Discover Denison’s History

Known as the gateway city, Denison was founded in 1872 in conjunction with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and was the entry point of the first non-Texas-based railroad.

The historic Katy Depot still stands today and can be reserved for private events and weddings. You can also visit the Red River Railroad Museum at 124 W. Main St.

 

Denison is the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was the only one of David and Ida Eisenhower’s seven children born in Texas. David brought his wife and their two young sons Arthur and Edgar from Hope, Kansas in 1889 to pursue a new life in Texas working on the railroad. His home has been restored and is open to the public for tours.

The Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum  has so much history to be discovered.

 It tells the story of Perrin Army Airfield and the Perrin Air Force Base when it was an active military installation from 1941 through 1971, along with showcasing displays that cover all branches of the U.S. military service.

Arts & Culture

Discover downtown Denison, three-time Great American Main Street semi-finalist, naming Denison in the top eight Main Streets in the country!

Denison is home to hundreds of public art pieces including murals, sculptures, painted dumpsters, and more. Visitors will be able to explore the city’s vibrant art scene and take part in interactive activities hosted by local artists. Enjoy eclectic public art, boutique and antique shopping, wineries, breweries, and one-of-a-kind restaurants as you enjoy the historic architecture and home-town feel.

Be sure to take a stroll down Main Street where you will find antique shops, boutiques, breweries, wineries and restaurants. Peruse the public art displays, galleries and studios and even create a masterpiece of your own to take with you. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Denison’s art culture!

Events

The Denison Arts Council is proud to host the first-ever North Texas Arts Festival Event on Saturday, May 6th in historic downtown Denison. This event will showcase the incredible talent of local artists from all over North Texas.

 

Visitors will have the chance to view a variety of art pieces, from traditional murals and sculptures to modern abstract works. It’s sure to be a day full of creativity and inspiration for all who attend! Come join us for this unique opportunity to experience the vibrant art scene in North Texas.

The Arts Council also hosts an annual Dia de los Muertos event, film club, gallery showings, and more! Check out the full calendar and more information about the North Texas Arts Festival on their website at DenisonArtsCouncil.org.

Did you know Doc Holliday had an office in Downtown Denison?

Celebrate the boomtown of Denison in the 1870-80’s with authentic old west reenactors from the past. Events will include authors, historians, wild west photo ops, wagon rides, kids activities, a petting zoo, antiques fair, gunfights, Hootin’ Hollerin’ Beard & Mustache Contest sponsored by Texoma Barbers, a costume contest, food & lively music, and more.

Don’t miss out on the fun of days gone by! You can visit the 700 Block of Main St for an Old West Encampment with blacksmithing, horseshoe throwing, saloon girls, Native American beadwork, chuckwagon cooking, live music, and more.

Mark your calendar and join us for the second annual Bandits, Bluegrass, and BBQ Festival on Friday, April 28th from 6-9 PM in Heritage Park! Enjoy live bluegrass bands, BBQ sales, and enjoy photo ops and meet and greets with old west reenactors.

The event is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Denison, come show your support! Live bluegrass music featuring The Western Flyers and Hot Pickin 57’s. This event is free to the public.

 

Outdoor Activities

Discover your love of the outdoors in Denison! Enjoy boating, fishing, and sandy beaches on Lake Texoma.

After a long day of fun in the sun on the water, stop by The Point restaurant for the best view of the lake while you eat! Make time for Eisenhower State Park for camping, trails, rock-climbing, and more. Located right in the heart of town is Waterloo Lake where you can enjoy walking trails, rent a kayak, and even find natural caves!

In the summer, you can enjoy Music On Main – the 10 week free Summer concert series on Friday nights. You will also find the Denison Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9am-noon which begins on the last Saturday in April and runs through the end of October. 

Quench Your Thirst

The home of T.V. Munson, who saved the French Wine Industry from devastation in the 1800’s, Denison is rich with craft beverage that you cannot get at home. Take a stroll through the vineyards at Hidden Hangar Vineyards and Winery.

From 1928 until the 1950’s, the land that the vineyard sits on served as a training airport for “wanna-be” pilots and a fuel stop for those traveling between Oklahoma City and Dallas. The tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-6pm where you can sip on varietals such as Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Syrah.

For the whiskey lovers, Ironroot Republic Distillery is a must. The name “Ironroot” pays tribute to T.V. Munson and the “iron” roots that helped save the French wine industry.

The distillery is family owned and operated by the Likarish brothers (Robert and Jonathan) along with their mother Marcia and everything is mashed, fermented, distilled, barrel-aged, and bottled on site in Denison.

The spirits are made using high quality heirloom and non-GMO corn from local farms to capture the authentic flavor of north Texas.

Take a tour of the distillery every Saturday at 1pm and enjoy craft cocktails the first Saturday of the month from 2-8:30pm.

There’s something for everyone is Denison. Plan your getaway and discover all Denison has to offer!