Did you know The Colony boasts an impressive 23 miles of shoreline along Lake Lewisville, making it one of the most water-rich suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex? This hidden gem combines the tranquility of lakeside living with metropolitan amenities, creating a uniquely appealing destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Located just 37 km (23 miles) north of downtown Dallas, The Colony is easily accessible by car via the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) or the Dallas North Tollway. The nearest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), approximately 27 km (17 miles) southwest of The Colony, offering convenient access for travelers from across the country and beyond.
For those driving from other Texas cities, The Colony is approximately 386 km (240 miles) north of Houston (about 3.5 hours), 325 km (202 miles) northeast of Austin (about 3 hours), and 394 km (245 miles) northeast of San Antonio (about 4 hours).
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
The Colony enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The most pleasant times to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures typically range from 18-27°C (64-80°F), creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Spring (March-May)
Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make this an ideal time for hiking, golfing, and lakeside activities. Spring also brings occasional thunderstorms, so pack a light raincoat.
Fall (September-November)
With warm days, cool evenings, and less humidity, fall offers perfect weather for exploring outdoor attractions. The changing foliage around Lake Lewisville creates beautiful scenery for nature lovers.
Summers (June-August) can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 32°C (90°F), though this is prime time for water activities at Lake Lewisville. Winters (December-February) are generally mild with occasional cold snaps; temperatures typically range from 4-16°C (40-60°F).
Getting Around Locally
The Colony is primarily a car-dependent city, and having your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the area. Most attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants are spread throughout the city, making a rental car essential for visitors.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in The Colony and can be a good option for shorter trips or evenings out. For active visitors, The Colony offers excellent biking and walking trails, particularly along the lake, providing a scenic way to navigate parts of the city.
Where to Stay
The Colony offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Most hotels are concentrated near major attractions like Grandscape and along the highway corridors.
Luxury Options
The Cascades at The Colony provides upscale accommodations with modern amenities and convenient access to Grandscape. Several national hotel chains also offer premium lodging with features like fitness centers, pools, and on-site dining.
Mid-Range Choices
Numerous comfortable and affordable hotels line the Sam Rayburn Tollway corridor, offering convenient access to The Colony’s attractions. These properties typically include amenities such as complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and swimming pools.
Unique Stays
For a different experience, consider vacation rentals near Lake Lewisville or at The Tribute golf community. These options often provide more space and privacy, making them ideal for families or longer stays.
Dining & Local Cuisine
The Colony’s dining scene has exploded in recent years, particularly with the development of Grandscape, offering everything from Texas barbecue to international cuisine. Food lovers will find plenty of options to satisfy their cravings.
Must-Try Restaurants
- Truck Yard – Part honky-tonk, part beer garden, this unique venue offers rotating food truck fare, cold brews, and live music in a quirky setting that includes a Toilet Seat Museum.
- Windmills – Experience a fusion of live jazz music, craft beer, and international-inspired cuisine at this Bangalore-heritage establishment.
- Hard Eight BBQ – For authentic Texas barbecue, this local favorite serves up pit-smoked meats in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails – Enjoy upscale American cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish setting at Austin Ranch.
Grandscape also houses numerous dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Many restaurants feature outdoor patios with views of the development’s central areas, perfect for people-watching while enjoying your meal.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Grandscape
As one of the largest and most unique mixed-use developments in the country, Grandscape is The Colony’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Home to Nebraska Furniture Mart (one of the largest home furnishing stores in the country) and SCHEELS (a massive sporting goods store), Grandscape also features numerous first-to-market venues not found anywhere else in Texas.
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
Perfect for family fun, especially during hot Texas summers, Hawaiian Falls offers a variety of water attractions including the Breaker Bay wave pool, Kona Cooler lazy river, and thrilling water slides like The Torpedo. The park is open from May through September and hosts special events throughout the season.
Unique Entertainment Venues
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – Named after racing legend Mario Andretti, this venue features a multi-level racetrack, indoor ropes course, laser tag arena, and arcade games.
- Topgolf – Enjoy food, drinks, and music while aiming for targets from climate-controlled hitting bays at this popular entertainment complex.
- Puttery – An adults-only (21+) mini golf venue combining innovative gameplay with themed cocktails and chef-inspired cuisine.
- The Escape Game – Work together to solve puzzles and escape from one of five themed rooms in this interactive adventure experience.
Outdoor Recreation & Lake Activities
Lake Lewisville
With 23 miles of shoreline in The Colony, Lake Lewisville is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the area. The 29,000-acre lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Two major access points in The Colony provide different experiences:
Stewart Creek Park
This city-operated park features a beach area, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, camping areas, and hiking trails. It’s perfect for picnics, swimming, and shoreline fishing.
Hidden Cove Park and Marina
A full-service marina offering boat rentals, slips, and launches. The park also includes camping facilities, cabins, and a restaurant, making it ideal for longer lake adventures.
Golf
The Colony is home to some of North Texas’ top golf courses, offering challenging play and beautiful scenery:
- Old American Golf Club – Designed by Tripp Davis and PGA TOUR winner Justin Leonard, this course features natural beauty along Lake Lewisville’s shores and has hosted LPGA Tour events.
- The Tribute Golf Links – This course pays homage to famous Scottish links courses with its design and is complemented by a majestic 33,000-square-foot English Tudor clubhouse.
- PopStroke – Co-owned by Tiger Woods, this innovative putting course combines mini golf with gourmet food and craft beer for a unique experience.
Trails & Nature Experiences
Scenic Trails
The Colony offers excellent trails for walking, running, and cycling, with the most notable being:
- The Colony Shoreline Trail – This peaceful crushed granite trail runs along Lake Lewisville, offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
- Tribute Shoreline Trail – Located near Old American Golf Club, this trail provides another scenic route along the lake with free parking and access.
- Austin Ranch Trails – Within the 1,700-acre Austin Ranch development, several trails wind through picturesque rolling Texas hills, perfect for nature lovers.
The Colony boasts one of the highest ratios of park space per capita in Texas, with over 2,500 acres of parkland spread across 28 community parks. Many of these parks feature additional trails, fishing ponds, and recreational amenities.
Practical Travel Tips
Local Transportation
A rental car is highly recommended for exploring The Colony and surrounding areas. Most attractions are not within walking distance of each other, and public transportation options are limited.
Weather Preparedness
Texas weather can be unpredictable. During summer months (June-August), temperatures regularly exceed 32°C (90°F), so pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Spring can bring thunderstorms, while winter occasionally sees freezing temperatures, especially at night.
Family-Friendly Destination
The Colony is exceptionally family-friendly with numerous attractions designed for children and adults alike. Hawaiian Falls Waterpark, Andretti Indoor Karting, and the community parks are particularly popular with families.
Special Events
Check the city’s event calendar when planning your visit. The Colony hosts several annual events, including Liberty by the Lake (July 4th celebration), American Heroes Festival (September), and Holiday in the Park (December).
Plan Your Visit to The Colony
The Colony offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, family entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure on Lake Lewisville, world-class golf, unique entertainment venues, or simply a relaxing getaway with scenic views, this vibrant Texas city delivers memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
With its convenient location near Dallas, growing collection of attractions, and beautiful natural setting, The Colony has established itself as one of North Texas’ most appealing destinations. Begin your adventure in The Colony, where lakeside tranquility meets metropolitan excitement!
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