I still remember the first time I pulled off FM 2931 and saw those rows of red, yellow, and purple stretching clear to the horizon. My kids bolted from the car before I even had it in park, yelling about which color they’d pick first. That’s Texas Tulips for you—just a half-hour north of Denton, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a different world come spring.
Key Takeaways
- Texas Tulips in Pilot Point covers 12 acres with over a million flowers, run by a Dutch couple who know their stuff.
- Entry’s $7, kids under 12 free, and you pay $2.50 a stem—plan on $25 for a solid handful.
- Come early in the season, mid-week if you can, to dodge lines and mud.
- It’s bigger and more varied than Lucile’s down in Glen Rose, but both are worth a look.
- They replant every bulb, so the fields stay healthy year after year.
Farm Overview
Pieter and Petra Koeman left the Netherlands with a truckload of bulbs and a dream. They picked Pilot Point because the soil drains right and the winters are just cold enough. Started small in 2015; now it’s the biggest tulip patch in Texas.
Walk in and you smell damp earth and fresh-cut stems. The rows are straight as fence lines, colors blocked out like a painter’s palette. My neighbor swears she saw a lady cry happy tears in the middle of the white section last year—happens more than you’d think.
History and Dutch Roots
The Koemans grew up riding bikes between tulip fields back home. When they moved here, they tested dozens of varieties to see what could handle the Texas heat. Took a few seasons, but now they’ve got over 100 kinds that pop open right on cue. Every fall, they plant half a million bulbs by hand. By 2026, that number jumps to match the bigger fields. That’s a lot of kneeling in the dirt, but the payoff is worth it.
Location Near Denton
Address is 10656 FM 2931, Pilot Point. From Denton, take I-35E north, hang a right at the Exxon, and you’re there in 30 minutes if the cows aren’t crossing. GPS works fine; just don’t trust it if it tries to send you down a gravel road that turns to soup after rain.
2026 Season Details
Flowers don’t read calendars, but the Koemans have a good feel for it. Count on late February to early April—five or six weeks total. Check their Facebook the night before; they’ll post if a cold snap pushes things back.
Opening Dates and Hours
Gates open 10 a.m. most days, close around 6 or 7, depending on daylight. Weekdays are quiet; weekends feel like the county fair. In 2025, they ran from March 1 to April 6, so circle those dates and adjust for weather.
Tulip Varieties Available
You’ll see classics—reds, yellows, whites—plus fringed ones that look like they’re wearing lace. Early bloomers hit first; late ones keep the color going. Grab a mix if you want them to last a week on your kitchen table.
Planning Your Visit
Treat it like a picnic with extra steps. Tickets at the gate or online if they offer them. Cash works, cards too. Parking’s free but fills fast—carpool if you can.
Fees and Tickets
Seven bucks gets you in, kids free. Stems are $2.50 each; they give you a rubber band and a bucket. Ten stems make a respectable bouquet. No refunds if you show up the last week and a half the field’s picked over.
Directions from Denton
I-35E north, exit 471, left on FM 2931. Watch for the big yellow sign. If you hit the feed store, you’ve gone too far. Allow 45 minutes from downtown Denton on a Saturday.
Visitor Tips and Experiences
Wear shoes you don’t mind hosing off. Fields turn to peanut butter after rain. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is scarce.
Best Times to Avoid Crowds
Tuesday morning at 10:15 is golden. Weekends after noon? Bring patience. Five quick rules:
- Weekdays only
- First two weeks of the season
- Arrive at opening
- Skip Easter weekend
- Check their Instagram stories for line photos
What to Wear and Bring
Old sneakers, jeans, long sleeves if it’s breezy. Pack snacks—picnic tables are first-come. No dogs except service animals; the rules are posted big as day.
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise or the hour before close gives the softest light. Kneel in the dirt for low shots; the rows line up perfectly. Phone cameras do fine—no need for fancy gear unless you’re selling prints.
Accessibility and Sustainability
The ground’s uneven—think pasture, not sidewalk. Wheelchairs can manage the main paths if it’s dry; call ahead if you need specifics. Strollers work but get muddy fast.
Options for All Visitors
Kids run wild, seniors take it slow. No real shade, so hats and water bottles are musts. The farm’s adding gravel paths each year, but it’s still a working field.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Every bulb gets lifted, sorted, and replanted. They rotate sections so the soil stays rich. No chemicals—just compost and elbow grease. Means the colors stay bright without hurting the land.
Comparisons to Other Farms
Lucile’s in Glen Rose is cute, five acres, mixes tulips with sunflowers. Drive’s longer from Denton, but worth it if you’re headed south. Texas Tulips wins on sheer size and variety.
Wildflower roadsides are free and pretty, but you can’t pick. Here you walk out with armloads. Different vibes—choose based on what you want to carry home.
Nearby Attractions in Denton
Hit the farm, then swing by Denton Square for barbecue and iced tea. Ray Roberts Lake is 15 minutes away if the kids still have energy. Pilot Point has a couple of diners—try the chicken-fried steak. Hotels in Denton fill up fast in March; book early.
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing vibrant colors, making family memories, or simply enjoying the North Texas spring, Texas Tulips near Denton delivers an unforgettable experience. With over a million flowers, easy U-pick access, and a touch of Dutch charm, it’s the perfect spot for photos, picnics, and moments that linger long after the petals fall. Grab a bucket, wear comfy shoes, and let the tulip adventure begin!
FAQs
- When does Texas Tulips open in 2026? Late February to early April, weather depending. Check their page the week before.
- How far is Texas Tulips from Denton? 30–45 minutes north on I-35E. Easy drive, watch for deer.
- Can you pick tulips at Texas Tulips? Yes—$2.50 a stem. They hand you cutters and a bucket.
- What to wear to the Texas Tulips fields? Boots or old sneakers, clothes you can get dirty.
- Are pets allowed at Texas Tulips? No, except service dogs.
- Is Texas Tulips wheelchair accessible? Main paths, yes; side rows, no—call first.
Grab the family, pick a Tuesday, and go make a memory. Those tulips won’t wait.
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