Visit Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District

Dealey Plaza
#9 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dealey Plaza, in the historic West End district of downtown Dallas, Texas, is the location of the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Wikipedia

Dealey Plaza has changed a bit since 1963. The famous Stemmons Freeway sign is gone, and the Hertz car rental sign is gone from atop the Depository.

Some of the train tracks over the Triple Underpass have been replaced with electrified commuter rail tracks, and the parking lot behind the Stockade Fence is now paved.

A plaque now defaces the grass between the Pergola and Elm Street. Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same place, The Place.

Dallas, Texas is home to one of the most significant historic sites in the United States: Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District. Often called the “birthplace of Dallas,” this 15-acre public park was also the location of a world-changing event—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 . Today, Dealey Plaza stands as a powerful place of remembrance, education, and reflection, welcoming millions of visitors annually.

Whether you are a history buff retracing the events of the Kennedy assassination, a parent looking for a free and educational outdoor activity, or a tourist seeking to understand a pivotal moment in American history, this guide provides everything you need to know—from parking and accessibility to the free interactive digital guide, family activities, and nearby museums.

Dealey Plaza is a city park in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. It was constructed between 1934 and 1940 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project and was named after George B. Dealey, a prominent Dallas civic leader and publisher of The Dallas Morning News .

The plaza was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 12, 1993, on the 30th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. This designation recognizes that “the course of American history changed here” . The landmark district includes the 3.07-acre park, surrounding historic buildings facing the plaza, the Triple Underpass, and part of the rail yards .

Key Details at a Glance:

• Official Name: Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District

• Location: Roughly bounded by Pacific Ave., Market St., Jackson St., and the Dallas Right of Way Management Company right-of-way, Dallas, TX 75202 

• GPS Coordinates: 32.7783° N, 96.8089° W 

• Size: 15 acres (6.1 hectares) 

• Established: Park built 1934–1940; designated NHLD in 1993 

• Architectural Styles: Chicago, Early Commercial, Romanesque 

• Admission: Free (no fee to enter the plaza) 

Hours & Admission

Plaza Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round .
Admission: Free to all visitors. No tickets or reservations are required to walk through the plaza.

Sixth Floor Museum Hours (separate admission):
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM .
Closed Monday and Tuesday .

Note: The Sixth Floor Museum is a separate attraction located inside the Texas School Book Depository building. The plaza itself remains accessible even when the museum is closed .

Ticket Prices & Admission

Note: The free interactive guide is available in both English and Spanish and includes a self-guided walking tour, interactive map, visual narratives, films, photographs, and oral histories .

Activities for Adults & Children: History, Reflection & Learning

👨‍🖥️ Adults: Historical Exploration, Photography & Contemplation

1. Self-Guided Walking Tour
   Adults can explore the plaza at their own pace using the free interactive digital guide available at dealeyplaza.jfk.org. The guide helps visitors orient themselves to the assassination site and learn about the history of the plaza dating back to 1841 when John Neely Bryan founded Dallas .

2. The White “X” on Elm Street
   A white “X” painted on the Elm Street pavement marks the approximate spot where President Kennedy was fatally shot . This is the most visited spot in the plaza and a place for quiet reflection.

3. Photography
   Dealey Plaza is one of the most photographed historic sites in Texas. Popular photo locations include:

   • The Grassy Knoll (north of Elm Street) – a key area of interest in assassination theories.

   • The Texas School Book Depository (411 Elm St) – now the Sixth Floor Museum.

   • The Triple Underpass – a WPA-built Art Deco structure at the west edge of the plaza .

   • The Reflecting Pools and Colonnades – designed in the 1930s as part of the original park .

4. John F. Kennedy Memorial (646 Main St)
   Designed by architect Philip Johnson, this 50-by-50-foot open cenotaph features 30-foot concrete walls and a central black granite slab with the president’s name engraved in gold . It is free to visit and located just east of the plaza .

5. Historical Building Tour
   The historic district includes several significant buildings:

   • Texas School Book Depository (1901) – where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots .

   • Old Dallas County Courthouse (“Old Red”) (1892) – now the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture .

   • Dallas County Criminal Courts Building (1915) – Renaissance Revival architecture .

   • U.S. Post Office Terminal Annex (1937) – Art Deco style with murals by artist Peter Hurd .

👧 Children & Families: Educational Activities & Scavenger Hunts

1. Free Family Activities from the Sixth Floor Museum
   The museum offers a variety of free educational activities designed for families to learn together . Examples include:

   • Photo Scavenger Hunt – Go on a photography hunt and learn how to decode messages in portraits.

   • Monuments Exploration – Explore the John F. Kennedy Memorial and build your own memorial.

   • Model Making – Investigate different models of Dealey Plaza and make your own.

   • Forensic Science – Conduct an investigation using forensic science techniques (for older children).

   • Pop Culture of the 1960s – Discover music, fashion, and toys from the decade.

   • President Kennedy in Art – Examine and create works of art based on the president.

   These activities are available on the museum’s website and are perfect for ages 8–14 .

2. Interactive Digital Guide for Older Kids
   The free multimedia digital guide includes films, photographs, and oral histories that engage teenagers and young adults . The guide is available on any smartphone or tablet.

3. The Grassy Knoll
   Children enjoy running and playing on the grassy slopes (supervised, of course). This area offers a view of the entire plaza and is a good spot for a family rest break.

4. Open Space for Walking
   The plaza has wide open spaces, paths, and steps suitable for young children to explore safely. The reflecting pools and colonnades provide interesting architectural features for kids to observe.

5. Sensory-Friendly Visits
   Sensory-friendly hours may be available for individuals with sensory sensitivities or autism. These provide a quieter, less crowded environment . Contact the Sixth Floor Museum at (214) 747-6660 for current availability.

Contributing Structures & Buildings Within the Landmark District

From the National Historic Landmark designation, the following are contributing properties within Dealey Plaza :

Parking & Public Transportation

🚗 Parking

Dealey Plaza is located in downtown Dallas with several parking options nearby.

Pro Tip: The parking garage at 501 Elm St (across from the Depository) is conveniently located for visitors to both the plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum.

🚆 DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

• Union Station – Serves Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) lines. A short walk west to Dealey Plaza .

• Multiple bus routes – Several DART buses stop within one block of the plaza.

Address for GPS: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202 .

Free Interactive Digital Guide: Your Personal Tour Guide

The Sixth Floor Museum has launched a free, multimedia digital guide to Dealey Plaza, available in both English and Spanish . Access it at dealeyplaza.jfk.org on any smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What the guide includes:

• A self-guided walking tour that helps visitors orient themselves to the assassination site.

• An interactive map detailing historical points of interest in and around the plaza.

• Two visual narratives exploring the commemoration of President Kennedy’s assassination and the history of Dealey Plaza from 1841 to the present.

• Films, photographs, oral histories, and other archival content from the museum’s collections .

This is the first time a complete history of Dealey Plaza—from the founding of Dallas in 1841 to the 2020 social justice protests—has been presented in a free, accessible digital format . Use it before, during, or after your visit.

Nearby Attractions (Within Walking Distance)

Dealey Plaza is centrally located in downtown Dallas, making it easy to combine with other historic and cultural sites.

Pro Tip: Plan a half-day walking tour: Start at Dealey Plaza (free, 45–60 minutes), then visit the Sixth Floor Museum (1.5–2 hours), walk to the JFK Memorial (15 minutes), and end at Pioneer Plaza (20 minutes) to see the cattle drive sculptures.

Tips for Your Visit

1. Best time to visit – Early morning (7–9 AM) offers soft light for photography and fewer crowds. Late afternoon (4–5 PM) is also pleasant.

2. Wear comfortable shoes – The plaza involves walking on pavement, grass, and some steps. You will likely cover 0.5–1 mile.

3. Bring water – There are no drinking fountains directly in the plaza. Carry a bottle, especially in summer (June–September).

4. Sun protection – The plaza has limited shade. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential in warmer months.

5. Respect the site – Dealey Plaza is a place of historical tragedy and remembrance. Please be respectful of other visitors who may be reflecting or mourning.

6. Download the free guide – Before you arrive, visit dealeyplaza.jfk.org on your phone and save it for offline use. Cell service in downtown Dallas is generally good, but Wi-Fi is not available in the plaza.

7. Restrooms – Public restrooms are not available within the plaza. The nearest facilities are at the Sixth Floor Museum (during open hours) or at nearby restaurants and hotels.

8. Combine with the museum – The Sixth Floor Museum provides essential context for understanding what happened on November 22, 1963. Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry .

9. Plan 45–60 minutes for the plaza alone – A self-guided walk of the key sites (grassy knoll, white X, reflecting pools, Depository exterior) takes about 45 minutes. Add 1.5–2 hours if visiting the museum.

10. Check for special events – Occasionally, the plaza is used for memorial ceremonies or public gatherings. The Sixth Floor Museum’s website lists any closures or altered access.

Educational Resources for Teachers & Families

The Sixth Floor Museum offers robust education programs connecting the past to the present for students, teachers, and families . Resources include:

• On-site tours and programs.

• Virtual classroom experiences.

• Downloadable activity sheets (including the scavenger hunt and monument-building activities) .

Teachers can contact the museum’s education department for group visit planning and curriculum materials.

Accessibility

Dealey Plaza is wheelchair accessible :

• Paved paths connect the main areas of the plaza.

• The white “X” on Elm Street is accessible from the sidewalk.

• Accessible parking spaces are available in nearby garages and street parking.

• The free interactive digital guide is designed for use on mobile devices and includes written content accessible with screen readers.

Note: The Grassy Knoll is a grass slope that may be difficult for manual wheelchairs. There is a paved path along Elm Street that provides a similar view.

Stay Connected:

While Dealey Plaza itself does not have standalone social media accounts, you can follow The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for historical content, event announcements, and educational resources.

• YouTube: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – Oral histories, lectures, and virtual tours

• Facebook: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – Daily posts, anniversary commemorations, and archival photos

• X (Twitter): @JFKMusuem – Historical facts, museum updates, and event reminders

• Instagram: @sixthfloormuseum – Powerful imagery from the collection and the plaza

• Free Interactive Guide: dealeyplaza.jfk.org (English and Spanish)

JFK Assassination Site – Dealey Plaza – Dallas Texas:

The site includes the former Texas School Book Depository and Dealey Plaza, two of the sights forever associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!