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Denison, TX 75020
Discover@denisontx.gov
903-465-4263
www.discoverdenison.com
Lake Texoma and Beyond: Outdoor Adventures in Denison, TX
Few spots in Texas cater to that recurring urge to “get away” more than Denison, which had the good sense to plant its flag right next to the glorious Lake Texoma. With 89,000 acres of open water, the lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and prime real estate for revitalizing the soul with a little time on the water.
But Denison is no one-trick-pony. Eisenhower State Park and the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site each have their own special way of celebrating Denison’s pastoral culture.
When you’re ready to leave the fluorescent lights and computer screens behind for some fresh air, we’ve put together some of the best outdoor adventures in Denison, TX. One weekend at these spots will have you returning home with not just a tan, but a sunny disposition to go along with it.
Lake Texoma: One of the Largest in the Country
If Texas had a greatest hits album, Lake Texoma would definitely be on the A-side. One of the largest reservoirs in the country, Texoma—as its name suggests—straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border where the Red River and Washita River converge, creating a body of water so vast, it feels less like a lake and more like a freshwater sea.
Of the many ways to use Lake Texoma, fishing has proven to be one of the most popular. While there are any many fish in the lake, it’s the striped bass that keep the anglers coming in from all over the world. Fishing is so good at Lake Texoma that a catfish was once caught that weighed over 120 pounds, which, for a little while, was a world record. Before visiting, you might want to fork over the extra cash for the big Yeti—you know, just in case.
Beyond fishing, Texoma delivers on just about every water sport you can think of: sailing, skiing, wakeboarding, pontoon cruising, kayaking, and the time-honored art of just floating around in a tube without a care in the world. Multiple marinas dot the shoreline, and boat rentals are easy to come by if you didn’t bring your own or lost it during the drive over. For the less aquatically inclined, the surrounding parks offer picnic areas, campgrounds, and enough shoreline to find a quiet spot—even on a crowded summer weekend.
Eisenhower State Park: Hike & Ike
Named for Denison’s most famous son—the likeable Ike himself—Eisenhower State Park sits on the southern shore of Lake Texoma and offers some of the best lakeside hiking in North Texas. Plus, after a day on the lake, a day at Eisenhower State Park lets you flip the perspective and see the beauty of the lake from an all-new angle.
The first thing you’ll notice is the unique geology. Limestone bluffs rise above the lake, and the park’s trail system—over four miles total—winds along them, giving you elevated views of Texoma that most visitors only see from a boat. Trails range from easy waterfront paths to more rugged terrain with elevation changes that reward you with stunning scenery. Mountain bikers have solid options here, too, and there are even OHV (off-highway vehicle) trails for ATVs and dirt bikes.
Humans aren’t the only ones that appreciate the beauty of the park. Keep one eye open for armadillos, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and even bald eagles. Armadillos and bald eagles? Eisenhower State Park truly is as Texan as it is presidential.
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site: The Best is History
After spending some exciting time on the lake and in the woods, you may want to have a wind-down day. In that case, the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is just what the five-star general ordered. Before he served a vital role in winning World War II and became the 34th President of the United States, Eisenhower started his life in a modest home in Denison, TX.
Today, the house still stands and serves as a reminder that our beginnings—no matter how humble—do not decide our fate. As you walk through the rooms where a five-star general and president took his first shaky steps, it puts the extraordinary trajectory of his life into perspective. Outside the home, there’s a small park with historical markers, a statue of Eisenhower, and well-kept grounds perfect for musing on the scope of history.
Although a quick visit for most, the experience will stick with you. As great as a day on the lake is, standing in a spot that played a massive role in the swing of history has no replacement.
If the Eisenhower site awakens your inner history buff, don’t worry—Denison’s already laid out breakfast. The Red River Railroad Museum digs into the city's roots as a railroad hub, the Perrin Air Force Base Museum honors the legacy of the former military installation, and Frontier Village offers a glimpse at life in North Texas during its earliest days. Any of the three pairs nicely with the birthplace for a full afternoon of Texas history.
An Outdoor Adventure for the History Books
Denison's one of those towns that rewards the curious. You come for Lake Texoma, then find yourself hiking limestone bluffs you didn't know existed, and suddenly you’re standing in the very spot where one of our most influential presidents said his first word. One thing leads to another—always the mark of a good trip.
Before you grab the sunscreen and fill the car with road trip snacks, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The first thing you need to do is book your room! Thankfully, Denison has a diverse range of brand hotels, quirky B&Bs, and even a 19th century manor!
About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he's reviewing upcoming films on his YouTube channel, Feature Underground.
