Experience Living History in the Texas Lakes Trail Region
We've curated the perfect day for Texas history lovers. Look below to see how you can experience history first-hand at Eisenhower Birthplace, Sam Bell Maxey House, or Sam Rayburn House state historic sites. Then stay awhile to visit more heritage attractions, try some tasty places to eat, and rest your road warrior head at some unique places to stay the night.
Want to see and do more? There's lots to do in the Texas Lakes Trail Region! Learn more about visiting our cities, heritage sites and attractions, and exciting events on our website.
May 19-25: Guided Tours of Eisenhower Birthplace
Located in the heart of Denison, Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site showcases the home where the 34th U.S. President Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower was born in 1890. Antique furnishings fill the modest frame house, illustrating the working-class life of the Eisenhowers. The visitor center celebrates Ike with memorabilia and exhibits featuring his many accomplishments as president and war hero. Tours are available at the top of the hour.
May 19-25: Guided Tours of Maxey House
Visitors to the Sam Bell Maxey House are guided through the Victorian home of the Maxey and Long families, which interprets how these upper-middle-class Texans lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Maxey and Long families lived in the house for 99 years before it was turned into a public institution, leaving a collection that is mainly family owned. Tours are available at the top of the hour.
May 19-25: Self-Guided Tours of Rayburn House
Visitors to the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site walk in the Rayburn family’s footsteps while exploring the life and home of Sam Rayburn. All tours of the house and grounds are guided and begin with the house museum. Tours include the downstairs and upstairs rooms of Rayburn’s home as well as the site grounds and outbuildings. Visitors can go inside Rayburn’s garage to view his 1947 Cadillac. On Wednesday, May 10, homeschool families and groups are invited to tour the Sam Rayburn House and participate in hands-on games and activities.