Travel
Texas Tulips Pilot Point 2026: Guide, Prices & Best Time

Imagine: You’re wandering through rows of bright red, pink, yellow, and purple tulips that stretch as far as you can see, snipping a few for your kitchen table, and the air smells fresh and sweet. That’s exactly what happens every spring at Texas-Tulips, the big pick-your-own tulip farm everyone searches for as “Texas tulips Denton.” It’s actually in Pilot Point, about 15-20 minutes north of Denton, but it’s the closest and best one around DFW. I’ve been digging into everything for the upcoming 2026 season, so you don’t show up disappointed like some folks do when the blooms are sparse or the ground is a mud pit.
Here Are the Big Things to Know Up Front
- Texas-Tulips is reopening spring 2026 – it’s the original and biggest U-pick tulip spot in Texas with over 6 acres and 100+ varieties.
- Peak color usually hits the second or third week of March – that’s when the fields look like a rainbow exploded.
- Expect to pay about $7 to get in (based on 2025 prices) plus $3 per stem you pick – it adds up quickly for a big bouquet.
- Go on a weekday morning if you hate lines and mud; weekends get packed.
- Pair it with a stop at Ray Roberts Lake or Denton Square for a full, easy day trip from Dallas or Fort Worth.
What are Texas Tulips? A Little Dutch Magic in North Texas
Pieter and Petra Koeman moved here from the Netherlands years ago and started growing tulips the Dutch way – but with a Texas twist. They chill the bulbs ahead of time so they bloom even in our warm winters. The farm kicked off public picking in 2015, and now it’s the go-to spot for anyone wanting that Holland vibe without the flight.
You’ll find it at 10656 FM 2931 in Pilot Point, right in Denton County. People type “Texas tulips Denton” because Discover Denton and all the local sites promote it that way – it’s basically Denton’s backyard tulip field. No other big tulip farm sits right in Denton city limits; this is the one everyone means.
When Does the 2026 Season Start? Bloom Updates You Need
No exact opening date yet – the farm says “spring 2026,” but from every past year, expect mid-to-late February. They wait until the first rows pop so you actually have flowers to pick.
The whole season lasts just 4-6 weeks because the Texas heat shows up fast. In 2025, unusual warmth made things wrap up earlier than normal, so the owners learned to watch the weather even closely. Early varieties bloom first, then mid-season ones take over, and late bloomers keep color going toward the end.
Your best move? Follow Texas-Tulips on Instagram or Facebook. They post almost daily photos once things get close. That’s how you’ll know if it’s “wow” fields or “meh, come back next week.”
How Much Do Texas Tulips Cost in 2026? Latest Pricing Breakdown
Prices crept up a bit recently, and here’s what they charged in 2025 (expect the same or super close for 2026):
- Entry: $7 per person (kids under 12 months free)
- Each tulip stem: around $3 (some sources say $2.50-$3 – pay at the end)
- Veterans weekday deal: $10 gets you in plus 3 free tulips
- Seniors weekday deal: similar $10 entry with a few free stems
- Pro photographers: $25 day pass
You don’t buy tickets ahead – just show up, pay at the gate, grab a basket, and pay for whatever you pick on the way out. They wrap everything in pretty paper and add gel to the stems so your flowers last the ride home.
Real talk: A family of four can easily drop $50-100 if everyone picks 10-20 stems. Set a budget before you go in, or you’ll walk out with an armful!
The Best Time to Visit Texas Tulips in 2026
Hands down, the sweet spot is the second or third week of March on a weekday. That’s when most varieties are tall, full, and colorful – think postcard-perfect rows.
Weekdays mean shorter lines and more parking. Weekends? Expect traffic backups and a sea of people. If you can only do Saturday or Sunday, get there right at 10 AM when they open.
Mornings also give softer light for photos and cooler temps so the flowers look fresher. And always check the bloom report the night before – nothing worse than driving an hour for half-empty fields.
10 Easy Tips to Skip the Crowds and Stay Out of the Mud
Texas dirt + a little rain = instant swamp. Trust me, I’ve seen cute sneakers ruined. Here’s how to have a great time:
- Wear closed-toe boots or old shoes you don’t love – fields turn muddy fast.
- Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller – big wheels help, but carriers are easier.
- Pack water and sunscreen – no outside food allowed in the fields, but you can snack in the parking area.
- Pick your tulips last so they stay fresh longer.
- Go early in the week and early in the day for the fewest people.
- Check the weather and bloom pics the night before.
- Bring cash and card – lines move faster.
- Set a stem limit with kids so the bill doesn’t shock you.
- Take photos from the dirt paths – stepping on flowers makes everyone grumpy.
- If it’s super muddy, consider skipping or embracing it with rain boots.
What Actually Happens When You Visit? The Picking Experience
You pay entry, grab a basket (or bring your own bucket), and walk the rows. Pinch the stem low and pull straight up – the bulb stays in the ground for next year.
When you’re done, head to the wrapping stations. The staff trims, adds preserving gel, and wraps your bouquet like a gift. Super simple, and the flowers usually last 7-10 days at home.
A few rules keep it nice for everyone: no pets (even in the car – it’s for flower safety), no outside food or picnics in the fields, no running or stepping on plants. The ground is uneven, so it’s not the easiest for wheelchairs or anyone unsteady – go on a dry day if mobility is a concern. Kids love the open space and little hay play area, but keep an eye on them so they don’t trample rows.
Texas Tulips vs Other Tulip Spots Around Texas
Wondering if you should drive somewhere else? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Texas-Tulips (Pilot Point): Biggest fields, most varieties, closest to DFW metro. Best for pure tulip picking and photos.
- Tulipalooza in Waxahachie: Smaller, charity-run, often has food trucks and extras. Similar price per stem.
- Robinson Family Farm (near Temple): Combines tulips with farm animals and play areas – more kid activities.
- Wildseed Farms (Fredericksburg): Gorgeous wildflowers, too, but a farther drive and a different vibe.
For most North Texas families, Pilot Point wins hands down – you’re in and out in a couple of hours with a car full of flowers.
Make Texas Tulips a Full-Day Trip from Denton or Dallas
Don’t just do the tulips and leave – string together a perfect spring day:
- Start at Texas-Tulips first thing (2-3 hours).
- Grab lunch in cute downtown Pilot Point or head to Aubrey for barbecue.
- Afternoon at Ray Roberts Lake State Park (hiking, fishing, playgrounds – only 10 minutes away).
- Or swing through Denton Square for ice cream and shops.
- Total drive from central Dallas: about an hour each way.
Bluebonnets usually pop around the same time, so scout roadsides on the drive for bonus photos.
Want Texas Tulips in Your Own Yard? Bulb Buying Tips
The farm sells pre-chilled bulbs online year-round. Order in summer/fall, plant in December-January, and you’ll have your own mini field. They even give Texas-specific planting instructions because our winters are mild.
Are Texas Tulips Worth the Trip in 2026? My Honest Take
Yes – if you time it right. When the fields are full, it’s pure magic and one of those “only in spring” memories. Families, couples, and photographers all rave about it.
The downsides are real, though: mud, crowds on weekends, bloom uncertainty, and the price adds up. If you’re on a tight budget or hate lines, maybe wait for bluebonnet photos instead.
For most people? Totally worth marking your calendar. Follow their socials now so you’re first in line when they announce the 2026 opening. Grab your boots, pick a weekday, and go make some colorful memories!
FAQs about Texas Tulips Denton
When does Texas Tulips open in 2026? Mid-to-late February 2026 (weather-dependent). Season runs 4-6 weeks. Watch texas-tulips.com or Instagram for the exact date.
How much does Texas Tulips cost in 2026? $7 adult entry (2025 price, likely same). About $3 per stem. Weekday veteran/senior deals around $10, including a few free tulips.
Where exactly is Texas Tulips located? 10656 FM 2931, Pilot Point, TX 76258 – just 15-20 minutes north of Denton.
What is the best time to visit Texas Tulips? Mid-March on a weekday, right at 10 AM opening. Check bloom photos first for peak color.
Are dogs allowed at Texas Tulips? No pets at all, even leashed in the parking lot – Texas Tulips protects the flowers.
Is Texas Tulips wheelchair or stroller friendly? Only on dry days. Paths are dirt/grass and get very muddy – all-terrain strollers or carriers work better.
