Swing into Denton County Museums

This article is a part of the 2023 Summer Travel Guide, a sponsored collection brought to you by our travel advertising partners. You can find more summer travel destinations and events here.

Located in downtown Denton, Texas, the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area through rotating and permanent exhibits. Housed inside the iconic 1896 Courthouse designed by architect W.C. Dodson, the museum’s permanent exhibits include an evolution of firearms, a 1913 farm wagon, and a vintage grocery store for interactive play. On the second floor, visitors can take in the historic Commissioners Courtroom and admire the restored features of the pressed tin ceiling and the woodwork. On the courthouse lawn, visitors may be surprised to find the grave of the county’s namesake, John B. Denton.

Farm wagon display inside the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum

This summer, take a musical journey through Denton’s legendary music scene in the exhibit, Making a Scene. On view through August 26, 2023, this exhibit features photographs, posters, and other items representing beloved artists, venues, and festivals over the decades that have played a vital role in putting Denton on the map, because when you think of Denton, you think music.

*Making a Scene* exhibit at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum in Denton

From house shows to performance halls, generations of music lovers have cultivated what has become a legendary scene that crosses all genres. The artists, venues, festivals, and recording studios of our community have directly contributed to the evolution of music and the industry on a global scale. Music education programs in the area have attracted and produced talent that continues to reinvest in the local scene. The freedom to experiment and collaborate has created an iconic sound that is both eclectic and refined.

Making a Scene is supported by Denton County and the City of Denton.

The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is located at 110 W. Hickory Street in Denton, Texas. Admission is always free.

Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum Hours:

Monday – Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM

Kitchen at the Bayless-Selby House Museum

After visiting the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, take a stroll over to the Denton County Historical Park. Just a few blocks from the downtown square, the Historical Park is home to the Bayless-Selby House Museum, the Taylor Log Cabin, and the Denton County African American Museum. Each of these museums provide a look into early periods of Denton County’s history.

On Saturday June 10 from 9 AM to 1 PM, the Historical Park’s greenspace will transform with tractor displays, vendor booths, and hands-on activities for Denton County Farm Heritage Day in conjunction with the Denton Community Market and the Denton Farmers Market.

Tractor display during Denton County Farm Heritage Day, scheduled for June 10, 2023

The Denton County Historical Park is located at 317 West Mulberry Street, at the corner of Carroll Boulevard and Mulberry Street.

Denton County Historical Park Hours:

Summer Hours: April–October, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM

Winter Hours: November–March, Wednesday–Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM

Throughout the month of May, in honor of Historic Preservation Month, catch local events with Denton Revealed 2023. Denton Revealed showcases and celebrates the history of Denton County with a series of tours, lectures, and workshops. To view the full schedule of events, visit CityOfDenton.com.