Summary
Eisenhower State Park is a state park located in Grayson County, Texas, northwest of Denison, Texas on the shores of Lake Texoma. The park is 423.1 acres (171 ha).
| Eisenhower State Park | |
|---|---|
 Lake Texoma, Eisenhower State Park, June 2014 | |
   | |
| Location | Grayson County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Denison, Texas |
| Coordinates | 33°48′37.11″N 96°35′59.92″W / 33.8103083°N 96.5999778°W |
| Area | 423.1 acres (171 ha) |
| Created | 1954 |
| Operated by | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Visitors | 156,741 (in 2022)[1] |
History edit
The park was acquired in 1954 by a Department of Army lease. The park was opened to the public in 1958. The park is named for the 34th U.S. president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born in Denison.
In the early 1830s, the area was important to Anglo settlers, particularly as a route to Texas and the American southwest. It was also an area of cattle trails.[2]
Recreation edit
The park offers nature programs throughout the year. The park has facilities for picnicking, nature study, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, wildlife observation, All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, and camping. Facilities at the park are picnic sites, playground areas, campsites, screened shelters, recreation hall, a campground pavilion, boat dock, an amphitheater, a lighted fishing pier, an ATV/mini bike area of 10 acres (40,000 m2), and 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of hike and bike trails.
Also located within the park is the Eisenhower Yacht Club, a privately operated full-service marina.[3]
Plant and animal life edit
Several varieties of wildflowers grow in the park. A wide variety of trees grow in the park including oak, ash, elm, cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon, and bois d'arc. Mammals at the park include armadillo, bat, beaver, coyote, deer, fox, mink, nutria, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and squirrel. Wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl may be observed in the area. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass, sunfish, and catfish.[4]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Christopher Adams. "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown". KXAN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "Eisenhower State Park History — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ "Eisenhower State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ "Eisenhower State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
External links edit
- Official Site
- Film footage of Eisenhower State Park from Exploring the Texas State Park System on the Texas Archive of the Moving Image