1. Learn About History at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum
Built in 1896, the Denton County Courthouse in Denton is the city’s most celebrated architectural masterpiece. Constructed from limestone, pink granite, red sandstone, and tan sandstone, the courthouse once fell into minor disrepair before it was fully restored in 2004. Today, the building still conducts judicial business for the county, with a separate portion dedicated to the city’s history. The best time to visit is on Saturday, when other activities such as concerts or open jam sessions run.
2. Skate at Lone Star Indoor Sports Center
With over 27,000 square feet of space, Lone Star Indoor Sports Center is the best place in the area to strap on a pair of roller blades or roller skates and have a great time with friends or family. While the center is typically used for private parties or their inline hockey league, there are open skates for the public on both Friday and Saturday for $10 including skate rental. If you have a knack for competition, and you have the skills, inline hockey is another fun way to bond with friends while getting some exercise.
3. Explore the Denton Arts Walk of Fame
Despite its small size, Denton has almost always had a bustling music scene. To honor the most famous of these artists, Denton commissioned the Denton Arts Walk of Fame, which lines Hickory Street in downtown Denton. Some of the most famous people on the walk include Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist Norah Jones, country music legend Pat Boone, and polka/world music band Brave Combo. Aside from musicians, famous painters, sculptors, actors, and poets line the walk.
4. Take the Ghosts of Denton Historic Haunted Tour
With over 150 years of history, Denton has had its fair share of interesting people and stories. However, not everyone likes museums. Fortunately, the Ghosts of Denton Tour gives a fun alternative to the traditional museum setting. During this 90-minute tour, professional storyteller and tour guide Shelly Tucker takes you through the curious, scary, and sometimes macabre events that shaped the past and present of Denton.
According to Tucker, much of downtown Denton remains haunted by spirits such as a murdered Comanche, the victims of one of the city’s 14 major fires between 1860 and 1895, and a blind sheriff that protects the living from these evil spirits. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, it’s still fun listening to the stories and going for a nice walk.
There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Denton if you know where to look. So whether you’re going somewhere by yourself, or you’re entertaining a group of people, Denton has just what you want.
Image via Pixabay | CC 0