Located in the Bryan County of Oklahoma, Durant is the capital city of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a Native American indigenous tribe. This city’s growth was remarkable in the early 2000s. Durant hosts festivities annually. It is also a great city filled with history and arts. You can go sightseeing and shopping. There’s a place where you can eat, relax, learn new skills, and be entertained. This is a perfect place to visit if you are open to doing different activities and exploring new things. Durant may have several accommodation choices, but if you’re more in line with nature, there are a number of cabin rentals near Kingston and other neighboring towns. The place is also a great stopover point for those who have checked out from their Airbnb vacation rental in Tishomingo. To get your plans rolling, continue reading to discover the top things to do in Durant, Oklahoma.
1. Catch a local game at Durant Multi-Sports Complex
A go-to hub for football, baseball, and other sporting events, the Durant Multi-Sports Complex in Oklahoma invites spectators from far and wide to witness all the action. A visit to this multi-purpose community complex will help you get acquainted with the city’s sports culture.
If you’re into being active, you’ll be pleased by the several facilities it has to offer. Surrounding a football field is a running track to improve your cardio and marathon skills. The softball and baseball facilities each feature two big fields and two smaller ones. If international football is your thing, there are eight soccer fields where you can play challenging games with your friends or get to know the locals more.
Durant Multi-Sports Complex
Address: 1920 OK-78, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Durant Multi-Sports Complex
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 2pm
2. Attend the Magnolia Festival
Every weekend after Memorial Day, the people of Durant gather to celebrate and honor the city’s flagship flowering tree. The Magnolia Festival offers locals and visiting guests endless enjoyment and entertainment each year. From classic carnival rides to outstanding local fares, you’re guaranteed to leave the event satisfied and well-fed.
Although it’s not just the fair that makes up the festival. Other related events are also held throughout the city, leaving you with countless fun things to do and explore on your vacation there. You may sign up for a fun run across the streets or bring your motorbike to impress the audience. Magnolia Festival also comes with a showcase of events and activities that celebrate the native Choctaw Nation inhabitants.
Magnolia Festival
Website: Magnolia Festival
3. See Native American artwork in the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located north of the Fine Arts Building and Russell Building on Montgomery Drive and serving as a place for Southeastern Oklahoma State University to store its extensive Native American Art Collection, the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art showcases the beautiful cultural art pieces represented by 26 federally recognized Native American Tribes and 80 other artists.
If you want to see Native American culture immortalized in an art form, drop by this museum and experience the wonderful talent of these artists.
Semple Family Museum of Native American Art
Address: 430 Montgomery Drive, 425 W University Blvd, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Semple Family Museum of Native American Art
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Sat - Mon)
4. Try some Mexican cuisine at Panaderia Villegas
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Craving for some Mexican food? Panaderia Villegas has got you covered. The menu is chock-full of Mexican dishes you can enjoy. From beef guisado to fajitas, this restaurant is sure to fill your hungry stomach and leave your taste buds enjoying the various flavors of the food.
As shown by past customers, many praise the food’s authenticity and taste with some even mentioning that Panaderia Villegas is the best place to get Mexican food in Durant. There is also a bakery if you want to try some of their tasty pastries.
Panaderia Villegas
Address: 510 S 9th Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 9pm; Tues: 9am - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 9pm
5. Have some craft-brewed beer at Lost Street Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Lost Street Brewing Company on Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Do you love beer? Why not try Lost Street Brewing Company’s craft-brewed beer? Boasting a variety of specially brewed beers on the menu, this restaurant promises you not only great drinks but also a great restaurant atmosphere.
This restaurant allows you to enjoy their unique beers without worrying about your children and pets as there are also board games you can borrow to play with your kids. Apart from that, customers praised the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere with one patron mentioning how she had a lot of fun talking to the owners.
Lost Street Brewing Company
Address: 109 W Lost St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Lost Street Brewing Company
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
6. Have a drink with friends in Hometown Hideout
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come see us!! Best way to wind Christmas down!!
Posted by Hometown Hideout on Monday, December 25, 2017
Hometown Hideout is a pub offering cold drinks and a place for you to relax and have a chit-chat in a friendly environment. Many customers recommend this place if you have plans to meet up with friends as not only is the bartender nice, the person is also quite knowledgeable about drinks and mixing drinks.
Described as a cozy place with a great atmosphere, this pub is guaranteed to give you a great time especially if you’re drinking with some friends.
Hometown Hideout
Address: 1319 N 1st Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Opening hours: 2pm - 2am (daily)
7. Experience Durant Rodeo's various events and shows
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT We’re getting the crew back together for the 2021 Durant Pro Rodeo and that means Rockin' Robbie...
Posted by Durant Riding Club PRCA Rodeo on Sunday, May 16, 2021
A staple of Durant, Oklahoma, for over 75 years, Durant Rodeo takes pride in the various events and shows it hosts every year. Experience Oklahoman tradition through these shows and events as the riders showcase their amazing abilities.
This place also is connected to a nonprofit Oklahoman riding club called the Durant Riding Club where it promotes equestrian activities and educational opportunities for its members and the community. You can also rent the rodeo’s arena if you have some events planned, just give the owners a call.
Durant Rodeo
Address: 1901 S 9th Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Durant Rodeo
Opening hours: Open 24 hours from Mon - Sun
8. View historical exhibits and local artifacts at Three Valley Museum
Durant is big in history. One of the places that displays these artifacts is the Three Valley Museum. It features collections about Bryan County’s history. Initially opened in 1976 under the supervision of the Durant Historical Society, the museum was named after a book about Durant, written by Henry McCreary titled “Queen of the Three Valleys.” When you visit the museum, you will get to see exhibits that showcase the progress of Bryan County from 1873 up to modern times. It also has exhibits about the history of transportation as well as information about the Indian tribes in Oklahoma.
Three Valley Museum
Address: 401 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Three Valley Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Enjoy a picnic at Carl Albert Memorial Park
If you like the outdoors, you should head over to Carl Albert Memorial Park. This vast park has a public swimming pool so if you’d like to have a refreshing dip, feel free to bring your swimwear and towel. There is a skateboard park where you can practice your skating skills. A playground is also in the vicinity. For tennis players, this park has three tennis courts for you. Picnic tables and gazebos are available for visitors to occupy. If you feel like organizing a picnic with your family or a few friends, then take your snacks with you and get ready for a great bonding experience.
Carl Albert Memorial Park
Address: 1301 Gail Farrell Drive, Durant, Oklahoma, United States
Website: Carl Albert Memorial Park
10. Take a picture at the World's Largest Peanut Monument
Although the claim “World’s Largest Peanut” turns out to be untrue, seeing this adorable monument and taking a photo with it is still something to brag about when you post about visiting Durant. This cast-metal peanut on a granite monument is 3 ft (91.44 cm) in length and 18 in (45.72 cm) around. This monument was built to appreciate all the peanut growers in Bryan County.
"World's Largest Peanut"
Address: 300 W. Evergreen St., Durant, OK, United States
11. Join a painting class at Elements Art Center
Located in Southeast Oklahoma, Elements Art Center is a place where art lovers come and learn more by signing up for the art classes. Amanda Henslee, the owner of the art center, is an award-winning artist who is dedicated to sharing her creativity with her students. It does not matter whether you’re a beginner or you have advanced skills, this art center has classes for different skill levels. You can take the group classes where you will meet co-artists. If you want to have a private session with your group, feel free to shoot them a message and book.
Elements Art Center
Address: 305 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Elements Art Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
12. Learn about the Civil War at Fort Washita Historic Site
Back in 1842, Fort Washita was established by President Zachary Taylor when he was a general. Its main objective was to provide security for the citizens of the Chickasaw and Choctow Nation. However, when the American Civil War started, the post was abandoned and the structure was eventually burned. It was in 1962 when the Oklahoma Historical Society took over and restored the place and converted the fort into a museum. Tourists visit the place to see the museum and to attend events held at the Fort Washita Historic Site.
Fort Washita Historic Site
Address: 3348 OK-199, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Fort Washita Historic Site
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
13. Watch a live performance at the theater at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
If you have time to watch a theater production, stop by the Theater at Southern Oklahoma State University. The show genres and themes vary so make sure to check out the schedule and feature presentations before your visit. Here, you will get to watch quality performing arts of classic literature and even about various topics in society. Go classy and be prepared to be amazed by the shows.
Theater at Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Address: 425 W. University Boulevard, Durant, OK 74701, United States
14. Have fun bowling at The District
If you’re too bored and you’re looking for some entertainment, there’s always something to do at The District at Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant. They have an arcade where you can play until you get tired. They also have a bowling center with 20 lanes, where you can play with your family or friends. Movies are also shown at the cinema. After playing or watching, never let yourself leave the place hungry. Grab a good meal before you head home.
The District
Address: Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: The District
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Buy a souvenir at Iron Horse Gallery and Gifts
If you’re looking for a place where you can buy souvenirs and gifts, Iron Horse Gallery and Gifts is the perfect place to visit. The place offers various creative products that you can choose from. They have artisan products that are exquisite. These include home decor, sculptures, and some bath accessories. Goods like coffee and chocolate can be purchased from this shop as well.
Iron Horse Gallery and Gifts
Address: 117 S 5th Ave Suite 100, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Iron Horse Gallery and Gifts
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
16. Have drinks at Old Ice House Beer Garden
Go to Old Ice House Beer Garden and grab some drinks, not only because the location used to be an ice manufacturing plant but also because this pub offers a chill ambiance that’s perfect for a laid-back night. Here, you can drink Oklahoma’s local beers and wine while munching on pizza or their specialty, Ham Jam sandwich. The food is served fresh to complement your favorite brew. If you are a small group, you might want to consider booking a private lounge.
Old Ice House Beer Garden
Address: 215 N 3rd Ave, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Old Ice House Beer Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
17. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at Body Business Day Spa
After a tiring day of going out and visiting places, take time to relax. Pamper yourself with a massage at Body Business Day Spa. They offer full-body massage using aromatherapy oils for added relaxation. If you’re in a hurry, you may opt for the partial massage that lasts for 30 minutes. If you would like to give your skin a treat, you can have a facial. The place also has a salon where you can have your hair styled, cut, or professionally treated. Manicure and pedicure services are also available, as well as waxing.
Body Business Day Spa
Address: 211 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701, United States
Website: Body Business Day Spa
A memorable visit
Durant is indeed a place that requires energy from visitors. You need to allow ample time to enjoy each attraction. Be sure to make your stay in this city a memorable one. However, there’s always a next time to visit so gather as much energy as you can for when you return.
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