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Nestled along the Oklahoma-Texas border, Thackerville is a small rural town with a few unique attractions worth stopping for. Though tiny in size, Thackerville packs some great gaming, entertainment, outdoor experiences, and dining into its city limits. If you find yourself passing through or looking for a short stopover destination, spending some time discovering the offerings in Thackerville can make for an enjoyable and memorable visit. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Thackerville, Oklahoma during your stay.

What to Do in Thackerville

Gaming at Winstar World Casino

By far the biggest draw to Thackerville is the Winstar World Casino just south of town. This massive casino complex is the largest in not only Oklahoma, but the entire United States and North America. The casino action never stops with over 7,500 electronic games, 100 table games, off-track betting, bingo and more spread across a sprawling 600,000 square feet of gaming space. Open 24 hours a day, you can enjoy the nonstop gaming excitement no matter when the mood strikes.

In addition to the endless gaming options, the casino has an array of other entertainment, nightlife, and activities on site to keep guests entertained. Catch a live show by renowned music acts at the 3,000-seat Global Event Center. Dine at one of the 18 restaurants and bars, ranging from upscale cuisine at Avenue Q to comfort food at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. See the iconic fountains out front put on a music and lights show every 30 minutes in the evening. With so much to do under one roof, you may never have to leave the Winstar complex!

Shopping and Dining in Thackerville

Though small, Thackerville does have a few shopping and dining options of its own beyond the casino that are worth exploring during your stay. The Conrad Hilton Gift Shop at the Hilton Garden Inn stocks Native American jewelry, art, and crafts from tribes across the state. Antique and trinket lovers can browse the trade days market held on the first weekend of each month.

In town, grab classic diner fare and pies at KJ’s Cafe or authentic Mexican dishes at Taqueria El Rinconcito. Nearby in Gainesville, TX, just across the state border, try local favorite Cajun Fille’s for po’boys, gumbo, and etouffee with Louisiana flair. With the casino next door and shopping in town, you’ll have convenient options for dining, gifts, or killing time between gaming sessions.

Outdoor Recreation

Thackerville’s location along the Red River provides opportunities for enjoying some outdoor recreation during your stay. Just north of Thackerville, the McGee Creek State Park and Reservoir offers hiking and biking trails, fishing for catfish and largemouth bass on the lake, and camping areas. South of Thackerville down in Gainesville is the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with over 11,000 acres of preserved ecosystems perfect for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and peaceful walks alongside Lake Texoma.

Back in town, the Thackerville Communitary Center has a free disc golf course open dawn to dusk daily. With wildlife areas, state parks, and lakes minutes away from town, getting some fresh air and enjoying nature is easily accessible from Thackerville.

What to See in Thackerville

Historical and Cultural Attractions

As a smaller town, Thackerville does not have a wealth of traditional tourist attractions or museums. However, there are still a few historical and cultural sites worth taking the time to visit during your stay for those looking to experience a bit of the area’s heritage and local color.

One unique stop is the Red River Historical Museum, which chronicles the history and development of the Red River region through documents, artifacts, videos and more. The museum covers topics ranging from Native American life to the Dust Bowl era. Also check out the Carnegie Library building, constructed in 1910 with an ornate brick exterior and classical-style pillars out front.

Just over the border in Gainesville is the Frank Buck Zoo, which started out as a private collection of exotic animals from over 100 countries that were used in Frank Buck’s films. They have since expanded into a 12-acre public zoo housing over 500 animals. Stop by their zoo, gardens, and petting farm for family fun not far from town.

Where to Eat in Thackerville

Dining at Winstar World Casino

With nine restaurants, three lounges, a food court, and several coffee bars, the Winstar World Casino complex truly provides endless dining and nightlife options. The casino’s dining choices range from casual to upscale.

Quick bites are available 24/7 at either of the two massive food courts, which both offer a wide array of American classics, pizza, Asian dishes, and Tex-Mex. Pepe’s Mexican Café in the Casino Avenue section serves up tacos, fajitas, nachos and more. Vince Gill’s Gilley’s Saloon provides a honky tonk atmosphere for bar food like burgers, sandwiches and their signature fried catfish.

For a more elegant dinner, reserve a table at Prime Steakhouse for perfectly cooked steaks and seafood paired with their extensive wine list. Mei Wei Asian Bistro features Pan-Asian favorites like sesame chicken, Mongolian beef, pad thai and specialty sushi rolls. The trendy Chibiscus Chinese Restaurant offers innovative dishes like lamb chops with madeira sauce and snapper fillet in curry sauce.

With options from fast food to gourmet, you’ll have no trouble finding quick bites and satisfying meals at the Winstar complex.

Restaurants in Thackerville

Though dining at the casino will surely tempt you, Thackerville does have a few local eateries to try during your visit. For classic comfort food and pies, KJ’s Cafe serves up daily lunch specials along with breakfast all day. Taqueria El Rinconcito whips up authentic Mexican favorites from tacos and quesadillas to their Chihuahua-style cheeseburgers. Both spots offer friendly service and welcome regulars and visitors alike.

Where to Stay in Thackerville

On-Site Casino Hotels

Thanks to its massive size, Winstar World Casino offers two large resort hotels right on the casino complex grounds, making it convenient for guests to enjoy the facilities.

The Winstar World Casino Hotel is the casino’s flagship hotel with nearly 1,400 rooms and suites decorated with an elegant, modern flair. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, spa, and casino shuttle. The newer Winstar World Casino and Resort is an upscale separate hotel tower with 374 suites featuring amenities like glass showers, mini fridge, and 65-inch TVs.

With direct casino access and plenty of on-site entertainment, dining, and recreation options, staying at one of Winstar’s hotels lets you make the most of your casino getaway.

Thackerville Hotels

Aside from the casino hotels, Thackerville has a few additional lodging options to choose from in town. Just off I-35, the Hilton Garden Inn Thackerville offers clean, comfortable rooms with microwaves, mini fridges, free Wi-Fi, fitness center and complimentary breakfast. For an extended stay, Candlewood Suites has affordable studio and one-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens.

The Historic Corner Inn provides cozy, pet-friendly lodging in two renovated Victorian homes near downtown Thackerville. With choices from contemporary to quaint, you’re sure to find suitable Thackerville accommodations whether gambling into the night or making an early start on the road.

How to Get to Thackerville

By car: Thackerville lies right along Interstate 35 between Oklahoma City and Dallas, making it an easy road trip destination. It’s about a 1 hour 15 minute drive south of OKC and 45 minutes north of Dallas. Simply take Exit 1 from I-35 into town.

By air: Visitors flying in can land at either Will Rogers World Airport in OKC or Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Rent a car or use a ride share service for the short drive to Thackerville.

From nearby cities: The casino offers shuttle service to Thackerville from nearby population centers like Ardmore and Gainesville, TX. Shuttles can be booked through the casino.

Thackerville is conveniently located right off a major interstate between two big cities, making it easily accessible for travelers. With such proximal proximity to both Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth, getting to Thackerville is a breeze whether arriving by air or road.

Conclusion

Though small in size, Thackerville packs a surprising amount of gaming, dining, shopping, and attractions around its little town. With the huge Winstar World Casino complex right next door, most visitors are drawn by the seemingly endless gaming options from slots to table games to off-track betting. Beyond the casino, enjoying outdoor recreation around Lake Texoma or grabbing a bite at local cafes allows you to experience a little of the town’s culture. For a short stopover or as a gambling getaway destination from nearby big cities like OKC and Dallas, Thackerville provides an enjoyable mix of entertainment, nature, and local flavor. With convenient highways and transportation options, this tiny town on the Oklahoma-Texas border makes for an accessible and refreshing spot to stretch your legs when traveling I-35 or looking for a little Texas-style fun just north of the Red River.