Gun Barrel City FAQ

Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County in East Texas, on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, roughly 55 miles southeast of Dallas. It sits along State Highway 198 and State Highway 334, about 15 miles from the county seat of Athens and near Mabank, Seven Points, and Tool. See the full breakdown on our location Q&A or the maps page.

Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County, Texas, part of the East Texas region south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Henderson County seat is Athens, located about 15 miles away. The city lies on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, a reservoir shared by several small lake communities.

Gun Barrel City is roughly 55 miles southeast of Dallas, typically a drive of about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. That proximity is a big part of the appeal: it is close enough for a Dallas weekend trip or commute, yet far enough to feel like a quiet lake town. For turn-by-turn help, see our directions page.

Gun Barrel City sits on Cedar Creek Lake, a large East Texas reservoir often described as one of the biggest lakes in the state, with more than 220 miles of shoreline. It was formed by damming Cedar Creek and completed in the mid-1960s. The lake drives the local economy, recreation, and waterfront real estate.

From Dallas, most drivers head southeast toward the Cedar Creek Lake area via US-175 through Kaufman and Mabank, then follow State Highway 198 or State Highway 334 into Gun Barrel City. The trip covers about 55 miles and takes roughly an hour. State Highway 334 becomes the main retail strip once you reach town. Planning a trip? Start with our visitor guide.

The name comes from Gun Barrel Lane, now State Highway 198, a stretch of road that locals said ran straight as a gun barrel for about two miles between two highways. The town leaned into the colorful image, adopting the slogan "We Shoot Straight With You" and an emblem featuring a rifle with two crossed antique pistols. Read the full origin of the name.

Gun Barrel City was incorporated on May 26, 1969, growing out of the earlier Old Bethel Community. A commonly cited reason for incorporation was to be able to legally sell beer and wine. In 2000 to 2001 the town drew national attention when teenager Randal Tye Thomas became its mayor.

Gun Barrel City's slogan is "We Shoot Straight With You." It plays on the town's memorable name, which traces back to Gun Barrel Lane. The city's official emblem features a rifle flanked by two crossed antique pistols. An earlier mascot was the cartoon character Yosemite Sam, which was later replaced.

Gun Barrel City is best known for its unforgettable name, its location on Cedar Creek Lake, and its role as the retail and commercial hub for the surrounding lake area. It is also a Texas Certified Retirement Community, popular with retirees for the mild climate, lake recreation, low cost of living, and lack of a city property tax. See our full page on what the city is known for.

Many residents consider Gun Barrel City a good place to live for its lake lifestyle, low cost of living, no city property tax, and status as a Certified Retirement Community about 55 miles from Dallas. The trade-offs are those of a small lake town: fewer big-city amenities, seasonal summer crowds, and a longer commute to major employers. We weigh the pros and cons in detail on is it a good place to live?

Gun Barrel City is a small East Texas lake town with its own police department serving the community. As with any place, safety varies by neighborhood and time of year, and the population swells in summer. For the most accurate, current picture, consult official sources such as the Gun Barrel City Police Department and published FBI or state crime data rather than informal estimates. Read our balanced take on safety in Gun Barrel City.

Gun Barrel City had 6,190 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census, up from 5,672 in 2010. During boating season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the population swells to more than 10,000 as visitors and second-home owners arrive. The median age is about 43.8, reflecting the city's appeal to retirees. See more key facts and figures.

The primary ZIP code for Gun Barrel City, Texas, is 75156. You will see it on local addresses along State Highway 334, such as the Walmart Supercenter at 1200 W Main Street. Neighboring communities around Cedar Creek Lake, including Mabank and Seven Points, use nearby ZIP codes.

No, Gun Barrel City does not levy a city property tax, which is one of the main financial draws for homeowners and retirees. The city funds economic development through a quarter-cent sales tax rather than a municipal property tax. Property owners still pay county, school district, and other applicable taxes, so check with local officials for your full tax picture. Learn more about the city government and EDC.

Gun Barrel City is served by Mabank Independent School District, which operates three elementary schools, an intermediate school, a junior high, and Mabank High School. Families relocating to the area should contact Mabank ISD directly for enrollment, attendance zones, and current campus information.

Most things to do in Gun Barrel City revolve around Cedar Creek Lake: boating, water sports, and fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. Beyond the water you will find lakeside dining, a local movie theater, shopping along State Highway 334, city parks, and community events throughout the year.

Yes. Hometown Cinemas in Gun Barrel City is the local movie theater, located at 215 Heritage Parkway, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. Because showtimes and now-playing titles change daily, check the theater's official site at hometowncinemas.com for the current schedule and tickets.

Cedar Creek Lake is a popular East Texas fishery, and anglers commonly target largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. With more than 220 miles of shoreline, marinas, and public boat ramps, the lake supports everything from tournament bass fishing to casual family outings. Spring and fall are especially productive.

Gun Barrel City is the retail hub for the Cedar Creek Lake area, and most shopping is concentrated along State Highway 334 (West Main Street). Anchors include a Walmart Supercenter at 1200 W Main Street, along with national retailers, grocery, auto-parts, and home-improvement stores. The city maintains an official shopping directory at gunbarrelcity.gov.

Yes. UT Health East Texas operates a freestanding Cedar Creek Lake Emergency Room serving the Gun Barrel City area. For non-emergencies, urgent and walk-in care is available locally, and full hospitals are located in surrounding towns such as Athens. Always call 911 for a true emergency, and confirm current hours and addresses with the provider.

Healthcare providers, hours, and locations change. Confirm the current emergency room and urgent-care details directly with the provider before you rely on them.

Gun Barrel City has a humid subtropical climate typical of East Texas: hot, humid summers, mild winters, and a spring-to-early-summer severe-weather season with thunderstorms and tornado awareness. Peak visitor season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, when lake recreation is busiest. For a live forecast, check the National Weather Service at weather.gov.

The most popular time to visit Gun Barrel City is late spring through summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when the lake is warm and boating season is in full swing. Spring and fall offer milder weather, good fishing, and smaller crowds, making them ideal for a quieter lake getaway or house-hunting trip.