Established in 1846, Grayson County, Texas, got its name from Peter Wagener Grayson, former Texas attorney general.
The county covers multiple cities, including Denison and, most notably, Sherman, its county seat.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Grayson County has a total land area of 933 square miles and a total water area of 46 square miles.
Significant water landmarks are in Grayson, like the Red River, Waterloo Lake, and Lake Texoma.
Grayson County is an ideal place to visit because of its wide selection of places to visit and recreational activities.
During the summer, you can explore the various outdoor destinations located within the county.
During winter, you can stay warm indoors and find many museums in the area.
To help narrow down where you need to go, here are the best things to do in Grayson County, Texas:
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Eisenhower State Park is a state park that takes its name from US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born and raised in Denison, Texas.
You can find Eisenhower State Park on Park Road, Denison.
This state park opened to the public in 1958; since then, it has become a great place to get scenic views of Lake Texoma.
The park is famous for its campsites.
You can rent some shelters where you can stay the night.
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Eisenhower State Park is also great for fishing, as the park allows guests to borrow their fishing gear for recreational use.
Other activities include the numerous walking and biking trails that circle the park.
Drop by the Eisenhower Yacht Club near the pier to get some snacks and souvenirs.
Visit Eisenhower State Park if you are hunting for a great place to camp in Grayson County.
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Island View Park is a recreational park in Grayson County with access to the shore of Lake Texoma.
Make your way to Island View Park at Preston Bend Road, Pottsboro, Texas.
Island View Park is the most popular beach along Lake Texoma.
There are many beach-related activities you can choose from during your stay here.
You can get some sun on their sandy beach and dip in Lake Texoma’s waters.
There are also kayaks and shelters that you can rent.
A sand volleyball court is available if you want to get some exercise.
When you eventually get hungry, there are shaded picnic tables that you can use to set up your spread.
Those looking to cook their food can also use the outdoor grills provided by the park.
Choose Island View Park if you want to dip in Lake Texoma.
Waterloo Lake Regional Park is another option in Grayson County if you want to immerse yourself in nature and get scenic views of Waterloo Lake.
Check out the park at Waterloo Lake Drive, Denison.
This park is an excellent place for taking a walk and hiking.
Kayaks are also available for rent if you wish to explore Waterloo Lake.
Photographers can take pictures of the duck and geese that swim along the lake.
If you are interested in exploring caves, Waterloo Lake Regional Park has several caves that you can discover.
You can bring your bike to the park and go through seven miles of biking trails.
There are also softball and baseball fields available for use.
If you have a dog with you, you can bring them to Waterloo Lake Regional Park and play at the dog park.
After a tiring day exploring the park, rest well in their covered pavilions.
Visit Waterloo Lake Regional Park for a place to discover nature while having access to convenient park facilities.
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Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for the animals of Grayson County.
The wildlife refuge can be visited along Refuge Road, Sherman, Texas.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge opened in 1946 to give migratory birds and other wildlife a safe habitat to prosper.
Hagerman is a great place to go birdwatching due to the various migratory birds that take shelter in the area.
In the refuge, you’ll find birds such as red-headed woodpeckers, buntings, and even bald eagles.
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Regarding recreational activities, Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for biking and boating.
You can also follow trails if you want to go hiking.
Portions of the park are also sectioned off for hunting, picnicking, or foraging.
Spend a day at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge to take some great photos of birds and other animals that call Hagerman their home.
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Homestead Vineyard and Winery is one of the local wineries found in Grayson County, specifically in Denison.
You can visit Homestead Vineyard and Winery along Main Street.
Known as the oldest operating winery in the Red River Valley, Homestead was started by the Parker family more than a century ago.
The wine cellar is inside a repurposed movie theater.
Meanwhile, the tasting room is in an old 1920s jewelry store.
Enter the Denison tasting room to try and purchase the different kinds of wine they offer.
Besides wine tasting, check out their art gallery and in-house Italian restaurant, Devolli’s.
Book a reservation at Homestead Vineyard and Winery if you love wine tasting and wish to learn more about Denison’s history with winemaking.
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The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site used to be the house of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower.
The house has since become a museum.
Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is on Lamar Avenue, Denison.
Established in 1955, this historic site is significant because President Eisenhower spent his formative years growing up here.
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The volunteer staff on the site offers guided tours for guests to learn more about the life of President Eisenhower.
You can admire the vintage items on display around the house that show how the Eisenhower family lived during those times.
After the tour, step into their visitors center and gift shop to get some souvenirs and memorabilia related to American heritage.
Celebrate and remember American history by visiting the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site.
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Hidden Hangar Winery is another place that celebrates Denison’s rich history with wine.
You can find Hidden Hangar Winery at Middle Road.
Hidden Hanger Winery started in the 1990s.
Once a municipal airport, the land was repurposed into its present state as a vineyard.
The last control tower has now become the wine production facility.
Hidden Hangar Winery is famous for its picturesque wine orchard; they also have guided tours available for those interested in wine production.
They converted the airport terminal into a barrel room and wine cellar.
Walk into their tasting room to sip various wines they have in stock.
Hidden Hangar Winery is a unique and fascinating place to explore to see the conversion of an airport into a winery.
Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum is the go-to place in Grayson County to learn about American military history.
The Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum is on McCullum Avenue, Denison.
The building previously served as the Perrin Army Air Field during World War II.
In 2004, it became a museum to preserve Perrin’s aviation history.
The museum is famous for its exhibits on American military aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The volunteer staff provides guided tours for guests to learn more about the vehicles on display.
After the tour, feel free to drop by the gift shop to support the maintenance of the museum.
See the Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum and learn more about America’s history with aviation and its military.
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Red River Railroad Museum is another museum in Grayson County focused on transportation, specifically the American railroad system and its connection to the city of Denison.
Red River Railroad Museum is on the historic Main Street.
Established in 1987, the museum is celebrated for documenting and preserving American railroad history.
They have guided tours of their exhibits on the role railroads played in the founding of Denison.
Kids can enjoy scavenger hunts organized by the volunteers of the museum.
A train simulator is also available for people who want to learn more about what it takes to keep a train running.
Immerse yourself in history by taking a look at the old train cars that they have on display.
Stop by the Red River Railroad Museum to learn more about trains and their significance to American history.
The Texoma Health Foundation Park at Gateway Village is a regional park focused on promoting physical activity and health in the community of Grayson County.
You can find the park at South US Highway 75, Denison.
The Texoma Health Foundation Park is notable for its wide variety of recreational facilities.
Children can have fun in the various play areas built on the park grounds.
Near the playground is a splash pad for kids to cool down after spending an afternoon under the sun.
Sporty individuals can play in the baseball fields and the sand volleyball court.
To practice your swing, rent one of the batting cages.
Walking trails are available if you want to take a peaceful stroll through the park.
There is a concession stand if you ever need some refreshments.
Spend a day filled with recreational activities at the Texoma Health Foundation Park.
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The Sherman Museum is an educational institution in Sherman, Texas, that prides itself in serving the public through historical documentation.
The Sherman Museum is located along Walnut Street.
The museum was established in 1976 inside the old Carnegie Library, constructed in 1914.
In the 1980s, the Church of Christ building beside the Carnegie Library was incorporated into the museum grounds.
Today, it stores an impressive collection of 50,000-plus historical artifacts.
The library and the church are official Texas Historical landmarks.
Their permanent exhibits include the history of the courthouses of Grayson County, a timeline of the history of Texas, a collection of Native American Artifacts, and a replica general store.
Regarding group activities, children can enjoy paleontological and archaeological activities.
There are also dinosaur-related items available for purchase at their gift shop.
The Sherman Museum is the right place for history buffs.
The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is the premier destination for indoor recreational activities in Denison.
You can find the park at Southbend Drive.
The park is famous for its trampolines and zip lines.
They have a variety of attractions that you can choose from, such as their indoor playground and ropes course.
Children can play dodgeball and go rock climbing in their state-of-the-art facilities.
Other attractions include the Adventure Hub, DropZone, the Tumble Track, Sky Rider, and the Slam Dunk Zone.
Guests who struggle with intense physical activities can pick their virtual reality attraction.
While waiting for your kids, parents can hang out and grab a bite at the Urban Air Cafe.
The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is the perfect place if you enjoy trampolines and zip lines.
The Harber Wildlife Museum showcases many different kinds of wildlife around the world.
You can find the museum along Texoma Parkway, Sherman.
Dorthy and Lucy Harber created the Harber Wildlife Museum to conserve and preserve the knowledge of different wildlife and cultures worldwide.
The museum is famous for its exhibits on wildlife and its collection of big game animals.
Exhibits on African artifacts and wildlife are also available for viewing.
Adults can enjoy a guided tour of the museum grounds.
Children can participate in an educational scavenger hunt activity organized by the museum staff.
Visit the Harber Wildlife Museum to check out their extensive game animals collection and learn more about wildlife.
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Munson Park is an outdoor recreational space located in the city of Denison.
You can visit Munson Park on Austin Avenue.
Play disc golf at their professional grade golf course.
You can also use their kids’ softball fields, baseball fields, and playgrounds.
Take shelter from the sun in their rentable covered pavilions.
Regular picnic tables are also an excellent alternative for spending time with your family.
Drinking fountains are available around the park, so you can stay hydrated while getting some exercise.
Munson Park is the destination of choice for disc golf enthusiasts.
Grayson County Frontier Village and Museum allows you to experience what it was like to live in the county before modern conveniences.
Find Grayson County Frontier Village and Museum at Vaughan Drive, Denison.
Formally established in 1967, the village boasts a collection of historic replica buildings.
Check out the Nettie Bass House, the first house in Grayson County to have glass panes for the windows.
Another house of interest is the Green Revival House due to its beautiful rosewood construction.
During the holiday season, the Grayson County Frontier Village and Museum holds an impressive Christmas light show for its guests.
Don’t miss out on the frontier village experience, especially during the holidays.
Choose Grayson County, Texas, as your next vacation spot to enjoy its various parks, historical museums, gorgeous vineyards, and exciting recreational destinations.
Visit Grayson County if you are in the mood for outdoor activities like kayaking, birdwatching, and disc golf.
If you find yourself in Texas, check out this list of the best things to do in Grayson County!
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