Chestnut Square Historic Village, McKinney, TX

Preserving Collin County's heritage is the mission of Chestnut Square Historic Village. There are six homes, a chapel, one room school house, and a store residing on two and a half acres of land near the downtown square of McKinney, Texas. Besides the aforementioned buildings guests can also find a smoke house, blacksmith shop, reception gardens and a chapel. The period shown in the buildings and other artifacts are from the mid 1800's through the early 1900's. Chestnut Square Historic Village is located at 315 S. Chestnut St, McKinney, TX 75069. The business office is in Dulaney House and there is a parking lot across Chestnut St or parking on the street.

The village offers many exciting events throughout the year such as the Living History Days which demonstrates how the people of Collin County went about living their daily lives. They have craft demonstrations, cooking in Dutch ovens, visitors get to see a blacksmith at work and take a ride in a stagecoach. They also have presented a vintage Fashion Show of clothing from the 1850's through today. Easter Egg Hunts, Civil War Re-enactments and Ghost Stories by the campfire are just a few examples of what takes place at Chestnut Square Historic Village.

There are facility rentals so that people can have weddings at the village or meetings. They provide tables, linens, chairs and guests can bring in flowers, food and entertainment. There is a Holiday Inn & Suites close to Chestnut Historic Village for any guests wishing to stay longer in McKinney.

In the summer the Chestnut Square Historic Village holds camps where the campers will see butter being churned, cooking in a Dutch oven, blacksmithing, weaving on a loom and sit by a campfire. The Chestnut Square Prairie Adventure Camp usually happened in June and July.

Visitors enjoy spending time in the 1918 Dixie's Store. This old building became part of Chestnut Square Historic Village in 1996. School children in McKinney have fond memories of this store as they grew up. Dixie's had a policy of giving soft drinks or candy to children that showed them a straight "A'' report card. She also had a way of handling children that didn't act properly in her establishment. A paddle was used if children were acting up; she also put their names on the paddle that sat in the store. The store is filled with memories of a simpler life and provides a great shopping experience.

Dixie's Store is open during normal public tour times, Living History Days and the days when the Farmer's Market is there. The store features hand crafted items, toys that are reminiscent of long ago days, photos and local history books. The Farmer's Market is every Saturday from April through October. At this time they have cold drinks available like Dublin Dr. Pepper, Coca Cola and Root Beer. The Wal-Mart Stores of McKinney are sponsors for Dixie's Store. Visitors to Chestnut Square Historic Village will find plenty of activities to enjoy for the entire family.