Denton, TX Area Guide

Denton , Texas has a population of over 119,000 residents, and is 40 miles from the Oklahoma/Texas border and 40 miles northwest of Dallas. The area is often considered to be a college town because it is home to both the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University.

Denton History

The first pioneers who arrived in this area settled along the Trinity River, and Denton County was established in 1846. The town was named after John B. Denton, a pioneer preacher and lawyer who was killed in a fight with Indians in 1841. In 1890 the North Texas Normal College (now known as the University of North Texas) was established here, and in 1903 the Girls’ Industrial College (now the Texas Women’s University) was founded. The population has grown tremendously since that time, and agricultural trade and manufacturing industries have thrived in the area.

For more information about the rich culture and history of Denton, please visit the official website.

Denton Parks and Recreation

The Denton Parks and Recreation Department strives to enrich the lives of our residents by offering public parks and open spaces for recreation or passive enjoyment of our scenic town. The department also offers a variety of recreation and leisure programs to foster lifelong, positive well-being, creativity, and learning among patrons and guests.

For more information about the programs offered by the Denton Parks and Recreation Department, visit their website.

Denton Area Events

There are plenty of things to do and see here in Denton. For the official Calendar of Events and a list of local festivals taking place in the area, please visit the links below:

Events Calendar

Festivals and Events

Denton Area Attractions

Hangar 10 Flying Museum

First Ladies of Texas Gown Collection

Bayless-Selby House Museum

County Historical Museum Inc.

Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum

Texas Womens Hall of Fame

Denton Water Works Park

Denton Firefighters Museum

University of North Texas Sky Theater Planetarium