Sometimes, the best summer vacations are the ones that require little planning and are within a few hours from home. Denison fits the bill. Grab your camping and lake gear, pack a small bag, and get away for the day–or the weekend–in Denison. In just over an hour, you’ll be soaking up the sun and making memories with family and friends on a campground by the lake, on the water, along a trail, or by toasting to another great day over delicious food and drinks on a bustling outdoor patio. Denison has it all.
Plan your summer of fun in Denison here:
Lake Texoma.
Everything you’ll want to know about Lake Texoma before you go can be found here. If you’re traveling with a large group, spend the day on a rented pontoon boat—whether to relax as you coast along or for a day of fishing. Looking for solitude or just want a peaceful day on the lake? Try paddle boarding on Lake Texoma—rent one for the day or bring your own!
Eisenhower State Park.
No trip to Denison is complete with a visit to Eisenhower State Park, located just northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. Gather your camping gear and visit the Park’s website to learn about the iconic state park, entrance fees, reserve your spot, and make it home base while you enjoy the lake, hike-and-bike trails, and other outdoor adventures.
Waterloo Lake.
Water recreation is where Denison really delivers, especially with Waterloo Lake. The 52-surface-acre lake is the perfect place to try kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding for the first time—or for seasoned pros to take off on their own. With kayak rentals priced at just $10 per hour, it’s an affordable way to dive straight into summer. Visit Denison’s website to secure your kayak and time spot. (Be sure to check out age requirements, safety regulations, and hours of operation before you go.)
Waterloo Lake Regional Park.
Waterloo Lake Regional Park is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The 212-acre park includes seven miles of hike-and-bike trails, a paved walking track, horseshoe pits, multiple playgrounds, shaded benches, a kayak and paddle board renting station, picnic areas, a winding nature trail around the lake, fishing pond, the Waterloo Pool swimming pool, and the Waterloo Dog Park. Keep an eye out for the cave at Waterloo Park—a must for the kids.
Music on Main.
Denison’s free summer concert series takes place every Friday in downtown Denison through July 29. Downtown restaurants are open and plenty of vendors will be on site. Get the full line-up, latest updates, and band bios on Facebook or their website.
Texoma Health Foundation Park.
This 66-acre regional park is where Denison comes to play—and you’re invited, too! Added to Denison’s line-up of parks and outdoor spaces, the THF Park was designed to promote the overall health and wellness of the community. Softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, a splash pad, pavilions, multi-use trails, and open space for outdoor physical activity are among the amenities. Two miles of trails within the park connect to an additional 10 miles of trails planned within the Gateway Village development along with future regional trail connections to other parts of the city.
Munson Park.
An outdoor enthusiast’s haven and a great spot for family fun, Munson Park is a 174-acre community park with a new, professionally designed 18-hole disc golf course. It challenges even the most skilled disc golfer with its rolling hills and numerous trees. The disc golf course is open to the public every day during park hours. There is also a large, covered pavilion available for rent, picnic tables, a softball field, two baseball fields, and playground equipment.
Sample and Sip.
You won’t feel like you’re in Texas anymore when visiting Denison’s Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery. It’s a peaceful setting where you can tour lush vineyards, sample its signature wines, take in some spectacular views of the vineyards, and pick up a bottle (or two) of award-winning wine to enjoy upon your return to Dallas. The vineyard was once the home of Barnstorming planes that used the grassy knoll as their runway to the sky. Today it’s a third-generation family-operated winery that grows the Vitis Vinifera grape—perfect for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Riesling, and Syrah. Keep sipping at Ironroot Republic Distillery which has earned rave reviews for its signature bourbon. It’s a great place to cool off for a sample of bourbon and grab a tasty souvenir bottle of bourbon, gin, vodka, or moonshine—all distilled in Denison, of course.
Stay for Dinner, or the Night!
There’s a good chance you won’t want to head back to Dallas after spending a day in Denison. Plan a longer stay and try a variety of restaurants, including Denison’s famed restaurant, The Point on Lake Texoma, with unbeatable sunset views as you dine on the lake. Grab a drink and sit under the shade at the 1880 Ice House, an indoor/outdoor, Austin-style beer garden and spirits parlor surrounded by beautiful Texas Live Oak trees featuring a massive 6,600-square-foot patio. If camping isn’t in your plans, book your getaway at one of Denison’s quaint Airbnbs or bed-and-breakfasts. This way, you can head back to Dallas only when you really must. Make your reservations here.
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