I. Enjoy the Outdoors at Lake Texoma
II. More Grayson County Attractions to Explore
III. Get to Know the Grayson County Communities We Serve
Lake Texoma sits at the heart of the Grayson County region, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas, surrounded by picturesque prairies and just an hour’s drive from bustling Dallas. This isn’t just water—it’s the centerpiece of outdoor recreation that defines the area.
Whether you’re a serious angler or someone who enjoys casting a line, Lake Texoma delivers. The lake hosts a trophy fishery for Blue Catfish, and the current Texas state record Blue Catfish was caught here in 2004, weighing 121.5 pounds. Striped bass, crappie, and largemouth bass also thrive here, attracting fishing enthusiasts from across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
Eisenhower State Park offers excellent conditions for fishing, with two fishing piers including a lighted pier for night fishing, plus a fish cleaning station and boat ramp with courtesy dock. For those who prefer guided experiences, catfish guides are available through local marinas.

Eisenhower State Park by Luis Tamayo lic CC BY-SA 2.0
On the shores of Lake Texoma, Eisenhower State Park also invites exploration of trails along high bluffs, swimming at sandy coves, and experiencing more than four miles of hiking and biking trails. The park combines recreational opportunity with natural beauty—wildflowers bloom throughout spring and summer along the shoreline’s rocky bluffs.
Beyond recreation, the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site in Denison marks the birthplace of the 34th U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors can tour the historic home where he spent his early years and learn about his journey to the presidency.
For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine expanse of more than11,000 acres nestled along the shores of Lake Texoma, boasting a rich natural tapestry with wetlands, grasslands, and forests creating ideal habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The refuge is particularly renowned as a wintering ground for bald eagles and home to geese, pelicans, deer, turkeys, bobcats, and hawks.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year with no admission fee, though the Visitor Center operates Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
This living history museum features authentic 19th-century structures and artifacts that transport visitors back to the region’s pioneer days. The Frontier Village includes a children’s museum with hands-on activities, historical buildings to explore, and scenic photo opportunities that capture the essence of frontier Texas. Walking through the village provides a genuine sense of how early settlers lived and worked in this part of Grayson County.
The Red River Railroad Museum preserves the significant legacy of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which shaped the region’s development and commerce. The collection includes an expansive display of memorabilia, artifacts, and archival materials that tell the story of the railroad’s impact on North Texas communities. For railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into an important era of transportation and regional growth.
Located about seven miles northeast of Denison, Waterloo Lake Regional Park features a stunning lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and offers accessible recreation for families of all ages. The park provides picnic areas, walking trails, and beautiful viewpoints perfect for photography or simply enjoying quiet moments in nature. Its proximity to Denison makes it an easy day-trip destination for those seeking outdoor relaxation without traveling far.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum, which showcases the military heritage of Grayson County through aircraft displays and memorabilia from the base’s operational years. The museum features exhibits documenting the base’s role in U.S. military aviation history and its significant impact on the local community. These exhibits provide valuable context for understanding the region’s broader historical narrative beyond just frontier and railroad history.
Denison pulses with the kind of energy that comes from embracing both history and progress. The downtown district has earned recognition for its revitalization while maintaining authentic character.
Denison’s downtown runs along the longest Main Street in Texas, fully lined with locally owned boutiques, galleries, craft beverage spots, and chef-driven restaurants. The street is designated as both a Cultural Arts District and an Entertainment District. Walking down Main Street feels like stepping into Denison’s story with antique shops, art galleries, and locally owned businesses share space with award-winning breweries, wineries, and coffee shops.
Beyond shopping and dining, Denison offers surprising entertainment variety. HeyDay Entertainment features state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, a multi-level ropes course, arcade games, and outdoor miniature golf, with an upstairs adults-only Revolutions Lounge offering boutique bowling lanes, billiards, and shuffleboard.
For those seeking puzzle-solving fun, Downtown Escape Rooms challenge groups to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and complete immersive themed experiences before the 60-minute clock runs out.
Heritage Park, located in historic downtown Denison, features a renovated performance stage with modern sound and lighting systems, serving as the centerpiece for concerts, festivals, markets, and special events throughout the year.
Sherman’s downtown square represents the heart of Grayson County’s oldest city. Historic buildings house museums that tell the region’s story through artifacts, exhibits, and preserved history.
The Sherman Museum collection spans everything from historical toys to Civil War weapons, Native American artifacts, antique typewriters, and local railroad history. The Sherman-Denison metropolitan area has approximately 130,000 residents, creating a welcoming and sizable community with well-developed infrastructure, with the cities sharing deep historical and cultural ties.
The downtown square offers easy parking and the opportunity to wander through historic buildings while exploring locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants.
These smaller communities offer the kind of friendliness and local flavor that defines North Texas at its best.
Van Alstyne hosts a diverse dining scene. Options include Jafar’s Mediterranean Grill for refined Middle Eastern cuisine, Bill Smiths Cafe for classic breakfast and lunch, and Burnt by J.H. for upscale comfort food. The Cowboy Club and The Gar Hole appeal to those seeking casual atmosphere with quality food and local character.
Whitesboro similarly offers neighborhood favorites. Ranch 82 Bar & Grill features farm-to-table meals like their specialty handcrafted burgers. Mr. Jose’s Mexican Cuisine satisfies all your Tex-Mex cravings with an expansive menu. Deschain Cellars offers wine, weekend brunch, and a popular local community gathering space.
Both towns maintain parks and recreational facilities serving their communities. Whitesboro’s proximity to Lake Texoma provides easy access to water recreation, while Van Alstyne’s location on Highway 75 makes it convenient for exploring the broader region.
Grayson County is waiting to welcome you. Whether you’re drawn by Lake Texoma’s recreational opportunities, historic Main Streets full of local character, or simply the authentic Texas community spirit that pervades these towns, you’ll find something worth staying for.
As you begin your Grayson County journey, Five Star Storage is here to support your transition. We’re not just storing belongings. We’re helping you as you navigate new changes and settle into the life you’re building here. Get started today!
Denison | Sherman | Van Alstyne | Whitesboro