History, Art, and Culture Come Alive at the Frisco Heritage Center

When planning a trip to a new destination, exploring the area's history and understanding its origins and early settlers is always useful and worthwhile. 

Situated between Frisco Square and the Frisco Rail District, the Frisco Heritage Center thoroughly explores Frisco’s past. This area is designed to transport visitors back to the early days of the city, showcasing detailed exhibits that illustrate Frisco's evolution from a stop on the Shawnee Trail to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

History comes alive as you wander through the 4-acre Heritage Village, featuring beautifully preserved buildings like the original Lebanon chapel, the schoolhouse, original structure homes from that era, the gazebo, a steam locomotive, the calaboose (an old jail), and much more. Each site tells a unique story, offering a glimpse into life in early Frisco. 

Year-round exhibits include interactive technology projects that feature AI tour guides. These guides provide information about the original inhabitants and settlers of Frisco. Visitors have the option to use a touch screen to select specific families and stories they wish to learn about. 

The main center has a new Kids' Area with interactive play and demonstrations, providing a dedicated space and ample seating for young visitors and functioning as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) station. Children can participate in various projects related to history, science, and art under staff supervision, including occasional sessions led by a ‘Mad Scientist’ who will facilitate educational and creative activities.

Seasonal Exhibits

On the second floor, various seasonal exhibits rotate throughout the year. Some recent and upcoming exhibits include:

Quinceañera Fashion Exhibit showcasing Hispanic Heritage: The exhibit features numerous dresses on loan from young ladies and will examine the traditions of the quinceañera, including the transition from flats to high heels, symbolizing the journey from child to adulthood. Additionally, there are displays featuring tiaras, scepters, the gift of the Bible, and ‘Presentation of the doll’. 

Deep Glow: In July, the venue featured a bioluminescent underwater sea creature exhibit, showcasing the artwork of Lauren Lewchuk and representing a fusion of science and art. The exhibit will include a large mural and portraits of underwater sea life, all illuminated by black light and accompanied by soothing sea-themed music. 

Bloom: Flowers of the Black Land Prairie: Summer blooms with a giant terrarium-type experience and the vibrant diversity of the North Texas native wildflowers, a seasonal exhibit designed to celebrate botanical treasures. Visitors can explore impressive sculptures representing iconic Texas flora such as the Bluebonnet, Indian Paintbrush, and fire wheel. This is a great educational opportunity to learn about the life cycles, distinctive characteristics, and cultural significance of these native species, including giant ladybugs, dragonflies, caterpillars, and butterflies.

Besides opening their doors regularly to visitors, the team at the center has created an amazing calendar of exhibits and events for people of all ages to enjoy for the rest of the year, featuring both unique first-time experiences and regular favorites:

Second Saturdays at Heritage – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Participate in historical activities at the Frisco Heritage Center on the second Saturday of each month. With different themes and activities introduced monthly, there is always something new to engage in. Visitors can explore the museum, tour historic homes, observe a live blacksmith demonstration, capture photographs with a century-old vintage car, enjoy hands-on activities, and much more. 

Heritage How-To: Floral Design – July 24th, 6 - 7 pm

Led by Pink Blossom Designs, this one-hour flower arranging class is designed to inspire creativity and build confidence. Participants will learn fundamental arrangement techniques, explore color theory, and acquire proper flower care methods to maintain freshness and vibrancy. Suitable for beginners or flower enthusiasts, this hands-on class provides an opportunity to create a beautiful arrangement and develop the skills to replicate it independently. Each participant will create a luxurious arrangement to take home.

Princess Tea – July 26, 10:30 - 12 p.m.

Spend the afternoon with your favorite princesses! Delight in an English-inspired tea service with Belle, Cinderella, Elsa, Mirabel, and Tiana. Light refreshments will be served.

Heritage After Dark Series  

Harry Potter's Birthday Party - July 31, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Partake in a magical celebration of the Wizard Boy’s birthday with fun activities like wand crafting and delicious treats, including Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Capture memories at our photo ops featuring a castle backdrop or the Sorting Hat and enjoy a screening of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. It promises to be a truly enchanting evening. 

Blacklight Speakeasy - August 28, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

An engaging evening where science and neon art converge. Attendees can explore the Blacklight Speakeasy, an immersive environment designed with deep-sea colors that beautifully complement the DEEP GLOW: Bioluminescent Sea Creature exhibit. Guests can enjoy a variety of ocean-inspired mocktails, such as the Biolumini-Fizz, alongside themed snacks that include octopus’ cupcakes and shimmering jellyfish Jello.

The event also features a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, allowing participants to discover hidden treasures and luminescent surprises. Additionally, visitors can admire glowing art installations by artist Lauren Lewchuk, take advantage of unique photo opportunities, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. This after-hours experience offers a captivating exploration of the mysteries of marine life.

Mariachi Madness - September 25, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Experience "Mariachi Madness," an after-hours event that brings the "Quinceañera Encantada" exhibit to life. Enjoy mariachi music as musicians perform throughout the evening. Sample themed bites inspired by traditional quinceañera feasts, along with Latin-inspired mocktails featuring tropical flavors. Participate in a scavenger hunt through the museum, discovering items related to quinceañera traditions, such as gowns and decorations. This event offers a combination of music, culture, and interactive activities for attendees.

Haunted Heritage - October 30, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Haunted Heritage offers a spooky twist on history with ghost stories of Frisco’s haunted past. Enjoy mocktails like Phantom Fizz and Witch’s Brew while tasting bites inspired by ghostly tales. The museum features eerie decorations, candlelight, and shadowy corners, ensuring a thrilling night of folklore, frights, and fun.

During Fall and Winter, when it gets dark in the early evening, the Center will host an Incandescent Candlelight concert series in the church with different themes each month, like the music of villains in October, classical movie themes in November, video game music in January, romantic in February, and Celtic in March.

Looking to next year, plans are underway for a 2026 World Cup exhibit that will feature details and history of soccer players from Frisco and North Texas, along with a special exhibit to mark the 250th birthday of the United States.

The Frisco Heritage Center is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is Free!

Details for specific events and ticket purchases can be found here. Plan your trip to uncover the history and culture of Frisco. Stay a while - check out Frisco's hotel offerings.