Things to Do in Graham, Texas
Outdoor Recreation
The pristine North Texas Hill Country provides the ultimate resource for outdoor recreation. Those looking for adventure have no shortage of options. Trails for hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking are available and water sports abound at the many lakes and parks of the area.
Lake Graham and Lake Eddleman are located just a few miles north of Graham, and together are known as one of the top fisheries in North Texas. Nurtured by a gas fired electricity generating plant, the lakes have become top producers and are a popular destination for fisherman of all types, more especially area bass clubs. Largemouth black bass have grown in both number and size in recent years as the result of large scale stockings of Florida strain bass in the mid ‘90s. Crappie are excellent year round as are the blue and flathead catfish. White bass and hybrid striped bass are abundant and provide anglers wonderful opportunities to catch these great gamefish. The two lakes are joined by a canal, and the 2,600-acre city owned reservoir has varied cover and creek drainage, the largest being the main arm of Salt Creek from the north. State size restrictions apply and there are numerous areas that non-boaters may access the water. There are three primary ramps for boaters, one on Lake Eddleman and two on Lake Graham.
Texas is known nationally for exceptional hunting, and hunting opportunities abound around Graham, Texas. Multiple species of game have created a paradise for the seasonal and year-round hunter. Quail, dove of three species and ducks are found in large numbers all over the Graham area. Whitetail deer and Rio Grande turkeys roam the hillsides and valleys in numbers greater than were seen by our great grandfathers. Some of the largest deer in Texas abound on the west side of Young County where cultivation and creeks feed the genetics of these wonderful game animals. For year-round sporting fun, there are wild hogs, coyotes and bobcats. One of the largest varmint hunts in Texas occurs each January in Graham. Wild hogs continue to proliferate along the creeks and river bottoms of the Brazos River Valley as well as around the wheat and cotton fields of this great land on the fringe of the frontier. Both season leases and day leases for all game can be found by calling the Graham Chamber of Commerce at 940-549-3355.
Consisting of over 1,500 acres of diverse Texas landscape and bordered by the historic Brazos River, Wildcatter Ranch offers a mixture of traditional ranch activities including horseback riding, nature viewing, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing and much more. After a busy day on Wildcatter Ranch, relax and enjoy a great steak and a cool drink at Wildcatter Steakhouse and the Blowout Saloon. More information can be found at the website www.wildcatterranch.com.
Two area golf courses supply challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Graham County Club Golf Course was named one of the top-ranked 9-hole courses in Texas by the Dallas Morning News. The course is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday. The Cliffs Golf Course is a remarkably scenic course on Possum Kingdom Lake. Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest, this 18-hole championship course stretches along 170-foot cliffs that overlook the lake. More information on the Cliffs Resort can be found at the website www.thecliffsresort.com.
Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake is one of the premier recreational lakes in Texas. Clear blue water and more than 300 miles of scenic shoreline make this a veritable haven for all outdoor enthusiasts. Boat rentals of all types are available and free boat ramps are strategically positioned at seven locations around the lake as well as at Possum Kingdom State Park. Conditions are prime for fishing at PK Lake. Predominant fishing species include largemouth bass, white crappie, striped bass, white bass, channel and blue catfish.
In addition to swimming, PK Lake also affords opportunities for scuba diving. Divers can explore rock formations around the Hell’s Gate area and the cliff line in several places along the south side of the lake.
Events and Entertainment in Graham, Texas
With so much to experience in Graham, the only question people have is what to do first. Events planned throughout the year celebrate local heritage and holidays. Annual festivities include the Graham Concert Association Series, a year’s worth of professional music concerts and entertainers, held at the Graham Memorial Auditorium.
The historic downtown square is center stage for the Chamber-sponsored 4th of July festivities and the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Christmas Parade. Art Splash on the Square, scheduled for the third Saturday in May, is an arts festival that showcases the very best of fine art and entertainment.
The Rock, Graham’s high school youth activity center, offers a safe, wholesome and fun place for high school students to congregate on the weekends. Located in the historic Rock Island Railroad Depot on the corner of Elm and 6th Street, The Rock was founded upon faith-based principles and is directed by a board of civic minded citizens inspired to create a better environment for the youth of Graham.
Young County Arena
Young County Arena is a state-of-the-art multipurpose center that serves all of North Texas. Two arenas totaling 277,000 square feet with 6.2 acres under one roof allow for exciting year-round events including rodeos, bull riding competitions, arena motocross motorcycle races, concerts, circus events, dog shows, antique tractor shows and more. The main arena seats 2,500 with an additional 5,000 square foot meeting room, a 7,500 square foot foyer for vendors, including a concession stand and food court overlooking the main arena. The facility also offers 250 horse stalls and 30 RV hook-ups. More information can be found online at www.youngcountyarena.com.