Texhoma TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Texhoma, Texas.
1. Carpenters Bluff Bridge
HISTORIC RAILROAD CROSSING
Carpenters Bluff Bridge was originally built as a railroad bridge for the Missouri, Oklahoma and Gulf Line in 1910, designed with a unique wagon shelf for travelers on foot, horseback, and horse-drawn vehicles. Although officially closed, adventurous visitors can still walk across the original structure to enjoy incredible views of the Red River and surrounding countryside. In 2017, a new bridge was built alongside it for modern vehicle traffic, while the historic structure remains as a landmark.
2. Kohl Building
HISTORIC GERMAN ARCHITECTURE
The Kohl Building was constructed by Ernst Martin Kohl, a former German Navy captain who came to Denison in 1885 and built the first floor in 1893 to house a grocery store and saloon. Kohl added three more floors between 1909-1911 as his family residence, and in the 1930s, the building became the Traveler's Hotel, drawing business from the nearby railroad district. This historic structure represents the architectural heritage and European influence in Texoma's development.
3. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is an 11,000-acre preserve located just 15 minutes from Lake Texoma, home to a wide range of native wildlife including migratory birds, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, bird-watching spots, and educational exhibits that teach about the local ecosystem. The refuge's Butterfly Garden is a highlight where families can spot vibrant butterfly species in their natural habitat.
4. Eisenhower State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Eisenhower State Park is located along the Texas side of Lake Texoma, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and breathtaking views from cliffs overlooking the lake. The park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters that appeal to visitors of all ages. It serves as a tranquil outdoor setting where families can unwind and enjoy the landscape of Lake Texoma after a day of fishing or other water activities.
5. Downtown Denison
HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Downtown Denison features a charming historic main street lined with preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich past. The district is home to unique local shops, antique stores, art galleries, and a variety of dining options from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Throughout the year, Downtown Denison hosts various events and festivals that celebrate the community's heritage and culture.
6. Lake Texoma
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border and offering over 89,000 acres of water for recreation. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for striped bass, and attracts anglers from across the country year-round. Beyond fishing, Lake Texoma provides opportunities for boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife observation in its numerous coves and inlets.
7. Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club
CHAMPIONSHIP LAKESIDE GOLF
Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club is a premier golfing destination situated near Lake Texoma with breathtaking views of the water from many of its holes. The championship course features challenging terrain, well-maintained fairways, and strategically placed bunkers that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can enjoy the clubhouse amenities including a pro shop and dining facilities that overlook the picturesque landscape.
8. Fort Washita Historic Site
PRE-CIVIL WAR FRONTIER
Fort Washita Historic Site preserves a military post established in 1842 to protect Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations from Plains tribes and to serve as a barrier against the Republic of Texas. Visitors can explore original and reconstructed buildings, including barracks, a hospital, and officers' quarters that offer insight into frontier life. The site hosts living history events throughout the year where interpreters in period costume demonstrate various aspects of 19th-century military and civilian life.
9. Lake Texoma State Park
RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Lake Texoma State Park offers visitors access to one of Oklahoma's most popular recreational lakes with amenities including camping sites, picnic areas, and boat ramps. The park's natural beauty provides a backdrop for activities ranging from hiking and wildlife watching to water sports and fishing. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring other attractions in the Texoma region while enjoying the comforts of park facilities.
10. Red River Railroad Museum
RAIL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Red River Railroad Museum showcases the rich railway heritage of the region, housed in the historic Katy Depot building in Denison. Exhibits feature authentic railroad artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of how the railroad shaped the development of Texoma. Visitors can view model train displays, learn about the life of railroad workers, and discover the importance of Denison as a major rail hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
11. Choctaw Casino Resort
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Choctaw Casino Resort is a premier entertainment destination featuring a large gaming floor with slots, table games, and poker rooms for visitors seeking excitement. The resort complex includes multiple dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, as well as regular live entertainment and concerts by national acts. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a luxury hotel, spa, swimming pools, and a golf course for a complete resort experience.
12. Grayson County Frontier Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Grayson County Frontier Village is an outdoor museum featuring over 20 historic structures that have been relocated and preserved to create an authentic 19th-century Texas settlement. Visitors can walk through buildings including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and various homes filled with period furnishings and artifacts. The village hosts special events throughout the year where volunteers in period costume demonstrate traditional crafts, cooking methods, and daily activities from frontier times.
13. Tanglewood Resort
LAKESIDE LUXURY GETAWAY
Tanglewood Resort sits on the shores of Lake Texoma, offering luxury accommodations with stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a full-service marina for guests interested in water activities. Dining options at the resort include casual and fine dining restaurants that serve locally-inspired cuisine using fresh ingredients from the region.
14. Denison Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Denison Dam is an impressive structure that created Lake Texoma when it was completed in 1944, spanning 15,200 feet across the Red River. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation, making it a vital infrastructure component for the region. Visitors can view the massive earthen embankment from several vantage points and learn about its construction and ongoing importance to water management in the area.
15. Texoma Winery Trail
REGIONAL WINE EXPERIENCE
The Texoma Winery Trail connects several local vineyards and wineries in the region, offering visitors a taste of Texas wine culture and production. Each winery on the trail features its own unique character, with many offering tours of their vineyards and production facilities alongside tasting rooms where guests can sample various wines. The trail has helped establish the Texoma region as an emerging wine destination, with vintners producing award-winning varieties that showcase the local terroir.