Allen Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Allen

Allen is a suburban city in Collin County, Texas, situated roughly 20 miles north of downtown Dallas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. Occupying a total area of nearly 26.5 square miles—almost entirely composed of land—the city features a humid subtropical climate defined by long, hot summers and cool winters.

The region was historically inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Caddo and Comanche, prior to the arrival of European and American settlers in the early 1840s. Formally established in 1872 by the Houston and Texas Central Railway, the community was named after Ebenezer Allen, a railroad promoter and state politician. The expansion of the railway shifted the local economy from cattle to crop agriculture by facilitating faster trade across the nation. Notable historical events include Texas's first train robbery in 1878, committed by Sam Bass and his gang, as well as decades of service along an interurban transit line before Allen officially incorporated in 1953.

Commercial destinations and events serve as major local features. Allen houses three primary shopping developments: Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, and The Village at Allen. Visitors and residents also utilize the 79,000-square-foot Watters Creek Convention Center and the Credit Union of Texas Event Center, a 7,500-seat multi-purpose arena hosting professional ice hockey, arena soccer, and indoor football teams. Each year on the final Saturday of June, the city hosts the Allen USA Celebration. Drawing around 100,000 visitors, this large festival includes live music concerts, food vendors, sports activities, a car show, bounce houses, and an extensive fireworks display.

Recreational amenities in Allen encompass 60 natural and man-made parks spanning over 1,188 acres, including prominent sites like Celebration Park, Bethany Lakes Park, and Allen Station Park. Active recreational spaces include The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center—a 37,915-square-foot outdoor venue that ranks among the largest skate parks in Texas. Additional public recreation facilities include the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium with its indoor aquatic park and climbing wall, the Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center, the Joe Farmer Recreation Center, an ice rink, Ford Pool, and the municipal golf facilities at The Courses at Watters Creek.

Travel to and around Allen relies on personal vehicular transportation, as the municipality is not served by public transit systems. U.S. Highway 75 runs directly north-south through the city center, while the Sam Rayburn Tollway extends along its western border. For aviation connections, both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport are located approximately 30 miles to the southwest.