20 Things To Do In Denton

Denton is a small city a few miles northwest of Dallas, Texas. Split from the big city by Lewisville Lake and a few small towns, Denton is a charming commuter town with a distinctive rural atmosphere. Denton may be a good choice if you’re looking for a laid-back, quieter alternative to bustling Dallas. With a population of about 150,000 residents and the University of North Texas student population, the city may be small compared to the nearby metropolis, but it’s full of life. You’ll find lots of things to do in Denton.

Established in the 1840s, bustling hospitality and entertainment districts are nestled along charming, historic streets. There are tons to sink your teeth into when exploring Denton, from museums celebrating the rich local heritage to stunning natural landscapes and fascinating urban legends. However long you’re staying and however you prefer to spend your time, there’s sure to be plenty to keep you entertained in this cosy little city. Here are the best things to do in Denton, Texas.

Denton, Texas

20 Things To Do In Denton

1- Soak In The History Of Denton County Courthouse

At nearly two centuries old, there’s tons of history to discover in Denton, perhaps nowhere more so than at the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum.

A stunning building set right in the heart of downtown Denton, it’s unmissable for anyone passing through the city centre.

The museum houses exhibits on Denton county’s history and heritage.

It has displays dedicated to the native people of the region, alongside various artefacts and paraphernalia from the communities who have called the area home over the last couple of centuries.

Browse around 110 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

2- Wander Around Downtown Denton – Historical Park

The courthouse isn’t the only historic building in Denton.

Nestled at the heart of the city centre, several buildings from the oldest parts of Denton have been restored to their former glory and christened Denton Historical Park.

Wandering around its streets will give you a feel for what the city was like around the time of its founding.

Various public events are also held in the park, from live music to frequent markets.

Start out at 317 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

3- Appreciate the History Of The Bayless-Selby House Museum

At the heart of the Denton Historical Park is the Bayless-Selby House Museum.

The restored 19th-century house is decorated and furnished as it would have been at the time it was a family home.

Visitors can explore the artfully posed rooms to get a glimpse into what everyday life would have been like for the early residents of Denton.

Look around 317 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

4- Spot The Pioneer Woman Statue

Denton is a thriving student town boasting two universities, including the Texas Women’s University.

Their mascot, a 15-foot-tall statue of a pioneer woman, stands in front of the university’s science building.

The statue is carved from Georgia marble and was gifted to the university in 1938 as part of the centennial anniversary of the Texas Revolution.

Find her at 1020 Oakland St, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

5- Relax In Quakertown Park

Among all the sightseeing and running between historic locations, you’ll probably want somewhere to take a break.

Quakertown Park, right at the heart of the city centre, is perfect.

Just a short walk from downtown Denton, the park has plenty of space to relax, a playground for kids run loose in, and a small public pool.

The park also hosts various public events. Notably, Fall sees the park host the annual Denton Art and Jazz Festival.

Head into 700 Oakland St, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

6- Look For Ghosts At The Old Alton Bridge 

Just south of Denton is one of the area’s most infamous landmarks, Old Alton Bridge, better known as the Goatman Bridge.

An otherwise unassuming, iron truss bridge, legend has it that Old Alton Bridge is haunted by a demonic creature known as the Goatman.

From mysterious lights to spectral figures, various ghostly apparitions have been seen here.

Those who dare to cross the bridge after dark without a light risk meeting the vengeful Goatman himself.

It’s a popular spot with ghost hunters, particularly after being featured on several paranormal investigations shows, like Buzzfeed Unsolved.

Are you brave enough to do your own investigating?

Dare to venture down to Lantana, TX 76226, United States.

7- Appreciate The Works At Union Art Gallery

If you love art and want to see the works of some of Texas’ brightest upcoming artists, head over to the Union Art Gallery at the heart of the University of North Texas campus.

The gallery exhibits the works of current and recently graduated arts students, displaying works across various mediums.

The exhibits rotate frequently, often only being on show for a couple of weeks before making room for the next.

This means you’ll have to act fast if there’s a particular exhibition you want to catch, but you’ll also always have something new to enjoy.

Browse around 1155 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76203, United States.

8- Wonder At The Chairy Orchard

Chairy Orchard is a quirky open-air art project tucked away in an otherwise sleepy residential neighbourhood.

Right on the edge of Avondale Park, Chairy Orchard consists of an eclectic collection of chairs, benches, and stools donated by local residents.

Most of the chairs are scattered around, seemingly at random.

Others are piled together and made into sculptures or intricately, and often macabrely, decorated.

There are even some nailed to trees and fences.

It’s certainly a unique attraction and worth making a short trip to the suburbs.

Take a walk around 1426 Churchill Dr, Denton, TX 76209, United States.

9- Admire The DENTON Wall of Art

Another of Denton’s more whimsical art attractions, the Denton Wall of Art, is a perfect sight for filling a spare five minutes.

Right at the heart of the city centre, the Wall of Art is a fence pinned with various sculptures or artfully arranged household objects.

Expect to see anything from plastic chairs nailed to the fence panels to plates and bowls arranged as flowers.

It’s an ideal spot to swing by while travelling around town.

It can be easily enjoyed from the comfort of your passing car, or hop out and snap a selfie with the current installation.

Pass by 2003 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76209, United States.

10- Take A Break In North Lakes Park

There are plenty of green spaces to escape to in or near Denton.

Set just over a mile from Denton city centre, North Lakes is one of the most convenient options for when you want to get a bit of fresh air.

There’s plenty of space to spread out in, with several sports fields, short walking trails, and even a wildflower trail to enjoy.

The eponymous lakes are a popular fishing spot to while away a few hours of peace and quiet.

Meanwhile, families can take advantage of the play areas to tire out the kids.

Head into 2001 W Windsor Dr, Denton, TX 76207, United States.

11- Catch A Show At Movie Tavern Denton

Looking for some laid-back entertainment with a little added luxury? Take a look at what’s playing at the Movie Tavern.

More than your ordinary cinema, the Movie Tavern lets you sit back and indulge in some extra creature comforts while enjoying your film.

Instead of a normal concessions stand, you can enjoy a full bar with cocktails and a wide menu offering full meals and gourmet versions of your favourite movie snacks.

You can order straight from your seat at the touch of a button, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

Spend your evening at 916 W University Dr, Denton, TX 76201, United States.

12- Entertain Your Kids At Explorium – Denton Children’s Museum

If you’re travelling with kids and need to keep them entertained for a few hours, try taking them to Explorium.

Part play area, part museum, Explorium is packed with toys, equipment, and interactive exhibits to get your kids burning off some energy and expanding their minds at the same time.

Take the kids to 5800 I 35, #214, Denton, TX 76207, United States.

13- Browse Krum Heritage Museum

Just west of Denton, Krum Heritage Museum is a compact gallery full of artefacts relating to the local area’s history and development.

From household objects and furnishings from various eras to exhibits on notable locals and events, Krum Heritage Museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the Denton area.

Pop over to 150 W McCart St, Krum, TX 76249, United States.

14- Splash About At Water Works Park

Summers in Texas can get pretty toasty, so if you’re visiting in the hotter months, you will want somewhere to cool off.

Beat the heat by jumping into a cool swimming pool and take the family for a fun in the sun at Water Works Park.

The park has both indoor and outdoor swimming areas, both with a variety of waterslides to enjoy.

Visitors can also enjoy splashing about in the wave pool, drifting along the lazy river, or simply practising their breaststroke in one of the various pools.

Shaded gazebos have plenty of poolside seating, so even those who prefer to stay dry can join the family outing.

Start the fun at 2400 Long Rd, Denton, TX 76208, United States.

15- Speed Through Denton Mountain Bike Trail

Surrounded on all sides by beautiful natural landscapes and plenty of parks, Denton isn’t just a haven for hikers.

Mountain biking trails lead out from the city and into the nearby nature preserves, accommodating anyone who prefers to zip through the trees on two wheels.

The Denton Mountain Bike Trail heads out from the north of the city.

Starting just a few miles from the city centre, you can be out thrill-seeking in no time.

Cycle to 5331 Hartlee Field Rd, Denton, TX 76208, United States.

16- Hike Around Clear Creek Natural Heritage Centre

Those who prefer to explore the local landscape at a walking pace have plenty of hiking trails to choose from. The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Centre makes an excellent starting point.

Along with being the starting point of various walking routes, the Natural Heritage Centre also offers a range of monthly workshops to help visitors to get involved in caring for the natural environment.

Head in at 3310 Collins Rd, Denton, TX 76208, United States.

17- Cross Elm Fork Bridge

Another of the Denton area’s lovely iron truss bridges, the Elm Fork pedestrian bridge is a charming landmark on the walking routes heading north from Denton.

Those crossing the bridge can read up on its history from the plaque at its east end.

The bridge also makes a fantastic starting point for those heading along Greenbelt corridor park.

The parking lot just metres from the bridge is also perfect for those who don’t want to make the entire walk out from the city.

Find the bridge at 428 W Sherman Dr, Aubrey, TX 76227, United States.

18- Stroll Through Greenbelt Corridor Park

Greenbelt Corridor Park is a narrow parkland following the Elm Fork Trinity River from Denton out to Ray Roberts State Park.

Several miles long and lined with lush forests, the park is a delightful hiking trail in its own right, offering a convenient route out to the larger park.

Between the trees and winding river, Greenbelt Corridor Park is teeming with wildlife from beautiful wildflowers to an array of birds, fish, and insects.

Keep your eyes peeled as you wander along.

Wander along to Denton, TX 76208, United States.

19- Explore Ray Roberts Lake State Park

The vast Ray Roberts Lake State Park is right at the northern limits of Denton.

The massive park is a paradise for any outdoor adventurer.

Hiking routes stretch for miles, various campsites line the lake, and even several designated hunting areas.

Those who prefer to enjoy the lake can enjoy the fishing areas and boat access.

There are also several beaches to be enjoyed during the summer months.

Head out to Pilot Point, TX 76258, United States.

20- Look To The Stars At Rafes Urban Astronomy Centre

Along with housing research labs and classrooms for University of Texas astronomy students, the Rafes Urban Astronomy Centre hosts frequent public events to encourage the local community to take an interest in the wonders of the universe.

On the first and third Saturday of each month, ‘Star Parties’ are held in the amphitheatre outside the observatory.

At the star parties, visitors can gaze through the powerful telescopes while university lecturers and students teach you about the various celestial objects you can spot.

Head to 2350 Tom Cole Rd, Denton, TX 76207, United States.