10 Easy Road Trips From Duncan, Oklahoma: Fun Things To Do Nearby
If you live in or around
Duncan, Oklahoma, you know it’s a friendly small town with a relaxed pace. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and go explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? You’re surrounded by great places in nearby counties like
Comanche, Carter, Garvin, Grady, Cotton, and Jefferson. All of these spots are outside Stephens County, so they make perfect little out-of-county adventures.
Let’s look at
10 short road trips from Duncan that are easy, fun, and full of things to do.
1. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Comanche County)
If you only make one road trip from Duncan, make it this one.
Located near Lawton in
Comanche County, the
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes from Duncan, depending on your route. It feels like stepping into a completely different world.
- See wild bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs
- Hike short trails like Elk Mountain or the Bison Trail
- Drive up Mount Scott for sweeping views
- Relax by lakes like Quanah Parker or Jed Johnson
If you’re used to flat land, those rugged granite hills and big open skies are a nice change. Bring a cooler, some snacks, and your camera. And if you go at sunset, Mount Scott can be downright magical.
2. Lawton & Fort Sill: History and Culture (Comanche County)
While you’re in
Comanche County, it’s worth spending time in
Lawton and the historic military post of
Fort Sill.
A few highlights:
- Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum – Learn about the frontier army and Native American history.
- Museum of the Great Plains – Family-friendly exhibits about life on the plains, including hands-on displays.
- Elmer Thomas Park – A nice spot to stretch your legs, with walking paths and a lake.
If you like history and want to understand more about Oklahoma’s past, this is a great day trip from Duncan. It’s close enough that you can pair it with the Wichita Mountains in one long day, or make it its own separate visit.
3. Lake Murray State Park (Carter County)
Head southeast from Duncan into
Carter County, and in about an hour and a half you can reach
Lake Murray State Park, just outside Ardmore. It’s Oklahoma’s first and largest state park, and it’s a favorite weekend spot for a lot of southern Oklahoma families.
Things to do at Lake Murray:
- Swim or relax at the sandy swim beaches
- Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard
- Walk or bike on lakeside trails
- Visit the Tucker Tower Nature Center for lake views and exhibits
If you’re from Duncan, this makes a perfect warm-weather getaway. Pack a picnic, throw in some chairs, and you’re set for a simple, refreshing day by the water.
4. Ardmore: Downtown Charm & Family Fun (Carter County)
While you’re near Lake Murray, it’s easy to swing into
Ardmore in
Carter County for food, shopping, or a little exploring.
Here are a few ideas:
- Stroll through Downtown Ardmore — small shops, local restaurants, and old brick buildings.
- Take the kids to a park or splash pad in the warmer months.
- Check out local events, markets, or festivals if your timing is right.
From Duncan, Ardmore is far enough to feel like a getaway but close enough that you don’t have to book a hotel. It’s an easy day trip that combines outdoor fun with a small-city vibe.
5. Chickasha & the Festival of Light (Grady County)
If you’re heading north from Duncan, point your car toward
Chickasha in
Grady County. It’s a year-round destination, but it really shines (literally) during the holidays.
The big draw is the
Chickasha Festival of Light, usually running from mid-November through December in Shannon Springs Park.
What to expect:
- Millions of Christmas lights and displays
- Walking paths, carriage rides, and sometimes sledding hills with artificial snow
- Food trucks, hot cocoa, and a very festive atmosphere
Even outside the holiday season, Chickasha makes a nice little road trip from Duncan for:
- A bite to eat in town
- A walk in the park
- Simple small-town exploring
If you’re looking for fun winter things to do near Duncan, this one should be on your list.
6. Pauls Valley & the Toy and Action Figure Museum (Garvin County)
Looking for something a little quirky? Drive northeast from Duncan into
Garvin County, and you’ll find
Pauls Valley, home of the
Toy and Action Figure Museum.
This place is especially fun if you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s and remember your favorite action figures.
Highlights:
- Huge displays of action figures and toys from different eras
- A “Collector’s Bedroom” packed floor-to-ceiling with figures
- Lots of nostalgia — it’s like walking into your childhood toy box
Pauls Valley also has a traditional small-town downtown area where you can grab lunch, stretch your legs, and enjoy the slower pace. It’s one of the more unique day trips from Duncan and great for families.
7. Marlow & Bray Area Backroads (Grady & Stephens Border)
While you’ll need to stay out of Stephens County for this list, you can still explore right near the edge. If you head toward
Marlow and the backroads pushing into
Grady County, you can enjoy a simple countryside drive.
Why take this kind of trip?
- Low-traffic roads that are easy and relaxing to drive
- Classic Oklahoma scenery: cattle pastures, fields, and big skies
- Chances to stop at small convenience stores or diners along the way
This isn’t about big attractions. It’s about taking an unhurried drive, talking with whoever’s in the passenger seat, listening to your favorite playlist, and just enjoying being out of town for a bit.
Sometimes, the best things to do near Duncan don’t cost anything but gas.
8. Waurika Lake & Waurika (Jefferson County)
To the south of Duncan, in
Jefferson County, you’ll find
Waurika Lake and the town of
Waurika. It’s a quieter alternative to some of the bigger Oklahoma lakes but still a nice change of scenery.
Things to do around Waurika Lake:
- Fish from the shore or by boat
- Camp or have a cookout
- Take a walk along the shoreline and enjoy the wide-open views
Waurika itself has a small-town feel with a few spots to grab a bite and fuel up. If you’re the type who enjoys calm lakes, simple roads, and no crowds, this makes a peaceful road trip from Duncan.
9. Walters & the Red River Area (Cotton County)
Head south from Duncan into
Cotton County and you’ll reach
Walters, not far from the Texas border and the
Red River.
Why go?
- Experience a classic rural Oklahoma town
- Enjoy a slower pace and quiet countryside
- Use it as a base for exploring the nearby Red River area
You can make this trip as simple as you like: drive down, grab lunch, and take your time meandering along the backroads. It’s the kind of outing where you’re not racing from one attraction to another — you’re just enjoying the drive and letting the day unfold.
10. Elmore City & the “Footloose” Connection (Garvin County)
If you’re a movie fan, here’s a fun one.
Elmore City in
Garvin County is famously known as part of the inspiration for the movie
“Footloose”.
While it’s a small town, it makes for a lighthearted road trip from Duncan, especially if you:
- Love 80s movies and music
- Enjoy visiting places with fun background stories
- Like cruising through small downtowns and backroads
Pair Elmore City with a stop in Pauls Valley or another nearby town, and you’ve got a full day of exploring northeastern backroads from Duncan.
Tips for Enjoying Road Trips from Duncan, OK
To make your
short road trips from Duncan even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather. Oklahoma conditions can change fast, especially in spring.
- Fill up the tank. Some rural stretches don’t have a lot of gas stations.
- Bring a small cooler. Toss in water, snacks, and maybe sandwiches.
- Carry a printed map or download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty in certain areas.
- Give yourself extra time. Part of the fun is stopping when something catches your eye.
If you’ve ever said, “There’s nothing to do around here,” try picking one of these spots this weekend. You might be surprised how much there is to see within a short drive of Duncan.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Duncan?
Have you visited any of these places near Duncan, Oklahoma? Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-county spots in Carter, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Grady, or Jefferson County?
I’d love to hear:
- Which day trip you like best
- Any hidden gems you’ve found along the way
- Your go-to lakes, parks, or small towns near Duncan
Share your thoughts in the comments and let other locals know about your favorite short road trips from Duncan.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Duncan, OK. Sometimes, the best adventures are only an hour down the road.
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