When thinking of fun vacation spots, you may think of a few states before landing in Oklahoma. But the city of Durant makes you give second thoughts.
Durant is a city in Bryan County. Oklahoma’s capital (Choctaw Nation) is known as the “Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma.”
Durant is a city with many job opportunities and investments. The city is filled with multiple infrastructures, attractions, and more.
Durant has beautiful natural attractions to explore, entertainment centers, and recreation areas for fun and relaxing activities.
Efforts are made here to preserve cultural heritage, from historical museums to year-round festivals and events.
Here are some things to do for a fun vacation in Durant, Oklahoma.
Fun Things to Do in Durant (OK)
1. Test Your Creative Skills at the Elements Art Center
Elements Art Center offers travelers and locals alike the chance to explore their creative side by getting their hands dirty with paints and other materials.
The Elements Art Center makes learning and art fun.
Whether you want to study the arts, get to know them better, or simply find an outlet for stress, this center allows you to use the arts for your own purposes.
2. Don’t Miss the Fun at the Durant Rodeo
Still dreaming of being a modern-day cowboy? Head to Durant, Oklahoma, and hit the rodeo to experience the Wild West.
One of these rodeo attractions is the Durant Riding Club.
From March to September, the club hosts a series of Family Fun Playdays.
In May every year, the club hosts a pro-rodeo, where you get to watch professionals wrestle cows and horses.
The Equestrian Club also hosts the Indian Rodeo in August.
Finally, get an up-close look at up-and-coming rodeo artists at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s annual intercollegiate rodeo.
Durant Riding Club is located at 1901 South 9th Avenue, Durant, OK.
3. Go Shopping at U-We Gifts
U-We Gifts is a unique gift shop and craft studio located in historic downtown Durant, Oklahoma.
Your creative level is 100% here. You have the option to design your candles in different scents.
U-We Gifts offers an attractive selection of pocket knives, individual cutting boards, hip flasks, and a variety of other gift items.
We also have stunning interiors, nightgowns, and pajamas. U-We Gifts also showcases specialty diffusion oils, room sprays, waxes, and more.
U-We Gifts provides excellent customer service and creates a friendly atmosphere for its customers.
Things to Do in Durant (OK) at Night
1. Go Gaming at the Choctaw Casino Resort
As an AAA Four Diamond entertainment destination, Choctaw Casino Resort offers travelers unlimited entertainment options, from restaurants to slot machines, table games, and poker rooms.
Would you like to go out for the weekend? How about a mid-week break, or you’re just looking for a meeting place? The Choctaw Casino Resort caters to all your entertainment needs while in Durant.
Other resort facilities include a 286-room spa tower with a luxurious spa and an oasis pool area that defines luxury itself.
2. Don’t Miss a Performance at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
For live performances, attend the show at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
The school operates several theaters that present a variety of plays, from classical literature to contemporary social drama.
The cast always brings the best game to the show, so you won’t regret spending a peaceful night of Durant in the theater.
Theater access requires entering the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
3. Spend a Night With Friends at Old Ice House Beer Garden
This pub is located in historic downtown Durant. It was originally built as an ice cream factory but has been transformed into a classic restaurant.
Old Ice House Beer Garden serves delicious food, including delicious French bread pizzas and main course ham jam sandwiches.
Being a beer garden with a wide variety of local wines and craft beers, Old Ice House Beer Garden is just the place to relax and enjoy great drinks and good food.
Old Ice House Beer Garden has a sales floor for men’s and women’s clothing at very affordable prices.
Old Ice House Beer Garden is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and is closed on Sundays.
Things to Do in Durant (OK) For Couples
1. Visit the Iron Horse Gallery & Gifts
Inspired by the vision of Durant artist Janie Semple Umstead, The Iron Horse is not only a luxury gift shop, but it’s also an art gallery.
Janie’s work can be seen; his other sculptures are in Choctaw, his casino and headquarters, and elsewhere in Oklahoma.
What can I buy at Iron Horse? First, see Johnny’s art and browse the store’s upholstery, kid-friendly souvenirs, candles, and lotions.
Iron His hose lets you take Durant home and share it with your loved ones.
2. Spend Time at EC Escape Rooms
The escape room game is perfect for those who like brain training and challenging games.
Find the key clues and solve the puzzles to escape the room in time.
These escape games are perfect for couples, families, and friends to bond and see how much they can invest in teamwork.
EC Escape Rooms games are fun and updated regularly for more challenging and fun themes.
Enjoy a memorable and fun experience with your family and friends.
3. Learn About American History at Fort Washita
Founded in 1842, Fort Ouachita was once a garrison that protected the Texas border and kept harmful elements out of the Chickasaw Nation.
Today Fort Ouachita is one of the state’s most popular attractions for US history buffs.
Fort Ouachita was also an important US military post during the Mexican War.
Union left this site in 1861, leaving it to the Confederates during the Civil War.
Things to Do in Durant (OK) For Kids
1. Take Them Shopping at The Modern Tot
Taking the kids on a trip to Durant? Why not dress them up in trendy clothes?
The Modern Tot, a family business, knows firsthand how difficult shopping for children’s clothing can be.
Bring your little one to Modern Tot and check out the latest trends in children’s clothing. You can also buy stylish clothes for them.
The Modern Tot is located at 105 South 2nd Avenue, Durant, OK.
2. Let Them Play at the Carl Albert Memorial Park
Despite its name, Carl Albert Memorial Park is a great place for families to spend a day in the sun.
The park covers 16 hectares of public swimming pools, skate parks, and playgrounds.
Sports enthusiasts can also play a few sets of tennis on the park’s three lighted courts.
Families can also share a meal in the park or under a pavilion if they prefer a picnic.
Either way, your camera roll will fill up as soon as you get there.
3. Get Them Lunch at Panaderia Villegas
Magnolia Cafe is highly recommended in Durant, as it always offers delicious food that ticks all the boxes.
The Cafe is a family-run café serving impressive dishes for breakfast and lunch. They also offer takeout and home delivery.
Magnolia Cafe serves omelets, amazing burgers, fried chicken, sandwiches, and pancakes.
We also offer delicious bacon, coconut cream pies, French toast, sausages, great customer service, and a welcoming environment.
Magnolia Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm.
Magnolia Café is an outdoor café perfect for families looking to eat home-cooked meals, especially dining out.
Indoor Activities to Do in Durant (OK) For Adults
1. Go for a Massage at the Body Business Day Spa
Of course, a night out on the town isn’t the only way to unwind in Durant.
The Body Business Day Spa also offers a variety of massage treatments.
Try a full-body aromatherapy massage or, if you’re in a hurry, a 30-minute partial massage.
The spa also offers facials and salons.
After a day of relaxation and bliss with Durant, get back to work refreshed; you know you deserve it.
2. Enjoy Every Minute at The District
While at the Choctaw Casino Resort, you can enjoy more fun games at The District. Take the kids to the arcade for an afternoon of fun.
When you’re not at the arcade, you can head to our 20-lane bowling alley to finally kick off your long-planned family bowling tournament.
After some bowling, stretch your weary legs at the cinema and grab a bite to eat before heading back to your hotel.
3. Eat at Roma Italian Restaurant
The comfortable setting of Roma Italian Restaurant has been operating in downtown Durant since 2005.
Enjoy classic pasta, fresh entrees, New York-style pizzas, sandwiches, seafood, and an extensive wine pairing list.
Roma Italian Restaurant’s private room can accommodate up to 50 people and is ideal for anniversaries, birthday parties, business events, and other gatherings.
From appetizers to desserts, let Rome prepare your kitchen for your next event.
They promise 100% satisfaction and provide excellent customer service.
Romantic Things to Do in Durant (OK)
1. Get a Body Treatment at Journey Well Spa
Journey Well Spa, a signature health and wellness facility, is located in charming downtown Durant, Oklahoma.
A convenient, affordable, and relaxing place offering services such as facials, massages, waxes, and body treatments.
Journey Well staff promotes overall wellness in natural ways.
They aim to give customers access to the processes, services, and information they need to make the best and healthiest choices.
2. Appreciate Art at Country Framer
Country Framer has a gallery of various jewelry, ceramics, glass, and other items and a custom frame shop.
Proudly owned by Alvina and Mike Ralls, The Country Framer features artwork in various media created by local artists.
The Country Framer in Durant, Oklahoma, offers reasonably priced custom framing.
We use handmade ceramic clay beads and the Variani automatic matte cutter to create our jewelry.
Alvina has a wide collection of locally made, useful, and beautiful fused glass.
3. Enjoy the RibCrib BBQ
Rib Crib Barbecue serves the best BBQ and is perfect for family gatherings with friends. They serve delicious meals such as shredded brisket, pulled pork, short ribs, and sandwiches.
They also offer delicious beverages to complement your meal, such as chilled salty cups and limes, to indulge your senses.
Rib Crib Barbecue offers great dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Especially suitable for families who want to eat out.
The staff are very professional and always greet you with a smile, making you feel right at home. RibCrib BBQ is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
If RibCrib BBQ isn’t already on your list, you’re missing out on the great food available here.
Free Things to Do in Durant (OK)
1. See the Waters of Lake Texoma
This is the 12th largest lake in the United States. Additionally, the lake, called Lake Texoma, has become a popular attraction thanks to several amenities available to visitors.
Do you want proof? About 6 million tourists hike Lake Texoma each year.
The lake offers a variety of activities, including water sports, lake fishing, and boating.
In 1999, visitors to the lake spent a total of 90 million hours, making it the top naval project of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
2. See the World’s Largest Peanut
If you’re a fan of quirky world records, head to Durant to see the world’s largest peanut monument.
This monument also testifies to the importance of agriculture in the growth and development of the city.
Cast metal peanut stands on a granite base, 3 feet long and 18 inches in circumference.
Don’t miss your photo opportunity at this unique attraction when you’re in Durant.
While at the monument, you may develop an appreciation for the peanut farmers of nearby Bryan County.
Learn important things about how a simple farmhouse can contribute to the development of a modern city.
The World’s Largest Peanut is located at 300 West Evergreen Street in Durant, Oklahoma.
3. Explore Durant’s Downtown Main Street
On the other hand, just cross the city’s downtown Main Street if you just want to immerse yourself in what Durant is all about.
Stroll down this street to experience the town’s old-world charm, buy unique souvenirs to support local businesses, and stop at local restaurants to sample the local cuisine.
Time your visit for special city events such as art walks and seasonal farmers’ markets.
This historic street sometimes hosts parades.
Cheap Things to Do in Durant (OK)
1. Learn About Local History at the Three Valley Museum
At the heart of the Red, Blue, and Washita River valleys are the Three Valleys Museum, whose artifacts and exhibits depict the entire history of Durant, Oklahoma.
These exhibits can also be deeply connected to the local community.
Durant citizens themselves have been collecting exhibits over the years.
Old civic belongings on display show that the city of Durant is an actual settlement, not a glossy artificial tourist attraction.
2. Visit Allied Gallery
Allied Gallery is the premier stone and furnishings shopping destination for discerning customers fascinated by luxury living conditions.
Allied Gallery enhances its design with a focus on stone, cabinetry, renovation, and interior design using the finest materials worldwide.
Allied Gallery consistently produces high-quality products using most CNCs and high-end equipment to manufacture cabinets.
This computer-controlled facility accurately cuts panels and manufactures cabinets to the highest standards.
Allied Gallery aims to provide consumers with unparalleled service, the finest stones, and superior craftsmanship.
3. Hang Out With Friends at Hometown Hideout
Having a drink at Hometown Hideout is fun in Durant, especially for an unforgettable experience with friends and family.
Hometown Hideout offers delicious cold beverages and a calming environment to enjoy your drink.
It has a great bartender who does a great job and is always patient with customer orders.
Hometown Retreat is open seven days a week from 2 pm to 2 am. Enjoy a wonderful bonding time with your friends and family.
Cool Places to Visit in Durant (OK)
1. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Durant
The Three Valleys Museum and the Choctaw Casino are within 10 minutes of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Durant, an IHG Durant hotel.
All 98 rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and refrigerators to make you feel at home.
Enjoy free wired and wireless Internet service while enjoying cable programming.
Various recreational facilities are available, including a 24-hour fitness facility, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is available.
This hotel offers complimentary local newspapers in the lobby. A business center is also available for business meetings and conferences.
2. Fort Washita
Fort Washita is a museum that is home to American history. Built in 1842 and used as a military garrison.
Abandoned after, Fort Washita was used as a camp by the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
The museum is a great place for history buffs and tourists. Here you can see historical artifacts and facts used during the Civil War.
It also shows Fort Ouachita’s importance during the Civil War and features an extensive collection of cultural artifacts.
Hear old stories and important information you’ve never heard before.
Fort Washita is an educational museum open to all ages.
3. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Spending a night in the theater at Southeastern Oklahoma State University is one of Durant’s favorite things to do.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University Theater features live entertainment.
The University has many theaters that present a variety of popular social dramas, plays, and literary characters.
Conclusion
Durant is full of exciting places and adventures for both children and adults. There’s always something fun and exciting about Durant.
Plan a trip to Durant to explore its many attractions.
Have a nice trip.
