WinStar World Casino is one of the largest casinos in the world, and for good reason — it's an incredible destination all on its own. But if you're making the drive from Dallas, Oklahoma City, or anywhere in between, there's a whole lot more to experience in the area than just the gaming floor.
Whether you're traveling with someone who isn't into gambling, looking to balance a big casino night with some outdoor adventure, or simply want to make a full weekend out of the trip, here are the best things to do near WinStar that have nothing to do with cards or slots.
1. Stay at a Private Cabin in Thackerville
Before anything else — where you stay makes all the difference. Instead of a hotel room inside or near the casino, consider booking a private cabin at River of Love just 15 minutes away.
Waking up in a hand-built log cabin beside a spring-fed creek, or on the rooftop deck of a luxury shipping container cabin under an Oklahoma sky, is a completely different experience than a hotel checkout line. It gives your WinStar weekend a home base worth coming back to.
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2. Explore the Red River
The Red River forms the Oklahoma-Texas border just minutes from WinStar, and it's one of the most underrated natural destinations in the region. The river and its surrounding landscape offer a peaceful contrast to the energy of the casino floor.
Take a drive along the river, find a quiet spot to watch the sunset, or simply park and walk the banks. It's the kind of simple, unhurried experience that reminds you why getting out of the city matters. In the warmer months, the river bottoms are also popular for fishing — bring a pole and spend a quiet morning on the water.
3. Visit Lake Murray State Park
About 30 minutes north of Thackerville, Lake Murray State Park is one of Oklahoma's most beloved outdoor destinations. With over 5,700 acres of water and surrounding woodland, it's ideal for:
Fishing and boating- Hiking and nature trails
- Picnicking with scenic lake views
- Swimming and kayaking in warmer months
- Birdwatching and wildlife photography
Lake Murray is a perfect half-day trip that pairs beautifully with a cabin stay — head out in the morning, explore the park, and return to your hot tub by evening. The park also features Tucker Tower, a historic stone castle overlooking the lake that's worth a visit for the views alone.
4. Catch a Live Show at WinStar
WinStar isn't just about gaming — it hosts some of the biggest live entertainment events in the region. The Global Event Center regularly features major country, rock, and pop acts, as well as comedy shows and special events throughout the year.
Check the WinStar entertainment calendar before your trip and plan your cabin stay around a show you've been wanting to see. A private cabin 15 minutes away beats fighting for a hotel room on a concert night every time — you get the show and the peaceful morning after.
5. Explore Ardmore, Oklahoma
About 30 minutes north of Thackerville, Ardmore is a charming small city worth an afternoon of exploration. You'll find:
Local restaurants and authentic Southern cooking- The Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum (a surprisingly fascinating stop)
- The Charles B. Goddard Center for Visual and Performing Arts
- Shopping and local boutiques downtown
- The Greater Southwest Historical Museum
- Ardmore's Veterans Lake for a peaceful lakeside walk
It's a genuine taste of small-town Oklahoma life and a refreshing change of pace from the casino atmosphere.
6. Day Trip to Sulphur and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area
About 45 minutes northeast of Thackerville, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is one of the most underrated natural gems in Oklahoma. The park features:
Natural mineral and freshwater springs- Travertine Creek for wading and swimming
- Buffalo and bison viewing at the nearby Chickasaw Cultural Center
- Hiking trails through cypress and blackjack oak forest
- The Chickasaw Cultural Center — one of the finest tribal cultural museums in the country
It's an easy day trip and a beautiful contrast to the WinStar experience — nature, history, and genuine Oklahoma character all in one stop.
7. Dine at Local Restaurants Near Thackerville
You don't have to eat at the casino every meal. The area around Thackerville and Gainesville, Texas — just across the Red River — has some solid local dining worth exploring:
Montana Mike's Steakhouse — A local favorite for a hearty steak dinner- Local BBQ spots — Southern Oklahoma does barbecue right and there's no shortage of options
- Gainesville, TX dining — Just 10 minutes south across the border, Gainesville has a solid restaurant scene for a small Texas town with options ranging from Mexican food to classic American diners
8. Relax at River of Love's Zen Den
If the whole point of the trip is to unwind, don't overlook what's right on the property. River of Love's on-site Zen Den offers private massages that can be booked as part of your cabin stay.
After a night at WinStar, a morning massage at the cabin before checkout is the kind of ending a good weekend deserves. Pair it with coffee on the porch and a slow checkout and you'll leave feeling genuinely restored.
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Plan Your WinStar Weekend the Right Way
The area around WinStar has more to offer than most visitors realize. With a private cabin as your home base, you can build a weekend that balances excitement and relaxation — casino nights, outdoor adventure, local dining, and genuine rest all in one trip.
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River of Love Cabins | Thackerville, Oklahoma | 580-276-6502
