Denison, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the 1800’s and days of the wild west. While Denison is now a cultural arts center and entertainment hub, the history of this railroad town will forever be preserved for younger generations to learn about their early beginnings. Visit some fascinating and interesting historical sites, museums and places to visit today!
Eisenhower Birthplace and Historical Site
Home of the 34th U.S. President Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower. Antique furnishings fill the modest frame house, illustrating the working class life of the Eisenhower’s. The visitors center celebrates Ike with memorabilia and exhibits featuring his many accomplishments as president and war hero.
Eisenhower Monument
The 16′ bust of former President and Five Star General Dwight David Eisenhower is the centerpiece for the Eisenhower Veterans Monument located at the entrance to Loy Lake Park.
Frontier Village
Frontier Village is a replica of an early village, with structures and artifacts historically significant to Grayson County, preserving the rich background of the pioneers who settled here in the nineteenth century. Exhibits include many photos, mule-drawn farm implements and early hand tools.
Katy Depot
Built in 1911, the Katy depot offers a remarkable space for shopping, events, shared workspace, restaurants, and loft living.
Denison Dam
Completed 1944, the Denison Dam impounds the Red River Basin forming Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma is the second largest lake in Texas and the eleventh largest reservoir in capacity in the United States.
Perrin Air Force Base Museum
Perrin Field at one time had troop strength of 4,000. It was used as a training facility for pilots, technicians and mechanics during World War II. It was also Home to two hundred German POW’s while they worked on the Denison Dam. It was closed in 1946 and reopened in 1952 as Perrin Air Force Base.
Red River Railroad Museum
In 1872, the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway established a railhead in the wilderness just south of the Red River in Texas. That wilderness became the bustling town of Denison Texas. the Railroad Museum has thousands of treasured memories from the golden era of the railroads.
The Rialto Theater
The Rialto Theater is located in a historic building in downtown Denison. Today it is home to concerts, improv nights, variety and comedy shows.
Thomas V Munson Museum
Thomas V Munson is credited with saving the wine vineyards in France by helping Europe deal with their vineyard-destroying phylloxera crisis. There is a little bit of Denison in every sip of French wine today!
The museum is located in the T.V. Munson Viticulture Encology Center with the T.V. Munson Memorial Vineyard close by. The Encology Center also contains a large classroom, an extensive wine laboratory, and an instructional winery.