This city was established in 1857 as the seat of Denton county. It was named for John B. Denton a pioneer lawyer, preacher and soldier. The city and county are a blend of agricultural and modern industries. Recreational activities include intercollegiate sports, golf, hunt and a wide range of water sports at nearby reservoirs. Denton is a Main Street City and is located 35-miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Things to do in Denton
Art Galleries
Craft media, paintings, sculptures and other works can be found in the two galleries at the Center for the Visual Arts. Local and national artists are featured here. Open Tuesday - Sunday 1 - 5pm; Thursday 1 - 7pm. Located at 207 Bell Street.
Bayless Selby House Museum
Located at 317 West Mulberry. This Victorian house museum tells the story of life in Denton at the turn of the century. Tours are available by appointment. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 3pm. Call 940-349-2865 for more information.
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum
The museum is housed in Denton's historic courthouse, which was built in 1896. The museum recalls Denton's history through a variety of exhibits. Special displays include Indian and Denton County pottery, American pressed blue glass, weaponry and dolls. Located at 110 W. Hickory on the first Floor of the Denton County Courthouse. Open Monday - Friday 10am - 4:30pm. Call 940-565-5667 for more information.
Denton County Historical Museum, Inc. and Texas Heritage Museum
This museum is located at the Exposition Mills Denton Factory Stores. It displays artifacts and memorabilia depicting life at the turn of the century. Rotating exhibits offer something new to see for return visitors. A genealogy and family research center is also available for public use. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm. Call 940-380-0877 for more information.
Downtown Square
Denton is a Texas Historical Commission "Main Street" City and part of the National Historic Register. Browse through antique shops, art galleries, gift boutiques, restaurants and other establishments offering everything from vintage clothing to out of print books to entertainment and gourmet meals. Call 940-349-8259 for more information.
Eagle Point Golf Club
2211 North Interstate 35, Denton, TX
Gowns of the First Ladies of Texas
View the inaugural gowns of the wives of the presidents of the Republic of Texas and State Governors. Features dresses worn by the wives of two Presidents of the U.S. and the wife of a Vice President. Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Located on the TWU campus in the Administration Tower, 2nd Floor. Call 940-898-2669 for more information.
Hangar 10 Flying Museum
This museum is named after the location of the first airplane museum in Texas at Brooke Air Force Base in San Antonio. This museum boasts several planes including a Lockheed 10A, a Stagger Wing, built by Beech Aircraft, a PT-22, and a Piper L-4. Open Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm. Located at 1945 Wright Lane on the south side of the Denton Municipal Airport. Call 940-565-1945 for more information.
Lake Lewisville
Located on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River in Denton County near Lewisville.
Little Chapel-in-the-Woods
This chapel, completed in 1939, was designed by O'Neil Ford. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt attended dedication ceremonies. The small chapel blends nature and art in wooded setting on the Texas Woman's Univ. campus. Ten stained glass windows, designed by students, depict the theme Woman Ministering to Human Needs. Although constructed for private meditation, the chapel has become the setting for many weddings in the community. Open during school hours on Texas Woman's University Campus. Located at 1200 N Bell Avenue. Call 940-898-3644 for more information.
Murchison Performing Arts Center
The University of North Texas' Performing Arts Center is one of the most striking structures in the Denton skyline. The domed hall on the UNT campus is acoustically compared to renowned concert halls around the world. Call 940-565-4647 for more information.
Oak-Hickory Historic District
Victorian homes on West Oak Street are fine examples of Victorian cottages with generous porches, jigsaw work and tall narrow windows.
Ray Roberts Lake
Located on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, 10-miles north of Denton off FM 455.
Sky Theatre
At the UNT Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building, the Sky Theatre is your launch pad for exciting adventures. This 100-seat, 40-foot high domed theater has a Digistar 11 projection system that can reproduce the sky tonight or one that even dinosaur's might have looked at millions of years ago. It makes you feel as if you are traveling to a nearby star. Shows are Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2 and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Call 940-565-3599 for more information.
Texas Woman's University Golf Course
Clubhouse Drive, Denton, TX
The Campus Theatre
This removed 1940's movie house is an art deco masterpiece that has been returned to its days of glory. Live productions are offered year-round. Call for current performance line up. Call 940-382-7014 for more information.
Visitor Information
Visit the Denton Chamber of Commerce at 414 Parkway. Open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm. Call 940-382-7895 for more information.