OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
Welcome
TO DENISON, TX
Sincerely
Contents
Contents
CITY HISTORY
Denison’s rich past and vibrant present collide with captivating museums, notable homes, and historic sites.
ARTS & CULTURE
Denison’s booming arts scene—from unique galleries to stunning street murals—comes alive in the walkable Denison Cultural Arts District.
LIVE MUSIC
Several live music venues around town welcome musicians to this officially designated Music Friendly Texas Community.
OUTDOORS
Head outside for some fresh air and get back to nature with Denison’s endless recreation opportunities.
FAMILY FUN
For the young and the young at heart, Denison is full of nonstop family fun for all ages.
TOUR & TASTE
Tap into the boozier side of Denison at these wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
DOWNTOWN DENISON
Explore the city’s Historic Downtown District, brimming with charming shops, tasty restaurants, and local community culture.
Bridging the Past and the Future DENISON
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
Captain Sully, Landing on the Hudson
ATTRACTIONS
Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum
Frontier Village & Museum
T.V. Munson “Vinita” House
Red River Railroad Museum
124 W. Main St.
Railroads played a vital role in the growth of North Texas— and the state as a whole—and this museum highlights the significance of the Missouri Kansas Texas (Katy) Railroad and its role in establishing Denison as a vital hub.
Grayson College Viticulture & Enology Program
6101 Grayson Dr.
Established in 1965, Denison’s Grayson College currently offers viticulture and enology programs, which trace back to T.V. Munson’s work with grapes. Other non-alcoholic courses of study include programs in arts and humanities, health sciences, industrial technologies, and business and entrepreneurship.
Deep in the Arts
OF DENISON
Get creative and cultured in the city’s beautiful arts district.
ARCY
With seven murals throughout the city, internationally renowned artist ARCY has put his signature, paint-splattered stamp on Denison. One local favorite is the fittingly heroic downtown mural of local boy Dwight D. Eisenhower, which features the president smiling down on his hometown on the corner of Austin Avenue and Main Street. Elsewhere on Main Street, another ARCY creation pays tribute to famed horticulturist T.V. Munson, who is credited with saving France’s wine industry.
“As I’m creating works, I’m trying to incorporate what this town is known for,” ARCY says. “I’m capturing the spirit of the town, all the way down to each color and shade.”
The award-winning muralist maps out each design digitally well before he begins, then he uses hundreds of cans to create richly colored, amazingly detailed murals. And as is the case with almost every ARCY artwork, his Denison murals contain a hidden Mickey Mouse (ARCY, a noted Disney superfan, also does work with the House of Mouse).
Scan FOR MORE INFO
PUBLIC ART WALK
Music
Striking a Chord with Music Lovers
1880 Ice House
34 Chophouse & Doc’s Lounge
Calhoun’s 2.0
RedRock Saloon
Kickback’s Backyard
Bring the whole family (and Fido) to this fun and festive live music venue. Burgers, pizza, and Tex-Mex fill the menu, plus an annual songwriter competition always leads to the discovery of great local talent.
Don't Miss
MUSIC ON MAIN
This free summertime concert series brings downtown Denison to life each Friday throughout the months of June and July. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake out a spot to enjoy the concert and food you’ve grabbed from your favorite nearby eatery or one of the many vendors on site.
• IVANHOE ALE WORKS & HOMESTEAD WINERY
• SAY WHEN BREWING COMPANY
• NORTH RIG GRILL
• GREEN GROWLER
• THE HORSE’S AXE
• HEYDAY ENTERTAINMENT
• THE POINT RESTAURANT
• IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL
• MELL’S GRILL
• THE RIGHT SPOT
Outdoors Everything
Under the Texas Sun
Lake Texoma
Eisenhower State Park
More RECREATIONAL FUN
While Lake Texoma beckons outdoor enthusiasts, Denison Parks provide abundant opportunities for recreation! Spanning 668 acres, our parks feature 12 playgrounds and three community fishing lakes filled with catfish, bass, and bluegill. At Waterloo Lake Regional Park, enjoy kayak and paddleboard rentals or explore over 10 miles of soft-surface trails and paved walking paths, including the new Katy Trail with amenities like drinking fountains, covered respite areas, and a bike repair station. The Backyard at Waterloo offers unique concrete games like table tennis, ladder toss, and more, plus fenced and lighted pickleball courts. Munson Park hosts an 18hole championship disc golf course and a newly added soft-surface trail for bikers and hikers. Forest Park features a splash pad, two Ike Hike stops, and the beloved Music on Main series and Movies in the Park events each summer. Discover Texoma Health Foundation Park’s modern amenities: three miles of concrete trails, sand volleyball courts, ADA accessible playground equipment, a splash pad, outdoor exercise equipment, cozy lounge areas, and state-of-the-art baseball, softball, and soccer game fields. In Denison, your next great recreation adventure awaits!
FAMILY Memories Ready for the Making
Fun!
TOUR & Taste
It’s Always Wine O’clock Here
Tap into the boozier side of Denison at these wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Ironroot Republic
Distilling
In tribute to local viticulturist T.V. Munson, who was credited with saving French wine grapes from destruction, the Likarish family decided to distill brandy, forever connecting Denison to Cognac, France. House-distilled vodka, whiskey, bourbon, gin, and moonshine can also be procured here.
Landon
Winery
With six locations across North Texas, Landon Winery is a great spot to sip and unwind after a busy day. Pick a glass or share a bottle from their selection of over 30 wines, then pair your choice with a tasty charcuterie board or flatbread for a meal to remember.
Say When Brewing Company
Pizza and beer will forever be a classic combination and
those two pleasures exist at the heart of Say When. Choose any four craft brews in a flight, then pick your favorite to enjoy with a full pour.
Hidden Hangar Vineyard & Winery
Stop by to sample wines in the tasting room at this aviationthemed winery with 50 acres of vineyards, which you can tour. Join the wine club for a discount on bottles and cases to take home (or have shipped within Texas).
Ivanhoe Ale Works & Homestead Winery
Beer and wine lovers can unite under one roof at the first “Brew-Winery” in Texas. Enjoy tastings, plus special events ranging from bingo to live music, all bringing people together for a welcome sense of community—even if you begin as stranger.
Downtown DENISON
The Heart and Soul of Denison
AMain Street
HERITAGE Park
Owned by the City of Denison, Heritage Park is a gathering space for community concerts, performances, and events that fill the calendar throughout the year. Its open-air stage and large live oaks serve as a backdrop for many a happy memory in downtown Denison.
Even s ANNUAL
In Denison, Year-round Entertainment Abounds
March
St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
Don your favorite shade of green and head to downtown Denison for a full day of fun. Start the celebration with the Shamrock Stroll through the city’s unique shops, and end the day sampling tasty drink specials on the Pub Crawl along Main Street.
April
Doc Holliday: Saints & Sinners Festival
July
4th of July Fireworks Celebration
From winter’s chill to summertime heat, there’s always a reason to visit.
Celebrate one of the most iconic figures of the Wild West, Doc Holliday, who practiced dentistry in Denison. The fest brings the late 1800s to life with reenactments and other immersive experiences.
What better way to celebrate the birth of America than a memorable fireworks display and concert with friends and family at Munson Stadium. Come early to secure a good spot, or settle into one of the many viewing spots throughout downtown, and once the sun sets keep your eyes on the skies—fireworks begin at dusk.
Summer
North Texas Art Festival
The Denison Arts Council presents its annual arts fest featuring juried local, regional, and national artists showcasing their works along with wineries, food and beverage vendors, and live music throughout the day.
Music on Main
Each summer, music echoes through downtown during free Friday night concerts in downtown Denison, where families and friends sit on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show.
August
October
Saturdays
November
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Also referred to as Day of the Dead, this Latin American celebration highlights Hispanic cultural contributions with a festival packed with live entertainment and a wildly colorful parade featuring giant puppets.
December Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Kick off the December holidays with an annual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade, featuring live music and festive sights around every corner of downtown Denison.
Holiday Home and Loft Tour
This is your chance to see inside some of the coolest and most historic houses and lofts in Denison, all decked out for the holiday season.
Wonders of Winter
Get into the holiday spirit at this community event in Forest Park, complete with arts and crafts, live music, face painting, a petting zoo (with reindeer!), a holiday train, and more.
Winter
Denison on Ice
Strap on your ice skates and hit the covered outdoor rink, then shop in local stores for an ideal way to get in the holiday spirit no matter the weather.
Directories
Dining GUIDE
DRAGON THAI & VEGETARIAN CUISINE
613 N. Austin Ave.
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
4300 N. State Hwy. 91
EAGLES LODGE
211 W. Main St.
EL TAPATIO
2401 S. Austin Ave.
FOOD TRUCK PARK
225 Crawford St.
FRANK AND LOLA’S
227 W. Chestnut St.
FUZZY’S TACOS
4300 TX-91
GIRASOLE’S MEXICAN FOOD
505 S. Armstrong Ave.
GREEN GROWLER
101 E. Main St., Ste. 135
HICKORY HOUSE
630 W. Woodard St.
HIDDEN HANGAR
VINEYARD & WINERY
273 Middle Rd.
HOMESTEAD WINERY
220 W. Main St.
HUCK’S CATFISH
2811 Trail Dr.
IHOP
701 N. US 75 Hwy.
IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL
100 W. Chestnut St.
IRONROOT REPUBLIC
DISTILLERY
3111 Loy Lake Rd.
IVANHOLE ALE WORKS
218 W. Main St.
JACK IN THE BOX
1120 S. Austin Ave.
JALAPEÑO TREE
3520 W. FM 120 Hwy.
KEN’S DONUTS
1426 W. Morton St.
KENT’S TEX-MEX
2900 Woodlawn Blvd.
KICKBACK’S BACKYARD
1721 S. Armstrong Ave.
For the most up-to-date information on Denison restaurants, please visit our website.
Spotlight On
IRONROOT REPUBLIC DISTILLERY
When Denison entrepreneur Robert Likarish went to England to roll out his award-winning bourbon, a special call had to be made to Buckingham Palace: The company releasing the bourbon across the pond wanted to fly the Texas flag outside their building, and to do so, they needed permission from the Queen.
“It was surreal,” Likarish says, “but the most exciting thing was helping our bourbon reach more people.”
Likarish is the owner and founder of Ironroot Republic, a bourbon and whiskey distillery that uses the French distilling techniques made possible by Denison’s T.V. Munson. For the last 10 years, Likarish’s establishment has consistently pushed the envelope, concocting award-winning spirits beloved around the globe. For example, an Ironroot creation recently won “Best Bourbon in the World” by Whiskey Magazine — the first time a bourbon outside of Kentucky has won this coveted laurel. Visitors can enjoy these prized spirits any day of the week via Ironroot’s daily tastings and bottle sales, and the distillery also offers tours every Saturday. Its founder credits the support of regulars and visitors for Ironroot’s decade of success — and they’re the reason he can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring.
“Denison is a town where people love to support one another, which I think is a big reason why Ironroot is now known around the world,” he says.
Even More
Spotlight On Dining GUIDE
34 CHOPHOUSE AND DOC’S LOUNGE
34 Chophouse and Doc’s Lounge has combined fine dining with a speakeasy vibe. Nir Sela, the steakhouse’s proprietor, says his goal is to be the first great restaurant for visitors down to Texas from the north and the last great restaurant for folks traveling from the south. Their four-inch-thick pork chop always has locals and tourists raving, particularly given the flavorful punch offered by its maple whiskey coating. He also provides space for events, and the steakhouse’s proximity to Lake Texoma makes it the perfect spot for a nightcap after a day of fun on the water.
“We’re always trying to evolve in fun and exciting ways you might not expect from a fine dining establishment,” he says. “That’s how we keep it exciting for everyone who walks through the door.”
LANDON WINERY
318 W. Main St.
LITTLE CAESARS
1431 W. Morton St., Ste. 101
LOUISIANA
FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN
2400 Woodlawn Blvd.
LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1705 S. Austin Ave.
LUPE’S WORLD FAMOUS TAMALES
3315 FM 120
MAMA QIN
1525 W. Morton St.
MCDONALD’S
600 N. US 75 Hwy.
MELL’S GRILL
531 W. Crawford St.
NICHE COFFEE & SHOP
410 W. Main St.
NICK’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
210 S. Austin Ave.
NORTH RIG GRILL
414 N. US 75 Hwy.
PANDA EXPRESS
3405 W. FM 120 Hwy.
PAPA JOHNS
3515 W. FM 120 Hwy., Ste. 112
PEAK NUTRITION
120 S. Burnett Ave. Ste. 104
PICANTE TACO
MEXICAN GRILL
3116 Regency Ln.
PIZZA CAFE
1530 S. Austin Ave.
PIZZA HUT
129 W. Heron St.
REDROCK SALOON
123 W. Woodard St.
REVOLUTION COFFEE
5016 US 75 Hwy.
RUSTICO
506 W. Chestnut St.
SALI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
1018 N. Austin Ave.
SAY WHEN BREWING CO. 111 S. Fannin Ave.
SLUSH PREMIUM DAIQUIRIS
221 N. Austin Ave.
SONIC DRIVE-IN
2405 S. Austin Ave.
3325 W. FM 120 Hwy.
SOUTHERN MAID DONUTS
2731 W. Morton St., Ste. 103
7319 W. FM 691, Ste. 101
STAFFORD HOUSE PROVISIONS
101 E. Main St.
STARBUCKS
5131 S. US 75 Hwy.
200 W. Crawford St. 3121 Regency Ln.
SUBWAY
3427 W. FM 120 Hwy., Ste. 106
209 S. Austin Ave.
SUNRISE DONUTS
2131 Woodlawn Blvd., Ste. 101
TACO BELL
900 S. Austin Ave. 3420 W. FM 120 Hwy.
TACO FANNY
230 S. Armstrong Ave.
TEXAS BEST SMOKEHOUSE
4300 TX-91
THAI N SUSHI
ALL YOU CAN EAT
3023 Loy Lake Rd.
THE BARN GRILL
4906 FM 1417 Hwy.
THE FROSTED SHOPPE
1226 S. Austin Ave.
THE POINT RESTAURANT 1711 Harbor Rd.
THE RIGHT SPOT
413 N. Armstrong Ave.
VASQUEZ
MEXICAN FOOD
409 W. Main St., Ste. 101
WAFFLE SHOP
2418 W. Morton St.
WATSONBURGER
1901 W. Morton St.
WATSON’S DRIVE IN 631 W. Main St.
WHATABURGER
231 S. Austin Ave.
WOK XPRESS
1900 W. Morton St.
YELLOW JACKET NUTRITION
2731 W. Morton St., Ste. 102
Spotlight On
DEVILED EGG COMPANY
Deviled Egg Co. is the creation of Raechel Van Buskirk, a veteran restaurateur who had an “aha moment” while running a cocktail lounge in Omaha and offering a popular yet underutilized appetizer.
“I realized there were no deviled egg businesses and very few recipes,” she says. “No one was taking the yolks and making them custom.”
So she changed that. Inspired by custom cocktails and sushi dishes, Van Buskirk started selling unique deviled egg creations from the lounge. Fan favorites include the blueberry pancake deviled egg (“It was stupid good,” she says), as well as the corn dog deviled egg and the keto Cali roll deviled egg. She eventually bought a food truck and sold her creations at events throughout Omaha, but the allure of family brought her to Denison. Van Buskirk was also impressed by the city’s growth and its potential.
“My whole family lives in the area, and every time my husband and I visited, more was happening,” she says. “The people were friendly, and it felt like home.”
It quickly became home, too: With the help of some grants, she and her husband opened up Denison’s Deviled Egg Co. and found legions of new fans. Van Buskirk says the top-selling flavors are the bangin’ brisket and baconwrapped jalapeno popper, but since she’s always cookin’ up new creations, that may soon change.
“We have about 15 to 20 new customers every Saturday,” she notes, “and people take a vacation just for these eggs.”
Shopping GUIDE
LEANN’S BRIDAL
101 E. Main St., Ste. 107
LOOK A LIKES
428 W. Main St.
MAIN STREET MALL
500 W. Main St.
MARINA FOX DESIGNS
126 W. Main St.
MATHEWS-GENTRY CYCLE WORKS
506 W. Main St.
MOM QUEEN BOUTIQUE
421 W. Main St.
MONARCH BOUTIQUE
210 W. Main St.
MONSTERS ON MAIN
408 W. Main St.
NICHE COFFEE & SHOP
410 W. Main St.
NTX BBQ SUPPLY
327 W. Crawford St.
OOPSY DAISY
2609 Loy Lake Rd.
PAVITRA SPA
226 W. Main St.
PEN & PAGE WEATHERED BOOKS
607 W. Main St.
POP AROUND THE CORNER
325 W. Main St.
POSH AESTHETICS
121 W. Main St.
PREMIERE BABY IMAGING
313 W. Main St.
QUILT SHOP & UNIQUE GIFTS
611 W. Main St.
QUIXOTIC FIBERS
101 E. Main St., Ste. 111
RAE OF SUNSHINE COLLECTIVE
110 S. Fannin Ave.
RAY’S MERCANTILE
101 E. Main St., Ste. 113
SALTY LIME BOUTIQUE
413 W. Main St.
SERENDIPIDEE
BOUTIQUE + SALON
327 W. Main St.
Spotlight On
KATY DEPOT
101 E. MAIN ST.
Shop TIL YOU DROP
For the most up-to-date information on Denison shopping, please visit our website.
The revered Katy Depot is a fave among locals and visitors alike, and for good reason: The vibrant shopping center offers a quaint, historic charm alongside beautiful boutiques, exquisite eateries, and a series of adorable vintage businesses. You can spend a whole day at the Depot, beginning with a pick-me-up at Chloe’s Coffee followed by all the browsing you desire at shops like Vintage Victoria, Guymon Bros Trading Co., and Ray’s Mercantile.
After stocking up at these stores, you may want to pair your provisions with some wine and cheese at Stafford House, or catch a game and a draft at the Green Growler. What’s more, the Depot regularly plays host to live music, lively festivals, outdoor arts and culture events, and much more. The train stop-turned-mustsee shopping center is a hub of constant activity, with ample opportunities for entertaining your whole family.
Even More
Shopping GUIDE
SKATELANDS OF AMERICA
2629 Woodlawn Blvd.
SPARROWS GALLERY
513 W. Main St.
SPLIT WINDOW STUDIO
400 W. Main St., Ste. 200
STONES OF THE HEART
431 W. Main St.
SWEET LIL REPEAT
307 W. Main St.
TEXAS TRAVEL CENTER 6801 N. US 75 Hwy.
THE BLOSSOM SHOPPE 1231 S. Armstrong Ave.
THE
TOTALLY
TWIN OAKS NURSERY 2107 FM 691 Hwy.
URBAN
VINTAGE
VINTAGE
USHER & CO. 226 W. Main St., Ste. 101 VICTORY
ZIG
Lodging GUIDE
BEST WESTERN PLUS TEXOMA HOTEL & SUITES
810 N. US 75 Hwy. (903) 327-8883
BUDGET INN
1621 S. Austin Ave. (903) 465-8811
COMFORT INN & SUITES –
DENISON LAKE TEXOMA
715 Point Lookout Dr. (903) 462-4097
HAMPTON INN & SUITES
3415 W. Ansley Blvd. (903) 464-9010
HILTON GARDEN INN
5015 S. US 75 Hwy. (903) 463-3331
LA QUINTA INN & SUITES
801 N. US 75 Hwy. (903) 464-0340
MOTEL 6
615 N. US 75 Hwy. (903) 465-4446
TEXOMA MOTEL
4683 N. State Hwy. 91 (903) 465-2093
Fly into the nearby North Texas Regional Airport!
4700 Airport Dr. Denison, TX 75020 (903) 786-2904
Maps DENISON, TX
Mural Walk
Denison
