Six months into this pandemic means one thing—it’s time to get away! Fortunately, you can do just that just two hours away in Denison to enjoy safe outdoor adventures and a refreshing change of scenery. Kayak on Waterloo Lake, explore unique shops and restaurants in Denison’s historic downtown, take a sunset cruise, hit the hike-and-bike trails—you can do it all for a day, or a weekend. It’s not uncommon to see a convoy of vehicles between Denison and Dallas on the weekends pulling boats along Interstate 75. That’s because the secret is out; Denison is where Dallas goes to unplug and unwind.
Rent a kayak and explore Waterloo Lake.
Nothing says socially distant quite like a serene kayak or paddleboard adventure on the lake, and Denison’s Waterloo Lake The 52-surface-acre lake is the perfect place to try kayaking or paddleboarding for the first time—or for seasoned pros to take off on their own. With kayak rentals priced at just $10 per hour (2-hour minimum), it’s an affordable way to get your summer lake fix. Secure your kayak reservation and time slot in advance. (Be sure to check out age requirements, safety regulations, and hours of operation before you go.)
Rent a boat or take a sunset cruise on Lake Texoma.
Soak up the last moments of summer with a tour of Lake Texoma on a sunset cruise. There are plenty of options from which to choose, such as Lighthouse Resort and Marina for a 1.5-hour dinner cruise with your choice of Texas barbecue, a Mexican Fajita Fiesta, or southern comfort food. Or, cruise the lake on your own and rent a boat or jet skis from a variety of rental service retailers. With so many rental options—from pontoon boats to speed boats and jet skis, there are plenty of ways to spend a secluded day on the lake.
Hike, Bike, Picnic, or Play Disc Golf!
Denison offers it all. Waterloo Lake Regional Park is the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. The 212-acre park includes seven miles of hike-and-bike trails (one has a can’t-miss cave), a paved walking track, horseshoe pits, multiple playgrounds, shaded benches, a kayak and paddleboard renting station, pavilions for picnics, a winding nature trail around the lake, fishing bond, the Waterloo Pool, and the Waterloo Dog Park. Bring the family and your favorite four-legged furry friend and claim the day. Denison’s Munson Park Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 62 course totaling over 7,000 feet in length, rating 4.12 out of 5 according to DG Course Review. It challenges even the most skilled disc golfer with its rolling hills and numerous trees. The course is open to the public every day during park hours. No trip to Denison is complete without a visit to Eisenhower State Park, located just northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. Camping isn’t allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but you can reserve your space to enjoy the lake, hike-and-bike trails, and other outdoor adventures.
Shop Historic Downtown Denison.
One of Denison’s biggest attractions is its quaint, historic downtown. Don’t miss Monsters on Main, where the shop owner makes “monster dolls” from leftover fabric from her upholstery. Head to Totally Addicted for handmade bath and body products made from fresh and organic ingredients. Fuel up at Pop Around the Corner, featuring delectable gourmet popcorn treats in every imaginable flavor. Stop by Kitsch, please! for vintage and antique finds and Under the Eiffel Boutique for fun accessories, clothes, and gifts. If you’re feeling artsy, make reservations in advance for a workshop at Zig Zag Galleries. The owner has thoughtfully planned socially distant spacing so artists-in-training can design treasures to take home, such as flower crowns, rainbow doormats, or tassel garland, to name a few. When you’re exploring downtown, don’t miss the fun wall murals—perfect backdrops for the ‘gram!
Stay for Dinner–or the Night!
Downtown Denison is a dining destination, with a variety of restaurants and cafes open and following socially distancing protocols, including the new Café Blackbird, a family-owned café relocating from Quanah, Texas with a loyal following and rich history. The owner is the granddaughter of Ralph Beyers, and they sell his famous dressing in the restaurant. Café Blackbird’s outdoor patio makes a great spot for a distanced lunch. Denison is also home to quaint Airbnb’s and bed and breakfasts to make a weekend out of it. For dinner, don’t miss Denison’s restaurant, The Point on Lake Texoma, with unbeatable sunset views as you dine on the lake. Hidden Hangar Winery is a peaceful setting to tour lush vineyards and enjoy a local glass of wine–or even pick up a bottle (or two) for your return to Dallas. Ironroot Republic Distillery has earned rave reviews for its signature bourbon and is a fun place to stop off for tasty souvenir bottles of bourbon, gin, vodka, or moonshine—all distilled in Denison, Texas.
Looking ahead, be sure to plan your trip to Denison to include The Color Condition immersive streamer art installation pop up during the week of September 14 and the weekend Farmers Markets in downtown each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon (through October 31, 2020). For more safe entertainment options, visit discoverdenison.com.
