Things To Do
in Durant
Durant is a charming city located in Bryan County, Oklahoma, United States. It is best known as the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and is home to the Choctaw Casino Resort. The city offers a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, with access to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking in nearby Lake Texoma.
Durant has a vibrant community with a rich history and a variety of dining and shopping options for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the beautiful Lake Texoma for a refreshing hike. Enjoy the scenic views and breathe in the fresh air.
Head to the local state park for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Explore the trails and take in the sights of wildlife.
Wind down with a sunset view over the lake. Perhaps enjoy a quiet dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Begin your morning casting lines at one of the local fishing spots. Relax and enjoy the calm waters as you wait for a catch.
After a satisfying morning, have lunch at a fish fry spot to savor your catch. Share stories of the one that got away with fellow anglers.
Finish the day at a lakeside bonfire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the night sky. Reflect on the day's adventures with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Small-town charm and close-knit community
- Access to outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities
- Low crime rate and a safe environment for families
- Local events and festivals that promote community engagement
- Limited access to higher education institutions
- Fewer job opportunities compared to larger urban areas
- Limited entertainment and dining options
- Dependence on nearby larger towns for certain services and amenities
- Potential for extreme weather conditions, including severe storms and heat
Best Activities in Durant
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large reservoir located just a short drive from Durant, Lake Texoma offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking.
A local park in Durant that features picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails, ideal for family outings and recreational activities.
Situated near Durant, this museum offers outdoor activities relating to the history of the Choctaw Nation, with nature trails and educational programs.
An outdoor water park that provides fun activities such as water slides, swimming pools, and picnic areas, great for families during the summer months.
The Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from Durant and offers abundant bird watching opportunities alongside scenic hiking trails.
Tours
Uncover the best of Durant with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Durant
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful view of the lake with opportunities for photography and outdoor activities.
Scenic location with historic buildings and grounds for capturing unique photos.
Opportunity to photograph historical artifacts and exhibits in a museum setting.
Modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere for capturing cityscape and nightlife photos.
Food in Durant
Durant Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local specialty, typically seasoned with southern-inspired spices and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw. Visit Mama T's Restaurant for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A savory Native American dish featuring frybread topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and other toppings. Sample this delicacy at the Choctaw Nation's Annual Labor Day Festival or at T & C Grill.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Durant better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Saturday, locals and visitors can explore a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and homemade treats. The market is a hub of community activity and showcases the best of Durant's culinary offerings.
During the annual Magnolia Festival, food trucks line the streets, offering an assortment of delectable street food, from BBQ to gourmet desserts. It's a fantastic opportunity to savor a range of flavors in one place.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Durant, a friendly handshake is a common way to greet someone. It's polite to make eye contact and smile when introducing yourself or greeting others.
Being on time is considered respectful and important in both social and business settings. If you're running late, it's courteous to inform the person you are meeting.
Respecting personal space is important in Durant. People generally prefer to have about an arm's length of space between them and others during conversations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Durant with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Durant
Ensure a smooth experience
In Durant, United States, tipping is commonly practiced in various service industries, particularly in restaurants, bars, and for personal services. It is typically expected to tip around 15-20% of the total bill before taxes. In certain establishments, gratuity may automatically be included for larger parties. Tipping is seen as a way to reward good service and contribute to the income of service workers, as many rely heavily on tips in addition to their base pay.
Payment practices in Durant vary by establishment but common methods include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Most restaurants and retailers accept major credit cards, and there are often contactless payment options available. It’s also common for consumers to receive their bills at the end of service, which they can settle by choosing one of the payment options available. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward digital and mobile payment solutions for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Durant, as the weather is mild and the surrounding nature comes to life with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. It's also a good time for outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking.
Summer in Durant brings warm temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures like boating, fishing, and swimming in the nearby lakes. The town also hosts various events and festivals during this season.
Fall offers beautiful foliage in Durant and the surrounding areas. It's a great time for scenic drives, visiting pumpkin patches, and enjoying the local fall festivals.
Winter in Durant is relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. While the temperatures can drop, there are still opportunities for outdoor activities like birdwatching and exploring the quieter side of the town.
Durant at Night
Hiking in Durant
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Texoma, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding nature.
Features numerous trails for hiking and wildlife observation with opportunities to see migratory birds and other wildlife.
This park offers several hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
This area offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and opportunities for wildlife observation.
A series of trails around Cedar Lake, providing a peaceful hiking experience along the water and through the woods.
Aiports
How to reach Durant by plane.
Located approximately 80 miles southwest of Durant, DFW is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
Situated about 120 miles northeast of Durant, Tulsa International Airport serves a variety of domestic flights and is the second largest airport in Oklahoma.
Approximately 120 miles northwest of Durant, this airport serves Oklahoma City and offers flights to numerous domestic destinations, with limited international connections.
Located around 200 miles south of Durant, near Houston, Texas, this airport is a major hub for international travel and offers extensive flight options globally.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Durant, consisting predominantly of individuals identifying as Caucasian.
A significant demographic consisting of individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of Durant.
A notable demographic group in Durant, reflecting the area's indigenous heritage.
This group includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, representing a growing segment of the population in Durant.
A smaller demographic group consisting of individuals identifying as Asian.
Includes individuals from various other racial and ethnic backgrounds not specifically categorized.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a widely played sport in Durant, with many local schools and community leagues offering programs for youth and adults.
American football is popular in Durant, particularly at the high school level, with enthusiastic support from the community during the football season.
Baseball has a strong following in Durant, featuring local teams and youth leagues that engage the community in America's pastime.
Softball is commonly played in Durant, with opportunities for both men’s and women’s leagues, as well as youth programs.
Soccer is growing in popularity in Durant, especially among youth, with several leagues and clinics available for different age groups.
Track and field events are popular in schools and local competitions, encouraging athleticism and sportsmanship among students.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Durant.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries, including Market Square and Uno Mas, cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering a range of plant-based dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at restaurants like Market Square, where gluten-free selections are clearly labeled on the menu, ensuring a stress-free dining experience.