Duncan, OK
Once a small cow town in south-central Oklahoma, Duncan has expanded into a vibrant destination while preserving their Western roots. Set on the legendary Chisholm Trail, Duncan offers visitors the unique opportunity to see what life was like back in the day for the early cowboys and oilmen.
Conveniently surrounded by major roadways including State Highway 7, Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 81, Duncan is an easy stop for travelers to find. Whether for a day trip or an extended stay, the uniqueness of Duncan provides a remote yet recreational getaway. Even more so, the town serves as a therapeutic vacation for the soul, offering its visitors the peaceful sense of having a city to themselves and an escape from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. The rosy-rustic atmosphere of the town bypasses sidewalks and skyscrapers in exchange for an extended panorama of refreshing green lands and crystal blue skies. With around 241 days of sunshine per year and surrounding lakes and parks, Duncan is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors with ideal hiking, hunting, camping, fishing and golfing in the area.
What to Do
For history fanatics looking for an exciting and educational journey back in time, Duncan is home to an array of historical museums, such as the Rock Island 905 Museum, the Stephens County Historical Museum or the state-of-the-art Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.
Trek over to the W. T. Foreman Prairie Style House. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the earliest examples of prairie-style architecture made famous by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. While out and about exploring Duncan, be sure to strike up a conversation with a friendly local and hear stories about the legendary residents and history of the town. Or ask them about Duncan’s claim to fame; being the beloved hometown of little Opie from the Andy Griffith Show.
For shopping enthusiasts, take a stroll down the historic main street and discover vintage trinkets in one of the many antique shops including the Eclectic Echo, Sumac Trading Co. or one of Duncan’s southern-chic boutiques. Then spark up some evening entertainment with first-class gaming at the Chisholm Trail Casino or enjoy a theatrical performance at Duncan’s Little Theatre.
Where to Eat
Eat where the locals eat in Duncan with several dining options like Aces Sports Grill located inside the Chisholm Trail Casino. Billy Sims BBQ, owned and named after the 1978 Heisman winner and former professional football player, serves award-winning smoked barbecue! And those are just a couple of the delectable eateries in Duncan.
Where to Stay
Complete your stay with an elegant lodging experience at one of the private cottages nestled in the outdoor gardens of the Lindley House Garden Cottages, Duncan’s most treasured English Country style Bed and Breakfast.
The History
The classic, old western town of Duncan, Oklahoma, is akin to a trail mix of rolling prairies, historic architecture, colorful crape myrtle trees and southern hospitality. Prior to Duncan’s existence, the legendary Chisholm Trail passed through the land, where American cowboys once herded around ten million longhorn cattle between the Texas and Kansas borders. With the planned construction of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroads through Duncan, Scotsman William Duncan and his Chickasaw wife, Sally Duncan, saw a lucrative opportunity to develop a township. The couple claimed five hundred acres of Indian Territory in the path of the railroad and constructed a trading post situated at the intersection of the Chisholm Trail. When the first train arrived on June 27, 1892, William Duncan’s aspirations came to life and the charming community of Duncan, Oklahoma, was officially born.
When planning your next trip through Chickasaw Country, don’t make Duncan just a drive-through – make it your final destination. The same entrepreneurial spirit that turned unsettled land into a rich western community, cowboys into legends, and cattlemen into chaps of great fortune, still lives deep in the heart of Duncan.
