Bryan County
Come and Discover
Discover Durant, the City of Magnolias, the Gateway to Lake Texoma, the home of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the Great Choctaw Nation. We are blessed to be located in “God’s Country”. Durant’s high quality and affordable family valued lifestyle is located a convenient 90 miles north of Dallas on Highway 75 and 150 miles southeast and south from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Come and experience our hospitality and strong sense of community while enjoying our recreation and entertainment.
Recreational opportunities are abundant on beautiful Lake Texoma, offering an abundance of water sports. It is only 15 minutes from Durant and has 89,000 acres of water to enjoy. Lake Texoma has between 8-10 million tourists every year and is the 12th largest lake in the United States, and also one of the largest reservoirs in the country, contributing to Durant’s economic and population growth. With the varied activities and numerous combinations, Lake Texoma can make anyone’s vacation the ultimate experience.
Don't forget to include historic Fort Washita in your agenda as well. Fort Washita is located 15 miles northwest of Durant on 3348 State Road 199. Find out more about Fort Washita by calling 580-924-6502 or online at www.okhistory.org.
The city of Durant hosts its annual event, The Magnolia Festival, on the weekend following Memorial Day. This year's Magnolia Festival is June 3 and 4. It’s a three night, two day event filled with fun and entertainment. For more information on this event, visit the web site at www.magnoliafestival.com.
We are fortunate to have the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation Located in our city. Chief Gregory Pyle and Assistant Chief Gary Batton provide leadership for the Choctaw Nation. Many of their business enterprises operate throughout Bryan County. Among the most popular is the Choctaw Casino and Resort. The casino is operational 24/7 and hosts a variety of entertainment. The newly renovated event center host a variety of events bringing quality entertainment to our area. Durant ranks as the second largest city within the Choctaw Nation, following McAlester, and ahead of Poteau.
The City of Durant is the regional service area for a five county area populated by people. Our city continues to prosper and grow as we will celebrate the new Donald W. Reynolds Community Center and Library, a new airport terminal for Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field, and the fall 2011 opening of the Durant High School new facility. Durant is proud to be home to SOSU Storm, a.k.a. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a four-year regional college. SOSU enhances our rural setting by providing quality musical productions including the renowned Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, Aviation Program and NCAA Division II athletes.
While in our area be sure to pay a visit to our beautiful downtown. With broad-based community support, the Durant Main Street program has enhanced the original business district through working with business owners, property owners, partners, and volunteers. Downtown Durant has the highest rate of occupancy since the Main Street program began. Several Downtown properties are under renovation. The quality of the businesses is at an extremely high level. The program has received the designation of a National Register District for the Downtown as well as Preserve America community status.
Activities are abundant and include an outdoor ice skating rink during the Christmas holidays as well as weekly Music on Market Square on Thursday nights during the summer months. In January and February 2010, the Three Valley Museum in Downtown Durant will host a Smithsonian Exhibit “Journey Stories” courtesy of the Oklahoma Humanities Council and Museum on Main Street. We take pride in our Downtown, and we welcome our guests. For additional information contact Donna Dow, Main Street Program Director, at www.durantmainstreet.org, or 580-924-1550, 110 N 2nd Street, Durant, OK 74701.
Whether you are coming to visit or establish a permanent residence, we invite you to come and enjoy our hospitality and quality of life. Start your adventure today by contacting the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 215 North Fourth Avenue, Durant, Ok 74701. 580-924-0848 or www.durantchamber.org.