Good things they say come in small packages, and the exciting city of Durant, OK, is no exception. This article reveals many things to do in Durant, OK, that would keep travelers entertained.
Durant is a restrained but fantastic tourist location worth visiting. Some of the exciting things to do and places to see when you visit Durant, OK, will leave you astonished.
In addition, it’s a thrilling spot for friends and family to go on a vacation.
In Bryan County of Oklahoma lies this fascinating city of Durant, OK. It currently serves as the capital city of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which appears to be a native American indigenous clan.
Durant city has grown tremendously since the early 2000s and has sparked interest from all over the globe.
Statistics show that Durant had a population of about eighteen thousand, five hundred and sixteen people (18,516) in the year 2020 and is currently ranked as the twenty-third (23rd) most populated city in the state of Oklahoma
Durant conducts several annual festivals. And among all other intriguing features in the city of Durant is the fact that it is a city filled with history and arts. Of course, you can also go shopping and sightseeing in this beautiful city.
The city is a place for all kinds of personalities and has a lot of fun-filled activities that are adaptive for all. Bumpy outdoors can find places for camping, hunting, and exploring nature.
You can decide to go lake fishing while camping; the city is a perfect place to visit for adventure lovers.
Best & Fun Things to Do in Durant, OK
Below are some things to do in Durant, Oklahoma.
1. Picnic at Carl Albert Memorial Park
For lovers of outdoor experience, then Carl Albert Memorial Park is one place you would love to visit.
Carl Albert Memorial Park offers a lot of outdoor activities and is an excellent location for friends and families to spend a day basking out in the sun.
The Park is immense and contains a public swimming pool for everyone who wishes to have a refreshing dip. Also present is a skateboard park where you can employ your skating prowess.
Tables for picnics and gazebos are also available for friends and family, and the Park has about three lighted table tennis courts for tennis lovers.
If you ever need to organize a picnic for your friends and family, head to the city of Durant, OK, for a great bonding experience.
Location: 1301 Gail Farrell Drive, Durant, OK 74701.
2. Sightseeing the World’s Largest Peanut
For all lovers of history and records, a gaze upon the world’s largest Peanut monument would be an experience worth having and something to brag about when you post about your visit to Durant, OK.
The world’s giant peanut is a monument made of cast iron with a height of three feet (91.44cm) and a width of eighteen inches (45.72cm).
This great monument was built to appreciate significantly all Durant and Bryan County peanut growers. It also holds vital significance as it is a symbol of the relevance of agriculture to the development and progress of the city of Durant, OK.
Location: 300 West Evergreen Street, Durant, OK
3. A Visit to Choctaw Casino Resort
This AAA four-diamond entertainment destination is worth giving a shot for a perfect weekend getaway or an excellent mid-term break vacation.
The resort has 7,400 slot automobiles, About 100 table contests, and a substantial number of poker halls.
The spa also headlines a castle with 286 different rooms and an additional extravagant spa.
In Choctaw Casino Resort are 16 restaurants offering visitors several meal options. It also has a cafe for coffee and four distinct lounges for drink lovers.
Added to all these is their superb Landry service, which runs 24/7, a vast garage for parking, and a room for discreet meetings.
A visit to this AAA Four Diamond entertainment destination is worth noting when visiting Durant, OK, for it has all the necessary amenities to meet your entertainment needs during your stay in the city.
Location: 4216 South Highway 69/75, Durant, OK 74701
4. A Meal Treat at Magnolia Cafe
Magnolia Cafe comes highly commended in Durant because they are known for their super delicious meals, which consistently exceed expectations.
It is a family-owned business cafe that offers excellent meals for breakfast and lunch. And added to their services is a unique take-home service for customers to feast in the comfort of their homes.
Their menu contains a lot of varieties which range from sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, and fried chicken, among many others
Magnolia cafe also has a reputation for offering good coconut pie alongside French toast, sausages, and other delicious dishes.
Opening days are:
Monday – Saturday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Sundays: 7 AM – 3 AM
Location: 901 N 1st Ave, Durant, OK 74701
5. A Cool Evening Visit to the Old Ice House Beer Garden for Some Drinks
In need of a perfect chilling spot that serves awesome meals and exquisite drinks with a chill ambiance for a fantastic laid-back night in Durant, OK? The old house beer garden is the perfect spot for you.
Old house beer Garden is situated in Durant’s old downtown. It used to be an ice manufacturing plant before it was renovated into a top-notch restaurant.
Old house beer Garden offers variations of local beers and wines and is known for its mouthwatering pizza and special Ham jam sandwich. It has a private lounge for visitors who love being private, and their meals are freshly served to fill out your favorite drink.
Also added to their meals and drinks is a section to shop for men’s and women’s wear at affordable rates.
Opening hours are Monday-Saturday: 11 AM-12 PM only. It is located at 215 North 3rdAvenue, Durant, OK 74701.
6. A Visit to Elements Art Center
Art lovers no longer have to fantasize about creating your art cause here at Element Art Center. Instead, art lovers can now have a wonderful experience learning to create unique artistic content and bring their creativity to life.
Elements Art Center welcomes people of all ages and grades, whether learners or experts.
Whether you wish to be an expert in arts or you’re someone who just wants to have an idea of what it entails or is probably in search of something to ease off your stress, the center is open to help you use the art for whatever purpose you want.
Visitors are allowed to showcase their creativity by using paints and other materials to create artistic content. This is one place you want to visit as an art fanatic whenever you are in Durant, OK, because it offers a fun-filled and worthwhile adventure.
Location: 305 West Main Durant, OK 74701
7. Drink with Friends in Hometown Hideout
Hometown comes highly recommended in Durant city and is well known for its soothing environment and approach to customer handling.
Hometown Hideout is a superb pub that offers chilled drinks and is also a place one can visit for relaxation with family and a few friends.
Their bartenders are highly recommended in how they do their jobs and are patient with customers’ demands and complaints. Having a drink in the Hometown hideout is something to try out, especially with family and a few friends.
Their opening days and time are Sunday to Saturday: 2 PM to 2 AM
Location:1319 N 1st Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States.
8. Brewed Beer at Lost Street Brewing Company
Are you a beer lover?
Then, why not check-in for some brewed beer at lost street brewing company?
When speaking of pubs with a variety of specially brewed beers on their menu in Durant, the list won’t be complete if a lost street brewing company isn’t mentioned.
This pub offers unique beer for adults, and kids can also have fun playing board games.
Location:109 W Lost St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
9. A Trip to Journey Well Spa
Located in the Ancient downtown district of Durant lies Journey Well Spa, which offers a unique treatment
The services feature many packages, including massage therapy sections, laser-based facials, private yoga lessons, infrared sauna sessions, cupping, group events, and lots more.
They stand out for their use of natural skin care products which is suitable for all class of persons while also creating awareness of the relevance of good health and the need to be fit
Their opening day and time are:
Monday – Friday:10 AM – 6 PM
Saturday:10 AM – 3 PM and
Sunday: closed
Location: 123 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
10. Take a Treat at RibCrib BBQ
When visiting Durant, OK, you can never run out of fabulous meals to ease your appetites because Ribcrib BBQ always covers you.
Ribcrib BBQ is always a delight regarding savory dishes and unique sandwiches. They are top on the list of serving delicious meals in the city of Durant.
For a perfect hangout with family and friends, Ribcrib BBQ has got the perfect menu to make your outing a remarkable one. Their menu ranges from savory dishes like pulled pork, ribs, and other fantastic dishes.
Also included in their services are a variety of chilled drinks like salted mug and lime to complement your meals and give you a nourishing satisfaction.
The staff at RibCrib BBQ comes highly recommended and are very professional in the way they carry out their tasks
Opening hours are:
Monday- Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM
Location: 311 Westside Dr, Durant, OK 74701, United States
11. Iron Horse Gallery & Gifts
Among all the awesome things you can do in Durant, OK, a visit to the Iron Horse Gallery is one trip you won’t miss.
The iron house gallery has lots and lots of art collections for sightseeing and contains gifts you can get for your loved ones.
At the art gallery, you can check out the works done by Janie Semple. Janie is a famous and talented creative artist known for creating outstanding art pieces ranging from acrylic pieces to watercolor arts and sculptures.
The store’s collection includes souvenirs for your kids, such as lotions and candles, and several home decors for your interiors.
When in Durant, stop by at the Iron Horse Gallery & Gifts for wonderful art pieces and sculptures that can help your interiors and serve as beautiful gifts for friends and families
Opening hours are:
Wednesday to Friday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturdays: 10 AM – 10 PM
They are closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Location: 117 South 5th Avenue, Durant, OK 74701.
12. Shop for Gifts at U-We Gifts
U-We Gifts offers premium customer service and a welcoming environment for visitors to shop for gifts.
They offer many eye-catching items like customized cutting boards, flasks, pocket knives, and other gift items.
Their shops also feature sales of other unique wears like nightdresses and pajamas, beautiful home decor, special diffusing oils, room sprays to give your house that desired scent, and many more.
They are available from Tuesday to Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM, and Saturday: 11 AM -3 AM.
Location: 209 2nd Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
13. Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment at Body Business Day Spa
After a stressful day of going on tours and visiting new places, you need to take time out to relax and give yourself a body massage.
Give yourself a nice massage treat at Body Business Day Spa.
Their services span from full body massage with aromatherapy oils to partial message if you’re in a hurry.
They also offer facial services, hair styling, pedicure, and manicure services, as well as waxing.
Location: 211 West Main Street, Durant, OK 74701
14. Play Games at the Ec Escape Rooms
Have you been in search of fun-filled activities to do in Durant? Well, search no more because Ec Escape Rooms got lots of fun-filled events to spice up your vacation
They offer many games ranging from Brain-tasking games for those who fancy brain games to action-filled games for adventure lovers.
During escape games, you’re given limited time to solve puzzles to escape a confined room using some clue tips.
These games are a perfect fit for family, friends, and couples because it helps foster teamwork and helps build bonds.
Location: 211 West Main Street, Durant, OK 74701
15. View Ancient Exhibits and Local Artifacts at Three Valley Museum
Discovered at the heart of the blue, red, and the Washita River lies the three-valley museum. This is one of the places Which hold a large display of artifacts.
The three valley museum houses collections which reflect Bryan county’s history.
On your trip to the museum, you will find exhibits portraying Bryan County’s progress from 1873 to recent moments. The museum also showcases exhibits that show transportation history alongside information about the Indian tribes of Oklahoma.
These exhibits also help you to connect deeply with the local community.
So, when planning a visit to Durant. Remember to add a trip to the three-valley museum because it houses many artifacts to make your stay commendable.
Location: 401 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701, USA
16. Durant Rodeo
Have you ever been fascinated about being a modern cowboy? Are you a massive fan of horse riding? If yes, then Durant Rodeo is one place you should try out in Durant city.
Durant Rodeo, over the years, has stood out for the various spectacular events and shows it hosts every year.
Over at Durant rodeo, you experience the beauty of Oklahoman tradition through these events and shows.
Durant rodeo features events like riders showing their remarkable prowess. You also get to watch professionals wrangling animals like cows and horses during the yearly riding events, which take place in June.
You also get a chance to rent the rodeo’s arena for your events by just placing a call to the owners for reservations.
Location: 1901 South 9th Avenue, Durant, OK.
17. Relieve American History at Fort Washita
Fort Washita is an educational museum for lots of American history. It is open to persons of all age grades and on a trip to Durant, make sure you add it to your to-do list so you don’t miss out.
Fort Washita, which used to be a garrison for guarding the Texas frontier and safeguarding the Chickasaw nation from harmful elements, was established in 1842.
Currently, the site ranks as one of the state’s top attractions for ancient US history buffs and is also a body of the National Register of Historic Places.
Tourists and history enthusiasts will always find a visit to Fort Washita enjoyable, not just because it’s a display of historical artifacts but also because it showcases how important Fort Washita was during the civil war.
Visitors also get to be abreast with ancient stories and other important information you probably haven’t heard of before.
Location: 3348 Highway 199, Durant, OK 74701.
18. Take a Shot on Some Mexican Cuisine at Panaderia Villegas
Have you ever craved some Mexican food treat? Panderia Vilrgas has got all you covered.
Panderia villages offer scrumptious Mexican meals and a variety of other quality meals such as chorizo, rice and beans, fajitas, barbacoa, tacos, and many others at an affordable fee.
From the numerous customer reviews, many love the authenticity of the meals at Panaderia Villegas. However, pastry lovers aren’t left out as there exists a bakery that makes tasty and scrumptious pastries of diverse designs and flavors.
Their customer service is exquisite, and their restrooms are always neatly kept.
Stop by this incredible restaurant for an excellent treat and hang out with friends and family.
Opening hours are
Monday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Tuesdays: 9 AM – 10 PM; and
Saturdays: 8 AM – 9 PM
Location: 510 S 9th Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
19. Shop for Your Kids at the Modern Tot
A family vacation trip isn’t always complete without taking kids alongside. So don’t ever run out of ideas at the perfect place to shop for trendy clothes for kids because modern Tot has covered all of you.
The Modern Tot is a family-owned business poised to fill your kid’s wardrobe with modern threads and fashionable wear.
Buying a kid’s clothing can be a very hectic task, but with the modern Tot, you don’t have to go through the stress because, at modern Tot, they keep up with the latest trends in kids’ fashion.
Location: 105 South 2nd Avenue, Durant, OK.
20. A Visit to the Theatre at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
In Durant, you can decide to give yourself a treat by going to the theatre at southeastern Oklahoma state university to watch live drama displays and contemporary social dramas.
The school has various theatres, where diverse plays are displayed. You won’t regret spending a night at the southeastern Oklahoma state university theater because the performers always bring out their best during live performances.
Location: 425 West University Boulevard, Durant, OK 74701.
21. A Visit to Bubba’s Brewhouse
If you’re looking for one of the best brewery houses in Durant, then Bubba’sBubba’s House is where you should be. This brewery house offers lots of fun-filled things to complement a perfect time out.
In Bubba’s Brewhouse, you are offered lovely craft beers with a taste to give you premium satisfaction.
Also present is a vast stage for live musical renditions. Their DJs are top-notch, and karaoke lovers haven’t been left out because they have special karaoke sections to light up your outing.
Their staff is welcoming and always cheerful about taking your orders. Added to the drinks are tasty burgers and other meals to complement their chilled beer.
Visitors can always engage in competitions at their sand volleyball court, and the brewhouse always comes highly recommended for its neat and well-structured environment.
Opening hours are Friday and Saturdays only: 7 PM – 2 AM
For a perfect family reunion and time out, do well to visit Bubba’sBubba’s brewhouse.
Location: 9125 US-70, Durant, OK 74701, United States
22. The Country Framer
When planning your to-do list in Durant, a trip to the county framer shouldn’t miss out on the list because the fun-filled things in this beautiful location would keep you astonished and craving more.
The Country Framer is the best location for tourists who need something spectacular and unique with lots of creativity.
This thrilling location features lots of fabulous jewelry made from ceramic beads, thrilling paintings, and unique pottery works.
Art fanatics aren’t Left out as the unique shop also has special glass art pieces and beautiful souvenirs you can gift to friends and family for posterity.
The owners are accommodating and help you with suggestions on what you to get for a lasting impact experience.
Their opening hours are:
Monday-Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM and
Saturdays: 10 AM – 2 PM
They’re closed on Sundays
Location:113 S 4th Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
23. Go Fishing at Lake Texoma
Outside having the world’s most giant peanut in its territory, also present in this beautiful city of Durant is the 12th Largest Lake in the United States. The lake is called lake Texoma.
The lake has become popular over the years due to the various amenities presented to visitors, and every year, about 6 million visitors visit lake Texoma.
Tourist at the lake gets to partake in several activities ranging from boating to lake fishing, and watersports aren’t also left out.
This site earned its first place among the US Army Corps of Engineers’ bevy of lake projects in 1999 when it was recorded that visitors spent a total of 90 million hours visiting the lake.
Be sure to make your stay in Durant city a memorable one by trying out all the outlined places listed in this article.
You don’t have to exhaust all places on a single trip to Durant; maybe you could explore more on your next visit. There are many fun things to do in Durant, OK, so brace up, plan that trip, and be sure to have a fun-filled and remarkable experience.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Durant, OK?
A trip to Durant, OK first starts with you boarding a flight to Oklahoma.
Depending on your current state of residence in the United States, a regular economy-class flight ticket to Oklahoma city is thus:
- Solo traveler – Between $403 and $744
- Couple – Between $806 and $1,488
- Family of four (4) – Between $1,611 and $2,977
On entering the city, there are three (3) major ways to get to Durant from Oklahoma. This can be done either by taxi, train or car.
The cheapest and quickest way to get to Durant from Oklahoma is to drive.
This usually costs between $11 and $17 and takes just about 2h 52m to complete.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Durant, OK as a Guest (Visitor)?
The average cost of living in Durant, OK for a 7-day trip is as follows:
- Solo traveler – Between $1,103 and $2,128
- Couple – Between $1,786 and $3,446
- Family of four (4) – $3,565 and $6,480
On average, a solo traveler is advised to budget between $40 and $82 daily for their feeding and personal expenses.
Accommodation here per solo traveler costs between $70 and $92 per night. This accounts for a one, 2, or 3-start hotel room.
A 1-bedroom vacation rental for a solo traveler costs between $110 and $135.
For a couple, the case is quite different.
A couple coming into the city to visit is advised to budget between $80 and $164 daily for their feeding and personal expenses.
Accommodation costs for couples visiting the city are quite similar to that of a solo traveler.
Finally, for a family of 4, you are advised to budget between $160 and $329 daily for your feeding and expenses in the city.
Accommodation in this case is quite different.
Lodging in a two 2 or 3-star hotel room for a family of four 4 costs between $139 and $183 per night. While renting a 2-bedroom vacation apartment here for a night costs between $166 and $200.
When is the Best Time to Visit Durant, OK?
The best time to visit Durant, OK is either between March 12th to May 27th or September 17th to November 18th.
The average weather condition in Durant, OK generally varies drastically. So, if you are looking for the best time to visit the city when it’s at its warmest, you should try visiting around June, July, or August.
Regardless, if you are looking to visit the city on a very strict budget, we strongly advise you not to plan your trip by August – this is when the city is most busy.
As such, prices of hotels and flight tickets are usually at their highest.
Thus, if you are planning a trip to Durant, OK on a budget, the best time to visit is by March.