Eisenhower State Park (Texas)
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 | |
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.jpg) Lake Texoma, Eisenhower State Park, June 2014 | |
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| Location | Grayson County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Denison, Texas |
| Coordinates | 33°48′37.11″N 96°35′59.92″W |
| Area | 423.1 acres (171 ha) |
| Created | 1954 |
| Operated by | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
History
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 nearby 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.
Recreation
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.
Plant and animal life
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.