35 Fun Facts About Grapevine, TX We Bet You Didn’t Know!

You know that city you pass through when you fly into DFW? Yeah, that’s Grapevine, and turns out it’s been hiding some pretty incredible stuff from you! This place has been around since 1844 (before Texas was even a state) and somehow managed to become the Christmas Capital of Texas while also hosting the biggest wine festival in the Southwest. Most people just think of it as that place near the airport, but Grapevine’s got steam trains, wild stories about Bonnie and Clyde, and enough festivals to keep you busy all year. Check out this whole list for more fun facts about Grapevine, Texas!

35 Fun Facts About Grapevine, TX

1. Grapevine History Dates Back to 1844 (One Year Before Texas Statehood)

Grapevine beat Texas by a whole year. While everyone else was figuring out statehood, Grapevine was already up and running in 1844. The settlers found fresh water springs and said, “This is it.” You can walk through downtown today knowing people were building businesses here before Texas even became Texas. That’s serious bragging rights.

2. The City’s Name Comes from Wild Mustang Grapes

Wild mustang grapes covered this entire area when settlers arrived. Yes, thick clusters everywhere across the prairie! Native tribes had been harvesting them for generations, so settlers knew they’d struck gold. The grapes were smaller and more sour than today’s varieties, but free and plentiful. You can still spot original vines around town. All those wineries, Grapevine’s famous for? They started with these tough little wild grapes.

3. Grapevine is the Oldest Settlement in Tarrant County

Every other city in Tarrant County came after Grapevine. Fort Worth, Arlington, all those big names? Grapevine was already here when they were just empty land. The whole county built itself around this settlement. Next time someone from Fort Worth acts important, remind them that Grapevine was throwing parties before their city existed.

4. General Sam Houston Negotiated Peace Treaties at Grape Vine Springs

Sam Houston came to Grapevine in 1843 to hash out major peace deals with leaders from 10 American Indian nations. This wasn’t just any meeting. Some of the most important diplomatic events in Texas history happened right here at Grape Vine Springs. Within a year, settlers started rolling in with covered wagons. Houston knew how to pick a spot for making history.

5. Residents Call Themselves “Grapevinians”

If you live in Grapevine, you’re officially a Grapevinian. Not a Grapevine-ite or Grapeviner, but Grapevinian, which sounds way more sophisticated than it should. The locals wear this title with serious pride, and honestly, it’s got a nice ring to it. You’ll hear people introduce themselves as Grapevinians at parties with the kind of confidence that makes you want to move there just for the name.

Ready to move on and sell your house? Join the proud tradition of Grapevinians who know when it’s time to take the next step. Southern Hills Home Buyers can help with a fast, fair cash offer and a smooth, hassle-free process.

6. Historic Main Street is Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Grapevine’s Historic Main Street made it onto the National Register of Historic Places. Every building has been deemed historically significant. The whole district captures that turn-of-the-century atmosphere most cities lost decades ago. You’re experiencing actual American history that’s been carefully preserved.

7. The Cotton Belt Railroad Arrival in 1888 Changed Everything

When the Cotton Belt Railroad rolled into Grapevine in 1888, everything exploded. This quiet settlement became a bustling hub overnight with trains bringing people and opportunities from everywhere. Downtown went from sleepy to busy. New businesses popped up to serve travelers. The railroad put Grapevine on the map as a serious North Texas player.

8. Nash Farm is Tarrant County’s Oldest Operating Farmstead Since 1859

Nash Farm has been working the same land since 1859, so it’s Tarrant County’s oldest continuously operating farmstead. Thomas Jefferson Nash built this place, and somehow it kept trucking through wars, droughts, and economic crashes. You can visit today and see actual 1800s farm life through living history activities. This isn’t a replica. It’s the real farm that’s been going strong for over 160 years.

9. Grapevine is the Official Christmas Capital of Texas®

The Texas Legislature voted to make Grapevine the official Christmas Capital of Texas. In other words, this is not a self-proclaimed marketing slogan. It’s actual law with government backing. When Texas decides which city does Christmas best, they point to Grapevine. That registered trademark symbol means they own this title fair and square.

10. Fun Facts About the 1,400+ Holiday Events in 40 Days

Grapevine throws over 1,400 Christmas events in just 40 days. That’s basically 35 different activities happening every single day for more than a month straight. They’ve packed everything possible into those 40 days: ice skating, parades, concerts, festivals, and light shows. Most cities struggle to put together one decent Christmas parade, and Grapevine’s running a full-scale holiday empire.

11. The Peace Plaza Ice Rink is Called “The Rockefeller Center of the Southwest.”

Grapevine’s Peace Plaza Ice Rink earned the nickname “The Rockefeller Center of the Southwest,” and that’s not just local bragging. This outdoor rink sits right in downtown, surrounded by twinkling lights and historic buildings. When you’re skating with all those Christmas decorations sparkling around you, it feels magical. People comparing it to New York’s most famous landmark say everything about how special this place is during the holidays.

12. Newsweek Voted Grapevine Best Christmas Town in 2024

Newsweek looked at Christmas towns across the entire country and picked Grapevine as the absolute best in 2024. All those other towns trying to compete for holiday tourists just got officially schooled by a national publication. When one of the biggest magazines in the country crowns you the Christmas champion, you’re definitely the best.

13. Grapevine Donated Nearly 8,000 Acres for DFW Airport Construction

Grapevine handed over almost 8,000 acres of its land to help build DFW Airport. That’s not a typo. Yep, eight thousand acres, which is basically the size of a small city. Most places would fight tooth and nail to keep that much valuable land, but Grapevine shared. Without that massive land donation, DFW Airport wouldn’t exist as we know it today. Talk about a city putting its money where its mouth is for progress.

14. All DFW Airport Terminals Are Within Grapevine City Limits

Every single terminal at DFW Airport sits inside Grapevine’s city limits. All of them. So technically, when you’re flying through one of the world’s busiest airports, you’re actually in Grapevine the entire time. The airport could rightfully be called Grapevine International Airport instead of Dallas-Fort Worth. Next time you’re stuck in DFW waiting for a connecting flight, just remember you’re hanging out in Grapevine territory.

15. Lake Grapevine Attracts Over 1 Million Visitors Annually

Lake Grapevine gets more than a million visitors every single year. The US Army Corps of Engineers built this 8,000-acre lake back in 1948, and it’s been a total hit ever since. People come for boating, swimming, camping, hiking, basically everything you’d want to do at a lake. With over 30 kilometers of wilderness trails and two full-service marinas, it’s got enough activities to keep a million people happy year after year.

16. Bonnie and Clyde’s Gang Robbed the Hometown Bank

Bonnie and Clyde’s gang actually robbed Grapevine’s Hometown Bank, which is now Bermuda Gold & Silver. You can still visit the exact spot where one of America’s most notorious criminal duos pulled off their heist. The famous pair spent time around Denton Creek, which is now part of Lake Grapevine. Both criminals were from Dallas, so Grapevine was basically their backyard for causing trouble. These days, you can learn about the whole story when you visit the location.

17. GrapeFest is the Largest Wine Festival in the Southwest

GrapeFest has grown into the biggest wine festival in the entire Southwest. It attracts visitors from around the globe. People actually fly in from other countries to experience what Grapevine does with wine. The festival has been running for over thirty years now, featuring wines from Texas, across the nation, and around the world. When your little Texas city hosts an internationally recognized wine festival, you know you’re doing something seriously right.

Thinking of selling your house and moving to a place that knows how to celebrate? Grapevine’s world-famous GrapeFest draws crowds from around the globe, proof that this city is truly one of a kind. For a fast, hassle-free sale, contact Southern Hills Home Buyers and start your next chapter in style.

18. The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic is America’s Largest Consumer-Judged Wine Competition

The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic at GrapeFest holds the title for America’s largest consumer-judged wine competition. There’s no panel of stuffy experts deciding what’s good. Regular people taste the wines and vote for their favorites. When regular consumers get to decide which wines win instead of fancy critics, you get results that actually matter to real people.

19. Three Golf Courses Rank Among Top 50 Public Courses in the U.S.

All three of Grapevine’s golf courses made it into the top 50 public courses in America. Bear Creek Golf Course, Cowboys Golf Club, and Grapevine Golf Course all earned national recognition for being absolutely outstanding. Most cities would kill to have one course ranked that high, and Grapevine managed to get all three of theirs on the list. With 81 holes of golf within 15 minutes of every hotel in the city, golfers are basically super lucky to be here.

20. The Cowboys Golf Club is the Only NFL-themed golf Course

Cowboys Golf Club holds the distinction of being the only NFL-themed golf course in existence. When you play, you’re not just golfing. You’re also playing on a course designed around America’s Team. The theming goes way beyond just slapping a star logo on everything. They really created an experience that makes Cowboys fans lose their minds with excitement.

21. Grapevine Mills Houses Over 180 Retailers and World-Class Attractions

Grapevine Mills packs more than 180 retailers and attractions into one massive complex. These include LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Meow Wolf, Peppa Pig World of Play, and Round 1 Bowling, all under one roof. The mall encompasses over 167,500 square meters of shopping and entertainment space. Plus, international visitors get TaxFree Shopping, which makes it a total destination for people from around the world.

22. Steam Engine “Puffy” is the South’s Oldest Continuously Operated Steam Engine

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Steam Engine 2248, nicknamed “Puffy,” holds the record as the oldest continuously operated steam engine in the entire South. This thing has been chugging along for decades without missing a beat. You can actually ride behind Puffy on authentic 1920s-era train coaches that take you from downtown Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards. When you hear that whistle blow and feel the train start moving, you’re experiencing transportation history that most places only dream about having.

23. The Historic Palace Theatre Was Built in 1940 and Hosts the Grapevine Opry

The Historic Palace Theatre opened its doors in 1940 and has been entertaining people ever since. This restored movie theater now hosts the Grapevine Opry, where stars like LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Anderson have performed. The venue will give you that authentic 1940s atmosphere while showcasing both movies and live performances.

24. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Features a LEGO Replica of Grapevine

LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills built an entire LEGO replica of the city of Grapevine. Kids can see their whole city recreated in tiny plastic bricks, complete with recognizable landmarks and buildings. The center also features a splash park, LEGO factory tours, and meet-and-greets with favorite LEGO characters.

25. Interesting Facts About Grapevine, TX’s Sister Cities on Four Continents

Grapevine has four Sister Cities spread across four different continents: Parras de la Fuente in Mexico, Krems in Austria, West Lothian in Scotland, and Barossa in Australia. These partnerships create cultural exchanges, business opportunities, and friendships that span the globe. Most cities are lucky to have one sister city, and Grapevine managed to charm four different countries into official partnerships.

If you’re planning to sell and start fresh somewhere rich in culture and global connections, Grapevine is calling. With four Sister Cities around the world, it’s more than a hometown; it’s a gateway to global friendship. Investor home buyers in Grapevine and other cities in Texas can help you start your journey today.

26. The Same Mayor Has Served for 44 of the Past 47 Years Since 1973

Grapevine’s mayor, William Tate, has held office for 49 years since 1973, which is basically unprecedented in American politics. That’s 27% of the city’s entire existence since 1844 under one person’s leadership.  This kind of political stability is almost unheard of anywhere else in the country.

27. Grapevine Was Named a World Festival and Event City in 2012

The International Festival and Events Association officially named Grapevine a World Festival and Event City in 2012. This is global recognition from the people who know festivals better than anyone else. The association looked at cities worldwide and decided Grapevine deserved to be in the top tier.

28. The Gaylord Texan Resort Has 1,814 Rooms on Lake Grapevine

The Gaylord Texan Resort sits right on Lake Grapevine with a whopping 1,814 rooms. It’s a destination resort that’s basically a small city unto itself. This massive complex offers everything you could want without ever leaving the property. The resort overlooks the lake and provides that perfect Texas hospitality experience that keeps people coming back.

29. LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Anderson Performed at the Palace Theatre

Some of country music’s biggest stars have graced the stage at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre. LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Anderson all chose this intimate venue to connect with their fans. The theater’s 1940s charm has the perfect atmosphere for both emerging artists and established stars to showcase their talents.

30. Fun Facts About Grapevine, TX’s Seven Winery Tasting Rooms

Grapevine hosts seven different winery tasting rooms, which creates an Urban Wine Trail that celebrates Texas as the fifth-largest wine producer in America. You can hop from one tasting room to another and sample wines from across the state and beyond. The wineries host special themed events throughout the year to keep the wine scene fresh and exciting. Having seven dedicated wine tasting spots in one city means you can spend an entire weekend just exploring what Texas vineyards have to offer.

31. The Current Population is 50,928, with Over 6,000 Hotel Rooms

Grapevine has a population of 50,928 residents in a city that also manages to house over 6,000 hotel rooms for visitors. That’s more than one hotel room for every eight residents, which shows just how seriously this city takes hospitality. Their eight full-service hotels provide everything from luxury resorts to business-friendly accommodations.

32. The Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower Features Would-Be Train Robbers

Every two hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, the Grapevine Glockenspiel clock tower puts on a show with two animatronic figures called the Would-Be Train Robbers. These mechanical characters emerge from the tower in what’s become a beloved Grapevine classic that locals and tourists gather to watch. The performance happens like clockwork throughout the day, so it’s already a regular entertainment right in the heart of downtown.

33. Special Event Venues Offer Over 92,900 Square Meters of Meeting Space

Grapevine’s special event venues have more than 92,900 square meters of meeting and convention space. That’s enough room to host massive conferences, trade shows, weddings, and corporate events all at the same time. The city built itself into a serious contender for large-scale events and meetings. With that much dedicated event space, Grapevine can handle pretty much any gathering you can throw at it.

34. Great Wolf Lodge is a Destination Resort with a Water Park

Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine isn’t just a hotel. It’s a full destination resort complete with an indoor water park, restaurants, and a spa. Families can spend days without ever leaving the property, thanks to all the activities packed under one roof. The water park alone makes it worth the trip, but add in everything else, and you’ve got a vacation spot that keeps kids and adults equally entertained.

35. Over 107 Kilometers of Paved and Natural Trails for Hikers and Bikers

Grapevine offers more than 107 kilometers of paved and natural trails throughout the city for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. That’s enough trail network to keep you exploring for weeks without covering the same ground twice. The trails wind through different landscapes, from lakeside paths to wooded areas and urban routes.

Ready for a fresh start in a city full of wine, trails, and charm? Sell your home and let this company that buys homes in Houston and nearby cities in Texas help you make Grapevine your next great move.

Key Takeaways: 35 Fun Facts About Grapevine, TX

Grapevine proves that small Texas cities are also packed with history, entertainment, and personality. The combination of historic charm, modern attractions, world-class golf courses, and that famous Texas hospitality makes Grapevine a destination that keeps surprising people who thought they knew what to expect.

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Need to sell or just curious about your options? Call (214) 225-3042 for a quick, no-obligation offer. It’s easy to get started!