Tyler Texas Online Ben Wheeler, Texas location, things to do, map and lodging options



Ben Wheeler Texas

Ben Wheeler ... The official Wild Hog Capital of Texas

Ben Wheeler, Texas is located on Highway 64 between Tyler and Canton, at the intersection of FM 773 in southern Van Zandt County.

Showcased as "one of the coolest small towns in Texas" by Texas Highways Magazine, it is also known as "The Official Wild Hog Capital of Texas".

Ben Wheeler was named for the first man to carry mail into Van Zandt County, and thrived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Families would arrive in horse-drawn wagons, ride horses, or walk to visit, get mail, buy supplies, and sell or trade goods.

In those earlier times, the farming and ranching community of Ben Wheeler included several general stores, churches, barbers, blacksmiths, tailors, saddle and shoe shop, gins, mills, and a bank. Other businesses included the Berry Resort Hotel, boarding houses, a movie theater, lumber yard, a garage with gas pumps, cafes, a school, and even a college named the Alamo Institute. As economic conditions changed and populations shifted, the town shrank after World War II.

Today, Ben Wheeler is experiencing a revival as the town revitalizes and renovates its downtown, and has become a place for residents and visitors to enjoy entertainment, dining, music and fun, and celebrate the good things about living in Texas.

Many annual events draw crowds from all over Texas, like the Feral Hog Festival, Ben Wheeler Birthday Bash, International Ford Model A Day, the Far Out Art Fest, July 4th Celebration and more.

Popular venues such as the Moore's Store and the Forge Bar and Grill offer food and music.

The Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic Foundation is committed to making sure that “Ben Wheeler Matters” by preserving the historic character of Ben Wheeler while creating a vibrant and energized artistic community for all to enjoy.


Scenes Around Ben Wheeler

Shown below are scenes around Ben Wheeler courtesy of the City of Ben Wheeler.

Downtown Ben Wheeler Texas Festival time in Ben Wheeler, Texas
Ford Model A car meet in Ben Wheeler, Texas Music and entertainment in Ben Wheeler, Texas
Horse drawn wagon attracting a crowd in Ben Wheeler, Texas The famous pink hog bus on parade in Ben Wheeler, Texas
Time for the Feral Hog Fest in Ben Wheeler, Texas Art fest in Ben Wheeler, Texas


Welcome to Historic Ben Wheeler ... and the "Moon Pie and Royal Crown Cola" mural
Welcome to Historic Ben Wheeler ... and the "Moon Pie and Royal Crown Cola" mural

The famous pink hog bus on parade in downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas
The famous pink hog bus on parade in downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas

Other Places of Interest Around Ben Wheeler

Just a short drive east of Ben Wheeler is the community of Edom, at the intersection of FM 279 and FM 314. It's a lovely small community of restaurants, art galleries, shops, farms, retreats, B&Bs and more. Edom is also the home to spring and fall art shows well known in all of Texas.

We love to visit and have lunch at Edom, and attend the Edom Festival of the Arts. We always enjoy a meal at The Shed Cafe, and visits for berry picking in the early summer at Blueberry Hill Farms.

 

Canton Texas First Monday Trade Days ... visit there now!

We also make special trips to Blue Moon Gardens nursery just east of Edom. The quality of all of their plants is excellent, and their selection of butterfly and hummingbird-friendly plants is huge.

Another popular stop for gardeners and nature lovers is Glenda Mae's Daylily Farm. In addition to their huge selection of daylilies, the farm also offers annual bedding plants, soil amendments, herbs, vegetable plants, succulents and basket plants.

Located just a few miles west of Ben Wheeler is the City of Canton, the county seat of Van Zandt County, and home of the First Monday Trade Days.

It is considered the largest free flea market in the United States, and is held on Thursday - Sunday preceding the first Monday of each month. Up to 100,000 visitors can shop there in a given weekend.

Lodging Options in the Ben Wheeler Area

A variety of lodging options are available in the Ben Wheeler area, like the Cross Timber Ranch, Country Charm B&B and the Dragonhead Retreat.

Surrounding cities and towns offer more lodging, such as hotel properties in Canton, Lindale, Athens, Van and Tyler.

 

For More Information about Ben Wheeler

For current information about Ben Wheeler and upcoming events, we recommend a visit to the website of the City of Ben Wheeler and Ben Wheeler Texas on Facebook.

Map of Ben Wheeler Texas (courtesy of Google)