At the northern edge of Texas, 75 miles north of Dallas and a mere 6 miles from the Oklahoma border, you’ll find the bustling town of Denison, population 24,000. While it sits close to the Sooner State, make no mistake about it—this town is 100% Texan. And ever since the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad arrived in 1872, it’s been fertile ground for Texas-sized personalities and legends. Today it makes for the perfect trip to fill your head with knowledge and your stomach with some fine eating.
This town has one of the most colorful (and longest) Main Streets in Texas, with more than six historic blocks of small businesses; some expected and some out of left field. Grab a coffee and a delicious chocolate-walnut cookie from Cafe Blackbird and then go for a walk. You can buy some ugly (yet cute) hand-sewn companions from Monsters on Main and learn local history at the Red River Railroad Museum. Shop for antiques at a number of local stores and then celebrate your exercise with a classic burger from Watson’s Drive In, established in 1956. Don’t miss the massive murals honoring local heroes like Captain Sully who famously landed his plane in the Hudson River saving the lives of every passenger on board.
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
It’s not often a town can claim to be the birthplace of a U.S. president. But in 1890, Dwight “Ike” D. Eisenhower was born in a humble home just feet from the railroad tracks. The house offers a detailed look into working-class life in a railroad town. But more than just a historic home, this is an entire museum dedicated to a Texan turned soldier turned president who led our country through World War II and some of the most formative years in our nation’s history. You’ll “Like Ike” even more after visiting.
Just outside of town on the banks of Lake Texoma, this picturesque state park offers visitors a chance to dip their toes into one of Texas’s largest lakes. The meandering and rocky shoreline creates great spots for visitors to swim and fish without interruption from boaters. It’s also one of the only state parks in Texas with a designated area for off-highway vehicles, including dirt bikes and UTVs.
It’s hard to believe, but in the 1860s a Denison local named T.V. Munson saved the European wine industry by sending over a Texan root stock that was resistant to a small plant louse destroying millions of acres of grape vines. Munson’s “iron root” stock saved the old world wine and cognac industries. This family-owned distillery exists in his honor and makes some of the finest spirits in the U.S. In 2020, they were even named “World’s Best Bourbon” by the prestigious “World Whiskey Awards.” Visitors can tour their facility and tasting room to learn more about the art of making whiskey and cognac in Texas.
Ask anyone about the best restaurant in town and Huck’s is gonna be on the list. This no-frills catfish joint turns out deliciously crispy filets ready to dip in their homemade tartar sauce or beloved “green tomato relish.” Add fixings like black-eyed peas and fried okra and you’ve got some fine southern eating. Of course the menu is full of deep-fried delicacies like shrimp and chicken, but when “catfish” is in the name, I wouldn’t order anything else.
