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Residents in Denton, TX gain more than a place to go for a high-quality education at the University of North Texas and Texas Women's University. They love living here for the resources of a big city with a small-town vibe. For when they do need big city stuff, Dallas and Fort Worth are a short drive away. With a population of roughly 120,000 residents, Denton provides three libraries, plenty of parks and trails, a water park, a natatorium, and a historical park. Rand McNally and USA Today have ranked Denton as the No. 1 Best Small Town in America. Here are some of Dentonites' favorites. Libraries In addition to the three public libraries, you'll want to visit Blagg-Huey Library at TWU with its impressive collections by and about women. You'll find everything from book art and cookbooks to Texas first ladies' historic costumes and women military aviators. The public library serves up more than books. You can research your family history through the genealogy resources, learn something new on Lynda.com, check out ebooks, and more. Review the calendar for loads of upcoming events and classes. Live Performances Located in Denton's downtown square is Campus Theatre where you can enjoy shows, concerts, and film festivals. For upcoming events, see the production calendar. UNT's Murchison Performing Art Center's concert hall and theater offer first-rate orchestral performances and theatrical productions. You can revel in more cultural experiences at Denton Community Theatre that presents plays and musicals. They also offer youth classes in the summer, fall, and winter. Drag Racing Experience drag racing at the Northstar Dragway with nonstop racing and entertainment for the entire family. "Feature Event" days occur on Saturdays where more than 100 of the fastest outlaw racers and cars captivate you for hours. Lake Ray Roberts Folks living in Country Lakes and elsewhere in Denton can enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer just 25 miles away at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. You can do all the lake and park things like camp, fish, hike, bike, backpack, paddle, swim, and ride horses. An onsite marina sells and rents boats, boat slips, fishing licenses, baits, and groceries. Art Galleries You don't have to travel to Dallas or Fort Worth to admire works of art. Those are great, but sometimes you want to stay in your backyard. Not only can you take an art class at Creative Art STUDIO, but also you can explore fine art and handmade crafts from local and regional artists. The public can visit four art galleries at UNT that display photography, visual arts and design, and fashion created by talented staff and students. Wander the campus to find art in public places like the 1935 Mural. The art galleries at TWU also exhibits works of art by students and guest artists. Patterson-Appleton Arts Center (PAAC) celebrates the arts in a historic building, a restored steam power engine plant. At least 70 pieces in its permanent collection contain works from regional and international artists. Every year, more than 20 exhibitions make their way through the center. Museums The building that houses Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum has stood in the middle of the Denton's Historic Square since 1896. Restored in 2004, its construction is based on Texas materials including Denton limestone, Austin pink granite, Pecos region red sandstone, and Mineral Wells tan sandstone. Although temporarily closed, it's worth keeping on your list for when it opens again. You have another historical place to visit in Denton County Historical Park. The park is south of the Historic Square and a short walk from the Courthouse. Travel to Denton's past by traipsing through the Bayless-Selby House, Quakertown House, and Welcome Center. The Denton County page for Denton's museums lists hours and information. Head a couple blocks east of the courthouse to get to the Denton Firefighters' Museum to go on a journey that honors firefighters. Naturally, the museum is in the historic Central Fire Station where you can explore the lives of firefighters dating from the 1800s to today. Still hankering for more ideas? Discover Denton contains many suggestions for places to stay, shop, see, do, and discover.