On the Square is the Hopkins County Courthouse. Designed by J. R. Gordon and built in 1894, the courthouse was restored in 2003. The courthouse was built with no clock in the tower because, as one of the county fathers said, "if you get up when the sun rises and go to bed when it sets, you don't need a clock." Open to the public during normal business hours.

The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library, 212 Main Street, has displays and information for anyone interested in the history of this area, as well as those researching their lineage. The Research Center is open to the public. Access is also available on their website at www.gen.1starnet.com/hopkins .

Heritage Park and the Hopkins County Historical Museum are located at ------- N. Jackson St. The Park contains a collection of buildings which includes a working blacksmith shop, grist mill, chapel, print shop and country store. It is also the site of three annual events: the Folk Festival on the second weekend in May and Indian Summer on the first Saturday in October, both of which celebrate our heritage with demonstrations of how our ancestors lived, worked and provided the necessities of life; Christmas in the Park is a holiday celebration in the style of the 19th century, on --------. The Museum houses collections of unique Folk Art, memorabilia from the War Between the States, Caddo Indian artifacts and fossils from the Paleolithic Era, including one almost complete skeleton. Contact them for more information at 903-885-2387 or on their website at www.------------- .

The SW Dairy Museum and Learning Center at 1200 Houston Street contains exhibits depicting all aspects of milk production and processing, from the early 20th Century to the present. Docents and self guided tours offer hands-on experiences of the activities involved in milk processing. Educational displays emphasize the importance of milk in the diet of adults as well as growing children. After your tour enjoy a light lunch or fantastic ice cream treats at The Creamery, the Centers old-fashioned soda fountain. Open Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact at 903-439-6455 or www.southwestdairyfarmers.com .

Around the Square and scattered throughout the town, are antiques and specialty shops offering the best shopping in the Southwest. Selections range from European imports to Texas Primitives, with prices so reasonable you won't believe it! Access our Places to Shop page at www.tourtexas.com/sulphursprings .

Lake Fork and Cooper Lake State Park are both only minutes from Sulphur Springs. You can match wits with trophy bass on Lake Fork, about 30 minutes south, either on your own or in one of the many tournaments held annually. Just 15 minutes to the north is Cooper Lake State Park. Not only can you fish for the big ones, but there are also areas for jet skis and other water activities, including a swimming beach protected by a breakwater and with a beach of imported sand. The Park is great for bird watching, has both hiking and equestrian trails, and has a range of facilities from primitive campsites to fully furnished cabins, fishing piers, boat ramps and complete RV facilities.

Our rural location, with miles of tree lined country roads, makes us a favorite destination for antique car clubs looking for a place to enjoy travel at the pace of yester-year. Come on your own, or contact the Sulphur Springs Tourism & Visitor Bureau for help in organizing an experience for your group. (888)300-6623

Check our calendar of events for this years times.

Sulphur Springs kicks off the summer with a celebration of the dairy industry and its role in the history of our town on the second weekend in June. Beginning with a parade through the heart of town, there are a carnival, a street dance, arts & crafts booths and a variety of dairy related events. The highlight of the festival for many is the

Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off is on the second Saturday in June, with contestants competing to produce the best of that wonderful stuff in an amazing variety of flavors.

For a real old-fashioned family experience, join us as we celebrate the Nations birthday in old fashioned style on the Saturday before the 4th of July. Bring your lawn chair and join the crowd on Heritage Square at dusk for a program containing a concert of marches and patriotic tunes by the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Veterans March and honor paid to our veterans. When darkness falls, the sky erupts in a blaze of colors as fireworks explode in the sky above the historic Hopkins County Courthouse.

Held during the third week of September at the Civic Center, the Festival encompasses the County Fair and includes a golf tournament, beauty pageant, gospel songfest, arts & crafts and more. The annual Quilt Show has become a major attraction at the festival, with over 100 quilts in juried competitions, displays of Heritage Quilts and vendors booths. For information on the show check their web site at www.geocities.com/lshgg .

World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest begins at dawn on the third Saturday in September, the last day of the Fall Festival. You step back in time as participants kindle their campfires and the aromas of wood smoke and spices drift on the morning breezes. Walk under the trees, relax and join the fun. Costumed contestants, decorated campsites and all the stew you can eat make this a great family experience.