Denton residents know the value of learning that happens outside the classroom, and a trip to Hochatown puts that belief into action. This family attraction near Broken Bow Lake gives kids the chance to pan for real gold, gemstones, and arrowheads, uncover dinosaur fossils and shark teeth, play through two themed mini golf courses, and create wax hand keepsakes, all in a single, action-packed visit.
As a city shaped by the energy of two major universities and a thriving arts scene, Denton has a character unlike any other community in North Texas. With a population that has surged past 150,000 and a median age of just 31, this is a young, creative community where families embrace experiences that blend curiosity with adventure. Beaver's Bend Mining Company connects naturally with that mindset. Since 2017, we have been giving kids of all ages a space to explore, question, and discover, and Denton families have been making the drive to experience it.
At the mining sluice, kids pick a bag and start sifting through material to find their own treasures. Real amethyst, emeralds, fossils, arrowheads, and gold emerge from the water, and our staff is right beside them explaining the science behind each find. They learn where specific gemstones originate, how fossils are created through natural processes, and what each artifact reveals about history. It is exactly the kind of experiential education that Denton's academically minded community appreciates.
The experience stretches beyond mining into two distinct mini golf adventures. The indoor Dino Dig course wraps prehistoric discovery into every hole, making it a hit with younger kids and a fun challenge for adults. The 18-hole outdoor Shipwreck Cove course sends the family on a pirate treasure quest complete with a full ship to explore. Wax hand dipping rounds out the visit with a creative, hands-on souvenir, and a ride on Fluffy the T-rex guarantees smiles from every age group.
Denton families looking for a weekend destination that feeds curiosity and rewards exploration should plan their visit to Hochatown for a hands-on family adventure unlike anything closer to home.
In a community celebrated as one of the fastest-growing college towns in the nation and officially designated the Halloween Capital of Texas, Denton families have high expectations for creativity and originality. We meet those expectations by offering an attraction where nothing is passive. Kids drive their own experience, choosing what to mine for, directing their own discoveries, and walking away with real artifacts they found with their own hands. That level of engagement is what separates a forgettable outing from a formative one.