutes the core of the Dallas Arts District. With a collection that spans both civilized history and most of the world, expect to find on show at the Dallas Museum of Art an expansive selection of artifacts and art. Catch a musical performance at the Symphony Center if you can, and do be sure to enjoy a wander around the Nasher Sculpture Garden for a bit of fresh air to go with your outdoor art. If you’re intrigued by the latest trends in the art world, also be sure to check out the changing exhibitions at Dallas Contemporary, not far from the Arts District. To put it all in cultural perspective though, leave time also for a trip to The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art and the African American Museum, the latter host to a collection of both folk art and African American art works.

In addition to a more traditional selection, Dallas, Texas, also happens to be home to a handful of specialty museums. Fascinated by fire trucks? Stop by the Dallas Firefighters Museum. Stirred by steam engines? Definitely do the Museum of the American Railroad. Trivial Pursuit buffs can brush up on diversionary Dallas lore at the Old Red Museum, but whatever your gender its worth making space in your schedule to see the Women’s Museum; exhibits here take in well-known female artists but also provide insights into women’s health and fascinating historic tidbits. And just maybe there’ll be time left to catch that rodeo.