Sherman, Texas is a charming city located in the northeastern part of the state, located about 65 miles north of Dallas. It has a population of approximately 46,000 people and serves as the county seat of Grayson County.
Founded in 1846, Sherman was named after General Sidney Sherman, a hero of the Texas Revolution. Its early history is interwoven with the development of the state and the pioneers who settled in the region, shaping the city’s character and identity.
Sherman’s historical significance is epitomized by the majestic Grayson County Courthouse, a grand architectural gem completed in 1896.
Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, the courthouse stands as a proud testament to the city’s enduring legacy. It remains in active use to this day and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the Civil War, Sherman played a strategic role as a vital transportation hub for the Confederate forces. The city’s central location made it a crucial link for the distribution of supplies and munitions.
Here is a comprehensive guide to 20 best and fun things to do in Sherman, Texas.
Things to Do in Sherman, Texas
1. Explore the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Exploring the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is like taking a walk on the wild side, but without any of the danger (unless you count the occasional mosquito bite).
It’s a chance to see some of nature’s finest specimens in their natural habitat, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some of the refuge’s more elusive creatures, like the secretive river otter or the sneaky bobcat.
This beautiful wildlife refuge spans over 11,000 acres and is home to over 300 bird species, as well as numerous other animals. Take a hike, go birdwatching, or take a guided tour.
So, grab your binoculars, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the great outdoors in all its unbridled glory. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
2. Visit the Sherman Museum
The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Grayson County, Texas, and the surrounding areas. It features a range of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the region’s history, including exhibits on the Civil War, World War II, Native American culture, and local industry.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the “Austin College Collection,” which features artifacts and memorabilia from Austin College, a private liberal arts college located in Sherman.
The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibits.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational experience, the Sherman Museum is definitely worth a visit.
3. Enjoy the outdoors at Herman Baker Park
The park covers an area of approximately 50 acres and features a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic areas, walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
One of the unique features of Herman Baker Park is its scenic pond, which is stocked with fish and popular for fishing. The park also has a disc golf course, which is a fun and challenging activity for players of all ages and skill levels.
In addition to its recreational offerings, Herman Baker Park is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery and a variety of trees, including oak, pecan, and cedar. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or an active day of sports and recreation.
4. Check out the Kelly Square Historic District
The district is named after Robert Kelly, a prominent businessman in the early 1900s who contributed significantly to the growth and development of Sherman.
Some of the notable attractions in the Kelly Square Historic District include the Grayson County Courthouse, which dates back to 1910 and features beautiful architecture and a prominent clock tower.
5. Take a stroll through Kelly Square Historic District
One of the main things to do at Kelly Square Historic District is to take a self-guided walking tour to admire the beautiful historic buildings and homes in the area. The district features a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne. Many of these buildings have been restored to their original grandeur, making them a sight to behold.
In addition to the architecture, Kelly Square Historic District is also home to a variety of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can shop for antiques, browse local art galleries, and sample delicious food and drinks at local restaurants and cafes.
Finally, the district also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a fun day out, the Kelly Square Historic District is definitely worth a visit.
6. Attend a concert at the Sherman Municipal Building
Attending a concert at the Sherman Municipal Building is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The auditorium features state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, as well as comfortable seating that provides an excellent view of the stage. The building hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, featuring a wide range of musical genres and performers.
Sherman Municipal Building also hosts a variety of other events, including theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and community gatherings.
Whether you’re a music lover or simply looking for a fun and cultural experience, attending a concert at the Sherman Municipal Building is definitely worth considering.
7. Visit the Red River Historical Museum
This museum is devoted to preserving and showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of the Red River region, which encompasses parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits and artifacts that highlight the region’s history, including displays of Native American culture, the Civil War, agriculture, and industry. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the “Journey Stories” exhibit, which explores the history of migration and immigration in the region.
Red River Historical Museum also hosts a range of educational programs and events throughout the year. These include lectures, workshops, and special exhibits, which offer visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the region and its people.
The museum is housed in a historic building that was once a Carnegie Library, adding to its unique character and charm.
8. Explore the Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum
Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of Perrin Air Force Base, including displays on the aircraft, weapons, and equipment used by the Air Force during this time. The museum also features exhibits on the life of Air Force personnel stationed at Perrin and the role that the base played in national defense.
One of the highlights of the Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum is its collection of vintage aircraft, including a T-33 jet trainer, a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter, and an F-86 Sabre jet fighter. Visitors can also tour the museum’s outdoor displays, which include a variety of military vehicles, equipment, and weapons.
9. Go shopping at the Midway Mall
The mall is home to a variety of anchor stores, including JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Sears, as well as numerous specialty stores and boutiques. Shoppers can find everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods, making it a one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs.
For those looking for entertainment, Midway Mall has plenty of options, including a movie theater and an arcade. The mall also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including seasonal sales, live performances, and community events.
10. Take a tour of the Grayson College Center for Workplace Learning
Visitors to the center can take a tour of its cutting-edge facilities, which include classrooms, labs, and workshops designed to simulate real-world workplace environments.
Students can choose from courses in fields such as welding, nursing, computer science, and more. The center also offers customized training programs for businesses and organizations looking to improve the skills of their workforce.
During the tour, visitors can meet with the center’s knowledgeable staff and instructors to learn more about the programs and services offered.
They can also observe students in action, gaining a firsthand look at the learning experience and the high-tech equipment and technology used in the training.
11. Check out the Texoma Farmers Market
The market is a hub for farmers and small businesses in the Texoma region, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and connect with customers. Visitors can enjoy browsing through the various stalls, meeting the vendors, and learning about the local food system.
The market also hosts a range of events throughout the year, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
12. Attend a performance at the Kidd-Key Auditorium
The building was built in 1910 and has been hosting a variety of cultural events, including concerts, theater productions, and lectures, ever since.
Performances at the Kidd-Key Auditorium range from classical music concerts to pop music acts, theatrical plays, dance performances, and more. The venue has a rich history and is a cherished cultural landmark in the local community.
The auditorium’s impressive acoustics and beautiful architecture make it a popular choice for performers and audiences alike. The venue seats up to 800 guests and features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
13. Visit the Waterloo Lake Regional Park
The park covers over 600 acres and features a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions of the park is the lake itself, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Visitors can rent boats and kayaks at the park, or bring their own and launch from one of the park’s boat ramps.
Waterloo Lake Regional Park also features a number of hiking and biking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s scenic beauty on foot or by bicycle.
The park’s trails wind through wooded areas, open fields, and along the lake’s shoreline, providing a variety of different landscapes to explore
14. Explore the Frontier Village
The village is designed to transport visitors back in time to the frontier days of the mid-19th century, featuring a range of authentic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits.
Each building is fully furnished with period-appropriate artifacts and displays, offering a glimpse into what life was like on the Texas frontier.
One of the highlights of Frontier Village is its living history programs, which bring the frontier era to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
15. Go wine tasting at one of the local vineyards
Sherman, Texas is home to several local vineyards that offer a unique experience for wine enthusiasts. Homestead Winery, Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard, and 4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery are just a few of the options for those looking to explore the local wine scene.
Visitors can sample award-winning wines made from Texas-grown grapes, take tours of the vineyards and wineries, and enjoy picturesque outdoor settings.
16. Take a trip to Lake Texoma
The lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, covering over 89,000 acres and featuring over 580 miles of shoreline.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Boat rentals are available at the lake’s marinas, and there are several public boat ramps for those who want to bring their own boats. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing at one of the lake’s many beaches, or hike along one of the park’s scenic trails.
17. Visit the Sherman Jazz Museum
Visitors to the museum can explore the history of jazz, from its origins in African American communities in the late 19th century to its influence on popular music today.
The museum features a collection of rare and vintage instruments, including saxophones, trumpets, and drums, as well as recordings, photographs, and other memorabilia.
At the Sherman Jazz Museum, you will have the opportunity to experience live jazz performances in an intimate setting. The museum hosts regular concerts and events featuring local and national jazz musicians, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience.
18. Explore the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
Located in Denison, Texas, the site is the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.
The driving distance between Sherman and the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is approximately 15 miles and the driving time is around 20 minutes but it’s totally worth visiting. The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history or presidential landmarks.
You can tour the modest two-story frame house where Eisenhower was born in 1890. The house has been restored to its early 20th-century appearance, complete with period furnishings, photographs, and other artifacts.
19. Attend a festival or event
One popular festival is the Sherman Arts Fest, which takes place annually in September. This festival showcases the work of local artists, musicians, and performers, with live music, art exhibits, and interactive activities for all ages.
Another notable event is the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games, which celebrates the city’s Scottish and Irish heritage with traditional music, dance, and athletic competitions. The festival also features a variety of food vendors and artisanal goods.
The Grayson County Fair is also a popular event, offering carnival rides, livestock shows, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Other notable festivals and events in Sherman include the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial Motorcycle Rally, the Texoma Earth Day Festival, and the Sherman Christmas Parade.
20. Play a round of golf
Golfers can choose from a range of courses, including the Sherman Municipal Golf Course, which features a challenging 18-hole course and a driving range. The course is set against a scenic backdrop, with rolling hills and towering trees adding to the challenge and beauty of the game.
Other popular courses in the area include the Tanglewood Resort Golf Course, located just a short drive from Sherman. This course offers stunning views of Lake Texoma, as well as challenging holes that require precision and skill.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to play golf in Sherman. The city’s golf courses offer a range of amenities, including pro shops, practice facilities, and restaurants, making them great destinations for a day out on the links.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sherman TX known for?
Sherman, Texas, is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and its proximity to beautiful Lake Texoma, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Is Sherman Texas a good place to live?
Sherman, Texas, is often considered a good place to live due to its affordability, friendly community, and access to amenities.
What is it like to live in Sherman Texas?
Living in Sherman, Texas, offers a mix of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Residents enjoy a close-knit community, cultural events, and outdoor activities.
What is the best neighborhood in Sherman Texas?
The best neighborhood in Sherman, Texas, depends on individual preferences. Some popular areas include West Sherman for its historic charm and family-friendly neighborhoods and Southridge for its newer developments and amenities.
