15 Best Things to Do in Durant, OK

When you think of fun vacation spots, you might think of several other states before landing in Oklahoma.

However, the city of Durant will make you think again.

Billed as the state’s “Magnolia Capital,” Durant offers travelers a unique mix of attractions that allow both relaxation and entertainment.

Rugged outdoorsmen will also find things to like in Durant, such as spots for exploring nature, camping, and hunting.

While camping, you can go lake fishing.

You can also hunt birds like ducks and geese, as well as mourning doves and bobwhite quails.

There are also a number of historical attractions and live entertainment venues to satisfy your tastes for downtown activities.

Of course, you won’t run out of new food to crave in Durant.

If you’re in the mood for table games or poker games with friends, the city hosts a sprawling entertainment complex for your entertainment needs.

There’s even a year-round rodeo if you want to realize your cowboy dreams.

Interested in everything Durant, OK has to offer? Check out the list below.

Enjoy Deluxe Entertainment at the Choctaw Casino Resort

As an AAA Four-Diamond entertainment destination, the Choctaw Casino Resort offers travelers unlimited enjoyment options, from dining to slot machines, table games, and poker rooms.

Want to get away for the weekend? How about enjoying a midweek break? Looking for a meeting location?

The Choctaw Casino Resort caters to all of your entertainment needs during your stay in Durant.

The resort’s other amenities include the Spa Tower, which holds 286 rooms plus a luxury spa; and the Oasis Pool area, which defines luxury itself.

Stay at the Choctaw Casino Resort, located at 4216 South Highway 69/75, Durant, OK 74701.

Create Your Own Masterpiece at the Elements Art Center

The locally owned and operated Elements Art Center gives travelers and locals alike the opportunity to indulge their creative side, by allowing them to get their hands dirty with paints and other materials.

At the Elements Art Center, you can enjoy a fun learning experience while working on your art.

Whether you want to learn art, appreciate it better, or just find an outlet for your stress, the center enables you to use art for your own purpose.

Check out the Elements Art Center at 305 West Main Durant, OK 74701.

Enjoy a Night at the Theater at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

If you’d like to treat yourself to a live performance, you might want to try attending a show at the Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

The school operates a number of theaters, which produces different plays, from classic literature to contemporary social dramas.

The performers always bring their A-game at shows, so you won’t regret spending a balmy Durant night at the theater.

For example, you’ll catch some great modern renditions of Shakespeare, among others.

To reach the theater, you need to enter the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus.

It’s located at 425 West University Boulevard, Durant, OK 74701.

Grab Cool Souvenirs at the Iron Horse Gallery & Gifts

Starting from the vision of Durant artist Janie Semple Umsted, the Iron Horse isn’t only a high-end gift shop, but it’s also an art gallery.

You can see works done by Janie herself, whose other sculptures can be found at the Choctaw Casino and Headquarters, as well as other spots in Oklahoma.

What can you buy at the Iron Horse? For starters, you can check out Janie’s art, and browse the store’s selection of home décor, children’s souvenirs, as well as candles and lotions.

At the Iron Horse, you’ll get to take a piece of Durant with you and share it with your loved ones.

The Iron Horse Gallery & Gifts is located at 117 South 5^th Avenue, Durant, OK 74701.

Sit by the Waters of Lake Texoma

The 12^th-largest lake in the United States can be found in Durant, OK. Moreover, this lake, called Lake Texoma, has become a popular attraction thanks to several amenities available to visitors.

Want proof? Every year, about 6 million visitors trek toward Lake Texoma.

At the lake, tourists can partake in a number of different activities, such as watersports, lake fishing, and boating.

In 1999, visitors to the lake spent a total of 90 million hours, which earned it first place among the US Army Corps of Engineers’ bevy of lake projects.

Enjoy a Day in the Sun at the Carl Albert Memorial Park

Despite its name, the Carl Albert Memorial Park is actually a great location for families to spend a day basking in the sun.

The Park offers a variety of outdoor activities that will surely tire everyone out at the end of the day.

You’ll have 16 acres to roam at the park, which contains a public swimming pool, a skate park, and a playground.

Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy a few sets of tennis at the park’s three lighted courts.

If you’d rather have a picnic, the park also lets families share meals under its pavilion or gazebo.

Either way, you’ll fill up your camera roll in a hurry when you’re there.

The Carl Albert Memorial Park is located at 1301 Gail Farrell Drive, Durant, OK 74701.

Revisit Oklahoma History at the Three Valley Museum

At the heart of the Red, Blue, and the Washita river valleys stands the Three Valley Museum, whose artifacts and displays paint the complete historical picture of Durant, OK.

These exhibits also enable you to connect deeply with the local community.

After all, it’s the citizens of Durant themselves who’ve gathered the objects on display over the years.

Seeing old possessions from citizens on display will make you understand the city of Durant as a truly lived-in place, instead of a glossy artificial tourist spot.

The Three Valley Museum is located at 401 West Main, Durant, OK 74701.

Grab Some Drinks at the Old Ice House Beer Garden

Craving for local beer while in Durant? Look no further than the Old Ice House, which offers a wide selection of local beers and wine, paired with delectable pizzas or the house specialty, the Ham Jam Sandwich.

The place used to be an ice manufacturing plant, but now the Old Ice House is one of Durant’s most attractive nightlife spots.

If you’re looking for a nice place to chill with some drinks, there’s none better in Durant.

Going with a small group? You can also book a private lounge at the bar.

Relax at the Old Ice House Beer Garden, which is located at 215 North 3^rdAvenue, Durant, OK 74701.

Feast Your Eyes on the World’s Largest Peanut

If you’re a fan of quirky world records, head on over to Durant to gaze upon its monument to the World’s Largest Peanut.

The monument also testifies to the importance of agriculture to the city’s growth and development.

Three feet long and 18 inches around, the cast-metal peanut stands on a granite pedestal.

If you find yourself in Durant, you should never miss this photo opportunity at this unique attraction.

While you’re at the monument, you might also feel a wave of appreciation for the peanut growers in nearby Bryan County.

You’ll learn important things about how simple farmers can contribute to the progress of a modern city.

The “World’s Largest Peanut” can be found at 300 West Evergreen Street, Durant, OK.

Rest Your Weary Bones at the Body Business Day Spa

Of course, a night out on the town is not the only way to relax in Durant.

You can also go to the Body Business Day Spa to pamper yourself with an array of massage treatments.

You can treat yourself to a full-body massage with aromatherapy, or you can get a taste of the partial 30-minute massage option, if you’re in a hurry.

The spa also offers facial treatments, as well as a salon if you want to look good while feeling great.

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and bliss in Durant, then come back to work feeling refreshed. You know you’ve earned it.

You can find the Body Business Day Spa at 211 West Main Street, Durant, OK 74701.

Go Down Durant’s Downtown Main Street

On the other hand, if you just want to soak in all of Durant, OK, you simply need to traverse the city’s Downtown Main Street.

Walk along this street to experience the city’s quaint classic charm, support local businesses by buying one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and drop in the local restaurants to sample the local fare.

Likewise, time your visit right and you’ll catch special city events like the Art Walk or the seasonal Farmers’ Market.

Sometimes you can even join parades going along this historic street.

Shop for Your Kids at The Modern Tot

Taking a trip to Durant with your kids? Want to dress them up in trendy clothes?

You’re in luck because The Modern Tot is there to fill your children’s wardrobe with fashionable and modern threads.

As a family-owned business, The Modern Tot knows firsthand how difficult buying children’s clothes could be.

So, bring your kids over to The Modern Tot to keep up with all the latest trends in kids’ clothes. Otherwise, you can also buy classy attire to last for the future.

The Modern Tot is located at 105 South 2^nd Avenue, Durant, OK.

Become a Modern Cowboy at the Durant Rodeo

Still nursing dreams of being a modern cowboy? Go to Durant, OK, and hang out at the rodeo to get your fill of the Wild West experience.

One of these rodeo attractions is the Durant Riding Club.

From March to September, the club hosts the Family Fun Playday Series.

In May, the club hosts a Pro Rodeo, where you can watch professionals wrangle cows and horses, among others.

In August, the Riding Club also hosts the Indian Rodeo.

Finally, you can also attend the Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s annual intercollegiate rodeo, and see the up-and-coming rodeo artists up close.

You can find the Durant Riding Club at 1901 South 9^th Avenue, Durant OK.

Relive American History at Fort Washita

Established in 1842, Fort Washita used to be a garrison that guarded the Texas frontier as well as kept away harmful elements from the Chickasaw nation.

Today, the site is part of the National Register of Historical Places, and one of the state’s top attractions for US history buffs.

Fort Washita also used to be an important garrison for the US Army during the Mexican War.

In 1861, federal troops left the site, which left it free for the Confederate Army to take over during the Civil War.

You can visit Fort Washita at 3348 Highway 199, Durant, OK 74701.

Play Some More at The District

While you’re at the Choctaw Casino Resort, you could hang out at The District for even more fun and games. Take your kids to the arcade for a whole afternoon’s worth of fun.

If not the arcade, you can go to the 20-lane bowling alley, so you can finally start that family bowling tournament you’d been planning for so long.

After bowling, put your tired feet up at the cinema, and then grab a bite to eat before heading back to your hotel.

The District is at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK 74701.

Final Thoughts

While Durant, OK might not be the place for high-octane adventures, you just need to accept the city’s charming and low-key energy to maximize your enjoyment during your stay.

If you’re looking for a taste of history and heritage, the city offers several attractions to satisfy the history buff in you.

Admire the artifacts collected and displayed at the various museums in the city.

Likewise, historical attractions also abound in Durant.

You can relive the westward expansion of the pioneering Americans of yesteryear in old military forts recognized nationally for their significance.

Otherwise, you can indulge your craving for live entertainment or table games in Durant.

Enjoyed your trip to Durant?

Make sure to circle the calendar for a return trip.

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