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5 Places to Urban Explore in Dallas in 2024
This guide highlights five hidden gems where you can explore unique and lesser-known spots in Dallas, TX.
December 19, 2024
Downtown Dallas at Night. Photo by Nate Hovee c/o Pexels
5 Places to Urban Explore in Dallas in 2024
Dallas is a city full of surprises, with opportunities for urban exploration that allow you to dive into its hidden corners without the risks of trespassing or unsafe adventures. Whether you're drawn to the mystery of Dallas' underground tunnels, structures that lost their battles with nature, or the intrigue of unusual public art, Dallas has something for every explorer.
This guide highlights five safe and legal spots where you can satisfy your curiosity and discover the lesser-known gems of a Dallas urban exploration in 2024.
1. The Underground Tunnel and Sky Bridge System
Downtown Dallas, TX 75270 • visitdallas.com/directory/underground-tunnel-and-sky-bridge-system/
Let's ease a bit into our Dallas UrbEx adventures.
Right below the streets of downtown Dallas lies a sprawling labyrinth known as the Dallas Pedestrian Network. This extensive system of underground tunnels and sky bridges spans an impressive three miles, connecting some of the city’s most prominent skyscrapers, buzzing businesses, and residential buildings.
Originally conceived by urban planner Vincent Ponte in 1969, the network was intended to help residents and visitors navigate downtown without having to endure the extreme Texas weather. While Ponte’s vision was initially embraced throughout the 1970s and 80s, the tunnels were later criticized for diverting foot traffic away from street-level businesses, supposedly contributing to an economic downturn in the area. Despite this, the tunnels remain an intriguing part of Dallas preservation and its urban landscape, offering a unique way to explore the city.
What to Expect: The tunnels offer a fascinating journey through a lesser-known part of Dallas. As you wander through the network, you’ll find air-conditioned passages lined with local art, small businesses, and even subterranean food courts. However, the tunnels are not as accessible as they once were. Due to building closures and new developments, parts of the network have been shut off, and some sections are now privately owned, requiring special access. Additionally, the tunnels are only open during the busy downtown workweek, as they are closed on nights and weekends.
Safety and Access: The most easily accessible entrances to the tunnel system can be found at Thanks-Giving Square, Renaissance Tower, One Main Place, and Bank of America Plaza. These entrances can be somewhat elusive, often located via elevators to parking garages or stairways that descend below street level. A map of the Dallas Pedestrian Network is recommended for first-time explorers to navigate the accessible sections of the tunnels.
2. Uptown Underground
6757-6751 Shady Brook Ln, Dallas, TX 75231
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, the Uptown Underground offers a more rugged tunnel experience. This 15-foot RCP (Reinforced Concrete Pipe) runs under the North Park area of Uptown Dallas, featuring a tall junction room with a ladder that ascends to another drain about 20 feet above the main tunnel. The system is extensive and can take a couple of hours to fully explore.
What to Expect: The floors here can be slippery, so watch your step as you navigate through this large system. The underground network is dark, and while it certainly doesn't offer the commercial conveniences of the Downtown tunnels, it’s perfect for those looking for a more raw urban exploration experience.
Safety and Access: Be aware of potential hazards like flooding and water, especially after heavy rains.
Recommended Equipment: A strong flashlight is essential for this journey, and wearing sturdy footwear like rubber boots will help you manage the slippery surfaces.
3. The Giant Eyeball
1530 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201 • (214) 748-1300 • thejouledallas.com/the-hotel/art-preservation/the-eye
Dallas is home to some truly unique art installations, and The Giant Eyeball is one that shouldn’t be missed. This 30-foot-tall sculpture by artist Tony Tasset is an eye-catching (pun intended... sorry, you could probably see that one coming from a mile away...) piece of public art that has become a local landmark. Originally commissioned as part of Chicago’s Art Loop program, it now resides in Dallas, echoing themes of surveillance, knowledge, and the shared human experience.
What to Expect: The sculpture is located on the private property of the Joule Hotel, so while you can’t get up close, it’s easily visible from the surrounding area. The detailed construction of the eyeball makes it a fascinating subject for photography, especially given its scale and the surreal nature of the piece.
Safety and Access: The Giant Eyeball is best viewed from a distance, as it’s fenced off with 24-hour security, including cameras and locked gates. Respect the boundaries, and enjoy this bizarre yet intriguing sculpture from afar.
4. Kidd Springs Underground Creek
6000 Cedar Hill Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
For a more natural urban exploration experience, head to Kidd Springs Underground Creek. This creek, located just north of the Kidd Springs spillway, offers an intriguing underground journey. The creek merges with a tributary that leads to a hidden drain, creating a quiet, secluded area perfect for exploration.
What to Expect: The entrance to the drain is carved into the bedrock, and as you follow the creek, you’ll encounter varying water depths, with some areas reaching up to a couple of feet. The drain transitions from a natural, rocky area to a more modern, rectangular tube, making it a diverse exploration site. The sound of running water and the rough, uneven floor add to the immersive experience.
Safety and Access: This area is not for the faint-hearted — be prepared for slippery surfaces, flooding risks, and a generally rugged environment. The underground creek is safe to explore if you’re cautious, but it’s advisable to visit with proper equipment.
Recommended Equipment: A reliable flashlight, rubber boots, and possibly a camera to capture the unique underground scenery. Avoid exploring alone, and always let someone know where you’re going.
5. Abandoned Trestle & House
Chalk Hill Road and Davis Street Dallas, TX 75212
Tucked away just west of Cockrell Hill, this abandoned trestle and the remnants of a once-inhabited house offer a glimpse into Dallas' past, now overtaken by nature. The site, which includes a concrete trestle and the overgrown semi-remains of a house, feels like a forgotten chapter of the city, surrounded by new developments that starkly contrast its decaying structures.
What to Expect: Part of the Chalk Hill Trail, the property is a mix of wood and brick, with signs of extensive landscaping that has since fallen into disrepair. Steps made from railroad ties and non-native plants hint at the care once taken to shape this land, but now it's overgrown and wild. The house itself was demolished in late 2020, leaving only the trestle as a nod to the past. The concrete structure stands about 14 feet wide and rises 20 to 25 feet tall, stretching between 100 to 150 feet in length. The tracks it once supported are long gone, and the trestle is severed in several places, making access challenging and the site mostly hidden from view.
Safety and Access: This area is not easy to navigate, with overgrown vegetation, potential wildlife encounters, and typical hazards of abandoned sites, such as spiders and poison oak. The trestle remains in place, but with no easy way to traverse it, the site is best approached with extreme caution. As with many Dallas urban exploration locations, the potential presence of transients in the area also adds an elevated risk of exploring the area.
Recommended Equipment: If you choose to explore this site, come prepared with a flashlight to navigate the darker, enclosed areas and long pants and sleeves to protect against the overgrown vegetation and possible encounters with spiders and poison oak. This site in particular is more for those who are seasoned in urban exploration and who understand the risks of exploring semi-rural, abandoned locations. And always remember, UrbEx guidelines say to leave things as they are and don’t take anything that could be viewed as burglary. Basically, enjoy your journey, but be responsible!
Bonus: DFW Urban Explorers Meetup
For those who want to put their urban exploration journey into the capable hands of others, consider joining a DFW Urban Explorers Meetup. This group is dedicated to exploring Dallas-Fort Worth’s urban spaces and natural environments in a safe, legal, and guided manner. Whether you’re new to UrbEx or a seasoned explorer, the group offers tours and events that cater to all levels of experience.
What to Expect: Meetups can include guided tours of well-known locations like the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Kimbell Art Museum, and The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Safety and Access: All tours and explorations are planned with safety in mind, ensuring that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience. The group fosters a sense of community among urban explorers, making it a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Check the Meetup group regularly for upcoming events, and be sure to RSVP early as spots can fill up quickly.
Exploring Dallas and The Real Unreal
As you wrap up your urban exploration adventure in Dallas, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most immersive and artistic experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal. This fantastical installation offers a completely different kind of exploration. Step into an alternate reality where art, storytelling, and imagination merge to create a world unlike any other. Just like the urban sites mentioned in this guide, The Real Unreal invites you to dive deep into the unknown, discovering hidden layers of creativity and wonder.
What to Know About The Real Unreal: Meow Wolf, near Dallas, is a journey through the multiverse, filled with interactive elements and mind-bending installations that challenge your perception of reality. Whether you’re a seasoned urban explorer or new to the world of immersive art, The Real Unreal is a must-visit destination that perfectly complements your exploration of Dallas’ hidden urban spaces. As you navigate through its surreal environments, you’ll find that this experience is as thrilling and unexpected as any of the city’s underground tunnels or abandoned sites.
So, grab your flashlight, lace up your boots, and after uncovering the urban mysteries of Dallas, make sure to dive into the creative depths of Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal. It’s the perfect way to cap off your exploration journey, offering a blend of art, adventure, and the unknown that will leave you wanting more.
