Looking for recommendations for public golf courses in Grapevine/The Colony/Frisco area. Driving roughly 30-45 minutes isn't a problem either. Just wanting some different options to look at.

I'm about to stray away from your region, but most of these are within 45 mins of the region, so I feel justified adding them based on your comments.

Best kept secret in the "city" is The Bridges at Gunter. It's a hike, but worth it if you are game. Nice little clubhouse, too. It is a little pricey.
https://www.bridgestexasgolf.com/

I also enjoy Frisco Lakes.
https://www.friscolakesgc.com/

Indian Creek in Carrolton is fun.
https://www.indiancreekgolfclub.com/

The best value in maybe the whole state is Cedar Crest in South Dallas. Bonus if you can grab a bike to run around with instead of a cart.
https://www.golfcedarcrest.com/

I have a lot of love for Texas Star in Euless, but it's been a minute since I played there.
https://www.texasstargolf.com/

I grew up playing Sherril in Richardson. Still have a lot of love for it, and the renos have been good to it over the years.
https://www.sherrillparkgolf.com/

If you're looking for a place you can take the family, I can't say enough nice things about The Swing at PGA Frisco. It's a fun little Par 3 that's pretty cheap. The massive putting green is also awesome (and free) and there is a lot to eat and drink if you're just looking to hang out.
https://pgafrisco.com/golf/

More expensive is The Tribute and Old American on Lake Lewisville. Both are awesome, but more a once in a blue moon situation.
https://www.golfclubsatthetribute.com/

All of that being said. If I had to play one course in the area you described and money didn't matter, it would be Cowboys. If I had to only play one course, and money was an issue, it'd be the Grapevine Muni. I have yet to play Rangers but plan to this Spring.

How's Turtle Hill in Muenster these days? Used to be great then went downhill after a sale. Haven't been in over 10 years

Lots of good options on here. I'd add Tierra Verde in Arlington. I've always enjoyed playing out there when I've been.

Firewheel in Garland has 3 decent courses so usually it's not very crowded. Played friday, Twilight was only $29 including cart.

I live in Arlington, so my thoughts on those.

Tierra Verde - very close to my house. Every single green is elevated, so your short game better be very good.

Rangers - Just OK to me. It's the old Ditto muni course, dressed up. Expensive when, to me, it still plays like Ditto.

In the midcities, two I haven't seen mentioned are Bear Creek and Riverside

Sharing this here as well.

My brother and I put together a Google Map of all the public courses in DFW.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1cpHd_wdIgxD_U6CCErJteJY9ylB468A&usp=sharing

Pretty cool.

First glance, it's missing some like Tangle Ridge in Grand Prairie and the Benbrook Par 3

Benbrook Par 3!

Man, I haven't thought of that place in years! My grandparents lived in Benbrook and would drop my brother and I off there just about every day/night during the summer.

I second Sherrill Park in Richardson. It's always been a good place to play but tee times can be tough to come by.