Things to Do In Durant OK

Durant, Oklahoma gives us the chance to enjoy a mix of history, culture, and small-town charm. From local traditions to outdoor spots that let us slow down and relax, this town offers plenty of ways to spend a weekend or even a longer trip. If we want a place that blends entertainment, local flavor, and unique attractions, Durant makes a strong choice.

As we explore what this town has to offer, we’ll see how it balances fun activities with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether we’re drawn to festivals, art, food, or the outdoors, Durant gives us options that fit different interests without feeling overwhelming.

1) Visit the Choctaw Casino Resort

When we visit Durant, one of the main attractions we can’t miss is the Choctaw Casino Resort. It’s a large entertainment spot that offers more than just gaming, making it a fun stop for groups and families.

We can explore the casino floor if we enjoy trying our luck with slots or table games. For those who don’t play, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy.

The resort has several restaurants where we can grab a quick bite or sit down for a nice meal. Dining options range from casual to more upscale, so we can choose what fits our mood.

Live shows and concerts are another highlight. The Grand Theater often hosts well-known performers, giving us a chance to enjoy music or comedy without leaving Durant. More details about events can be found on the Choctaw Casino Durant entertainment page.

If we want to relax, the spa and pool areas provide a calmer experience. Families can also enjoy the arcade and movie theater inside the resort. Visiting the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant gives us a mix of excitement, food, and relaxation all in one place.

2) Explore the World's Largest Peanut

We can find the World’s Largest Peanut right in front of Durant City Hall. The statue was dedicated in 1974 to honor Bryan County’s peanut farmers and processors. It’s a simple but meaningful landmark that shows how important agriculture has been to the community.

When we visit, we’ll see the peanut sitting on the corner of 3rd and Evergreen. It’s not huge compared to other roadside attractions, but it still makes for a fun photo stop. Many travelers pause here to snap a quick picture before heading to other spots in town.

There’s also a time capsule buried a few feet in front of the monument, which adds a bit of history to the visit. According to Discover Durant, the capsule was placed in front of the peanut and became part of the site’s story.

Even though some say it may not actually be the largest peanut in the world, the monument remains a point of pride for Durant. As TravelOK notes, it continues to draw visitors who want to see a quirky and memorable piece of local culture.

3) Attend the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival

We can enjoy live theater each summer at the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival. This long-running event takes place on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. It has been part of the community since 1979.

The festival features a mix of Shakespeare plays, musicals, and family-friendly productions. We get the chance to see both classic works and modern shows performed by professional actors. Each season brings something new, so it’s easy to find a performance that interests us.

In addition to stage productions, the festival also offers opportunities for kids and students to explore theater. Workshops and classes help young people learn about acting and stagecraft in a supportive setting. This makes the event welcoming for both visitors and locals.

Attending a show at the Visual and Performing Arts Center in Durant gives us a comfortable venue with great views of the stage. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to enjoy an evening out with friends or family.

By planning ahead, we can catch one of the summer performances and experience a tradition that has become a highlight of Durant’s arts scene.

4) Stroll through Magnolia Mile Art Alley

When we walk through downtown Durant, one of the most colorful spots we can visit is the Magnolia Mile Art Alley. It sits right in the heart of Main Street and brings together artwork from local and regional artists.

We get to see murals that cover the walls of nearby businesses, each one showing a different style and story. The alley feels different every time we go, since new pieces and seasonal decorations are often added.

During the day, the art looks bright in the natural light. At night, overhead lights make the walls glow, giving us a whole new view of the space.

The alley is open to the public all day, so we can stop by whenever it fits our schedule. It’s a simple way to enjoy local creativity without needing tickets or reservations.

If we want to plan a visit, we can find more details about Magnolia Mile Art Alley on TravelOK or check out updates from Durant Main Street.

5) Discover the Three Valley Museum

When we step into the Three Valley Museum, we get a closer look at the history of Durant and Bryan County. The museum opened in 1976 and is named after the book Queen of the Three Valleys by Henry McCreary. It is run by the Durant Historical Society.

The building itself has history too. It was first built in 1910 as the First National Bank of Durant before being turned into the museum we see today. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

One of the highlights is the small town exhibit on the second floor. We can explore more than 20 different scenes from the early 1900s, including a law office, doctor’s office, parlor, child’s room, and general store.

The museum also shares artifacts that tell the story of southeast Oklahoma. We find items from Native American history, early automobiles, and even clothing worn to Durant’s old Opera House. Every display helps us picture how people lived here years ago.

For anyone interested in local history, the Three Valley Museum in Durant is a great stop. We can learn about the community while enjoying exhibits collected and cared for by local residents.

Learn more about visiting the Three Valley Museum.

6) Enjoy the Durant Rodeo at Durant Riding Club

We can spend an evening at the Durant Riding Club and enjoy one of the oldest traditions in the area. The club has hosted rodeos for more than 75 years, making it a big part of Durant’s history.

Each summer, the PRCA Pro Rodeo brings professional cowboys and cowgirls to town. We get to watch bull riding, barrel racing, and roping events that keep the crowd engaged from start to finish.

The rodeo takes place at the Durant Riding Club Arena, located at 1901 South 9th Avenue. This spot is easy to find and has plenty of space for families and friends to gather.

We like that the event feels welcoming to all ages. Kids enjoy the excitement in the arena, while adults appreciate the skill and dedication of the riders.

The rodeo is more than just competition. It is also a celebration of western culture that connects us to Durant’s roots. Attending the Durant Pro Rodeo gives us a chance to experience that tradition firsthand.

7) Relax at Lake Texoma State Park

We can take a short drive from Durant to reach Lake Texoma State Park. It sits on the Oklahoma side of the lake and gives us easy access to the water. The park is one of the most popular spots for outdoor recreation in the area.

We can spend time fishing, since Lake Texoma is known for striped bass and catfish. If we prefer a slower pace, the shoreline has plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the view. The park also offers picnic areas where we can share a meal together.

Camping is another option if we want to stay overnight. The park has both RV sites and tent areas, so we can choose what works best for us. Waking up near the water makes the trip feel even more relaxing.

For those who enjoy walking, there are trails that wind through the park. These paths let us see local plants and maybe even spot some wildlife. With its mix of activities, Lake Texoma State Park gives us a simple way to enjoy nature close to Durant.

8) Dine at RibCrib BBQ

When we visit Durant, one of the easiest spots to enjoy a good meal is RibCrib BBQ. The restaurant has a relaxed setting that makes it a comfortable place for families and groups.

We can choose from smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs that are cooked fresh each day. Their menu also includes sandwiches, sides, and salads, so there is something for everyone.

Many visitors say the ribs are a highlight, and the barbecue sauce is popular enough that some people even take bottles home. Reviews on Tripadvisor mention both the food and service as reasons they return.

If we want to check hours or plan ahead, we can see the RibCrib BBQ menu in Durant. They are usually open for lunch and dinner, making it a convenient stop during the day.

This spot gives us a chance to enjoy a local favorite without needing to travel far from other attractions in Durant. It’s a simple way to share a meal together while exploring the town.

9) Shop downtown Durant Main Street

When we visit Durant, we enjoy walking through the shops along Main Street. The area has a mix of boutiques, gift stores, and specialty shops that make it easy to find something unique.

We can stop in for clothing, home décor, or handmade items while supporting local businesses. The shops are close together, so it’s simple to explore them all without driving.

Downtown also offers places to grab a meal or a quick snack between stops. Restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries give us plenty of choices when we need a break.

The Durant Main Street district also features art galleries, salons, and even a museum, which makes the area more than just a shopping trip. It feels like a small hub where we can spend a relaxed afternoon.

We like that the area is walkable and has a welcoming atmosphere. Seasonal events and decorations often add to the experience, making each visit a little different.

If we want to see what’s happening before we go, we can check out Durant Main Street online for updates on events and activities. This helps us plan our visit and make the most of our time downtown.

10) Experience festivals and local events

We can enjoy a wide range of festivals and gatherings in Durant that bring the community together. Local events often highlight music, food, and traditions that make the town feel welcoming.

Each year, we might catch the Magnolia Festival, which celebrates the city’s heritage with family activities, live entertainment, and vendors. It’s a good way for us to connect with both locals and visitors.

If we like rodeos, Durant has a long history of hosting them. The Durant Rodeo showcases skilled riders and gives us a chance to experience Oklahoma tradition up close.

For those who enjoy arts and performances, we can check out the variety of shows listed on local event calendars. These often include concerts, comedy, and seasonal celebrations.

Outdoor events also play a big role. From food festivals to cultural fairs, we can find something happening almost every season. Checking Discover Durant’s event listings makes it easy to plan ahead.

By joining in, we get a better sense of the community spirit. Festivals and events give us a chance to relax, meet new people, and enjoy what Durant has to offer.

Getting to Durant, OK

We can reach Durant by car, bus, or nearby airports, and once we arrive, getting around town is simple. Parking is easy to find in most areas, though a few spots may require extra planning during busy times.

Transportation Options

Durant sits in southern Oklahoma, close to the Texas border. The city is right off U.S. Highway 69/75, which makes it convenient for those driving from Dallas, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa. A drive from Dallas usually takes about 90 minutes, while Oklahoma City is about a three-hour trip.

For those who prefer flying, the closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). From there, it’s a straight drive north into Durant. Another option is Dallas Love Field (DAL), which also offers many domestic flights.

Bus service is available through Greyhound, which connects Durant with other regional cities. While train service does not stop directly in Durant, Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer runs through nearby Ardmore, about an hour’s drive away.

If we don’t want to drive ourselves, rental cars are available at the airports, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Durant area. This makes it simple to get from the airport to town without much hassle.

Parking Tips

Parking in Durant is usually stress-free. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants offer free on-site parking or nearby public lots. Downtown Durant has several convenient street parking spots, and many of them do not require meters.

When visiting Choctaw Casino & Resort, we can choose between surface lots, covered parking garages, and valet service. The casino’s lots are large, but they can fill up on weekends or during concerts, so arriving early helps.

At popular events like the Magnolia Festival, parking demand increases. In these cases, we may need to use overflow lots or walk a short distance. Bringing cash for special event parking is a good idea, as some lots may not accept cards.

For peace of mind, we should always lock our vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. While Durant is generally safe, these habits keep our trip smooth and worry-free.

Insider Tips for Exploring Durant

We can make the most of our trip to Durant by planning around the seasons and knowing where to eat. Timing matters for weather and events, while food choices give us a taste of the local culture.

Best Times to Visit

Durant has hot summers and mild winters, so when we go makes a difference. Spring and fall are the most comfortable, with temperatures that let us enjoy both outdoor trails and downtown walks.

If we want to join community events, May brings the Magnolia Festival, which celebrates the city’s nickname as the “Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma.” This family-friendly event includes crafts, food, and live music.

Summer is busier because of Lake Texoma. It’s a good choice if we want to swim, boat, or fish, but we should expect hotter weather. Winter is quieter, which works well if we prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.

We should also keep in mind that Choctaw Casino & Resort hosts concerts and shows year-round. Looking at their schedule before we book our trip helps us plan around big events.

Local Dining Recommendations

Durant has a mix of casual diners, local favorites, and well-known chains. If we want a sit-down meal, Main Street Barbecue is a popular spot for smoked meats and hearty sides.

For a quick bite, Roma Italian Restaurant offers pasta and pizza in a relaxed setting. It’s a good option if we’re traveling with family.

We can also find Tex-Mex at places like Salita’s, which is known for fajitas and enchiladas. For breakfast or coffee, local cafes downtown give us a chance to enjoy a slower pace before exploring.

If we’re near Lake Texoma, some small grills and diners around the lake serve fresh catfish and burgers. These spots are simple but give us a local touch we might miss at larger restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durant gives us a mix of family fun, date-night options, budget-friendly stops, and cultural highlights. We can enjoy local history, outdoor spots, and nearby attractions that make a short trip or weekend easy to plan.

What are the top family-friendly activities in Durant, OK?

We can take the kids to Lake Durant for fishing, picnics, and hiking trails. The Frank Buck Zoo in nearby Gainesville is also a short drive and great for families.

What can couples do for fun in Durant, OK?

We can enjoy a night out at the Choctaw Casino Resort with dining, live music, and gaming. A stroll through the Magnolia Mile Art Alley also makes for a relaxed and creative date.

Are there any free attractions to visit in Durant, OK?

Yes, we can see the quirky World’s Largest Peanut monument without spending a dime. Walking through Magnolia Mile Art Alley is also free and full of colorful murals.

What unique experiences can be found in Durant, OK?

We can step back in time at the Three Valley Museum, which highlights local history. The Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival also offers a special cultural experience that’s rare in small towns.

What are some must-visit places near Durant, OK?

Just outside town, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and popular for boating and fishing. Fort Washita, a historic military post, is another nearby stop worth visiting.

How can I spend a weekend in Durant, OK?

We can start with a visit to the Three Valley Museum and then walk through Magnolia Mile Art Alley. In the evening, we can enjoy food and entertainment at Choctaw Casino Resort. The next day, a short trip to Lake Texoma gives us time outdoors before heading home.