From massive top sirloin steaks to monster-sized pickup trucks, everything is bigger in Texas.
The state takes pride in doing things on a grand scale. The residents’ collective larger-than-life attitude is reflected in their love for wide-open spaces and their enthusiasm for making every experience as memorable as possible.
Let’s take a look at the state where bigger truly means better.
High School Football Stadiums
Texas high school football stadiums are colossal, often rivaling those of colleges in other states. Allen Eagle Stadium, for instance, costs $60 million and seats 18,000 fans, reflecting the serious passion Texans have for high school football. This scale of investment in a high school sport is largely unique to the Lone Star State.
State Capitol Building
The Texas State Capitol in Austin is not only a grand architectural feat but also one of the largest capitol buildings in the United States. It stands taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., by about 14 feet.
Ranches
Texas is home to some of the largest ranches in the world, including the King Ranch, which spans 825,000 acres—larger than the state of Rhode Island. These massive properties reflect Texas’ deep-rooted history in cattle ranching and agricultural prowess.
Buc-ee’s Travel Centers
Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center chain, boasts the largest convenience store in the world at its New Braunfels location, covering 66,000 square feet. These travel centers are famous for clean bathrooms, a wide variety of merchandise, and plenty of fueling positions.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are not just popular in Texas—they’re a part of the culture, and they’re often seen in larger, more powerful models than anywhere else in the country. It’s common to see customized trucks with enhanced features that make them bigger and bolder.
Highways
Texas boasts some of the widest highways in the world, with the Katy Freeway in Houston at one point featuring 26 lanes across. This extensive network facilitates the transport of goods and people across this vast state efficiently.
Barbecue Portions
Barbecue in Texas is more than just a culinary style; it’s a feast, often served in portions that dwarf those found elsewhere. Restaurants pride themselves on massive cuts of meat like brisket and ribs, smoked to perfection.
State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas, held annually in Dallas, is the largest state fair in the United States by annual attendance. It’s famous for the iconic Big Tex statue and the Texas Star Ferris wheel, the largest in North America.
Fortune 500 Companies
Texas is a powerhouse in the business world, hosting more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state except New York. Companies like ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Dell are based here, benefiting from the state’s favorable business climate and large market.
Bat Colonies
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin shelters the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every summer evening, spectators gather to watch as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk.
Wind Farms
Texas leads the U.S. in wind energy production, with some of the world’s largest wind farms. The Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, for example, covers about 47,000 acres. This commitment to large-scale renewable energy projects reflects Texas’ role as a leader in the national energy sector.
Music Festivals
Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” hosts South by Southwest (SXSW), which celebrates the largest convergence of music, film, tech, education, and culture globally. This event draws artists, creatives, and corporate giants from all over the world.
Cattle Population
Texas has the largest cattle population in the United States, with numbers exceeding 12 million. This vast number of cattle is a throwback to the state’s historical association with cattle ranching, which has shaped its cultural and economic landscape. The cattle industry is a big part of what makes Texas a giant in agricultural production.
Shopping Malls
The Galleria in Houston is Texas’ largest shopping mall and one of the nation’s top retail spaces, featuring over 400 stores and restaurants. It’s an example of the state’s love for large-scale retail environments, blending shopping with entertainment.
Church Attendance
Texas is known for its large and vibrant church communities, with some of the biggest megachurches in the country based here. Lakewood Church in Houston, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, has a congregation that can exceed 40,000 people in a single weekend. The scale of church attendance highlights the strong role of faith and community in Texan culture.
Art Installations
Cadillac Ranch, located in Amarillo, features ten Cadillac cars buried nose-first into the ground, and it’s one of the most iconic art installations in the state. This quirky, large-scale public art piece reflects Texas’ affinity for bold and distinctive cultural expressions.
Skyline Heights
The skylines of Dallas and Houston are among the most impressive in the country, with numerous high-rise buildings that shape the state’s visual identity. These cities continue to expand upwards, reflecting ongoing economic growth and urban development.
Rodeos
Texas is synonymous with rodeo culture, hosting some of the largest events in the world, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. These events are not only significant to the state’s cultural heritage but also draw millions of visitors annually. The grand scale of Texas rodeos showcases the state’s deep connection to its cowboy roots.
Watermelon Production
Texas is one of the top watermelon-producing states in the U.S., with the town of Luling hosting an annual Watermelon Thump, celebrating the fruit with contests that include seed spitting and the crowning of a Watermelon Queen.
Breakfast Tacos
The breakfast taco typically comes loaded with a variety of hearty fillings, from bacon and eggs to chorizo and potatoes. Larger and more stuffed than their counterparts elsewhere, these tacos offer a filling start to the day. This Texan twist on a Mexican classic is an example of how everything, even tacos, is bigger in Texas.
Donation and Charity Events
Texas is known for its culture of generosity, hosting some of the largest charity events in the nation. These events often raise millions of dollars and involve thousands of participants, from gala balls to charity runs.
Graduation Ceremonies
In Texas, high school and college graduations are often elaborate affairs, held in large venues like stadiums and convention centers to accommodate huge numbers of guests. The grandeur of Texan graduations is a celebration of achievement and community pride.
Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine, a regional culinary style that combines Texas and Mexican flavors, is characterized by its bold, hearty portions. Dishes like nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas are often served in generous amounts that dwarf their traditional Mexican counterparts.
