Things to Do in Denton

You'll love Denton, a city known as “Little d," which is just a stone's throw from Texas's "Big D," Dallas, and its sister-city, Fort Worth. With its historic 1896 County Courthouse, two major universities, an eclectic shopping district and the booming North Texas Fair & Rodeo—together with a hefty side-dish of country music—Denton promises and delivers Texas-sized adventures!

History Lessons in Denton

Feast your eyes on the massive limestone walls and soaring clock tower of the gorgeous Denton County Courthouse. Constructed over a century ago, it's still the centerpiece of the downtown area. Search for the gravestone of John Denton, the city’s founder, on the courthouse lawn. You can also tour the Denton County African-American Museum, which is located in a 1904 house in Quakertown.

The Rodeo is in Town!

Yee-haw! Embrace a piece of true Americana and real Texas culture with nine full days of rodeo excitement in August. Yes, the cowboys really do ride bucking broncos; cows, pigs and lambs line up in a livestock beauty contest; and everybody chows down on barbecue. But don't miss this: for the ticket price, your gang also gets free admission to nine days of sizzling country music with the some of the best down-home fiddling Texas has to offer! Enjoy the talents of such famous musicians as the Charlie Daniels Band, Ronnie Milsap, and the Randy Rogers Band on one stage, with less widely-known bands on the other.

Escape to the Lake

Dampness plus heat equals muggy, and that's a word you may use a lot in Denton in the summertime. Push the refresh button for your family with an outing to Ray Roberts Lake State Park, a short drive north of town. What's not to love about the fabulous 29,000-acre Ray Roberts Lake, which is surrounded by cool woods, where you can escape the sun? You have options aplenty here. Plunge into the lake; toss out the fishing line for large-mouth bass or catfish; hike, bike, and horseback ride on land; cool off in the lake with swimming, tubing or water-skiing. It makes beating the heat a true outdoor adventure!

When You're Running on Empty

You'll feel like honored guests as you enter the quaint two-story Victorian house that is home to Giuseppe's (821 North Locust St., Denton). Bite into one of the juicy, plump shrimp or luscious meatballs topped with homemade sauces that are bursting with flavor, and you'll want to move in.

Vegans and carnivores alike, chow down happily when you head to the Seven Mile Cafe (529 Bolivar St., Denton) for a bountiful breakfast. If you’re still hungry after you finish the Biscuits n' Gravy Platter, a Southern classic with two humongous homemade buttermilk biscuits, you belong in the record books!

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