Any stop in Duncan must include a stop in our Gathering District. Take a leisurely stroll on the new Heritage Trails, which will weave you near the Simmons Center Performing Arts Theatre and the world-renowned Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Catch a live performance on the Simmons Center stage by Duncan Little Theatre or Chisholm Trail Arts Council. From the arts to western heritage, our Gathering District will offer a spectacular day or weekend trip to Duncan.
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
Commemorating and celebrating the great history and heritage of the old Chisholm Trail, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center is not your typical “stop-and-stare” museum. It is an interactive adventure for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. Toss a rope around a longhorn, ride a bronco, create your own brand or sit a spell at a campfire while Jesse Chisholm offers advice to a young cowboy on his first cattle drive. In the multi-sensory Experience Theater, smell the wildflowers of the Oklahoma prairie, listen to the thunder of a cattle stampede, and feel the wind and rain as a storm rages. Meet a chuckwagon cook then relax in the Duncan Store. View the life-size “On the Chisholm Trail” bronze. Then view the trail diorama, located on landscaped grounds.
Garis Gallery of the American West
The Garis Gallery of the American West, located in the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, is an exceptional collection of Western paintings and sculptures. Works by Frederick Remington, George Catlin, Charles Russell, and Alan Houser along with regional and local artists of note are on display. In all, the permanent collection includes an impressive $2 million worth of works. Learn about the art and the artists through self-guided audio tours. Temporary exhibits, from the Smithsonian to local favorites, change about every 8 weeks.
Heritage Trails
Take a leisurely stroll and soak up the fresh Oklahoma air on the Heritage Trails. This concreted, top-of-the-line path connects 3.2 miles of parks and community fixtures in Duncan. This trail system includes full ADA accessibility and is wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers, wheelchairs, and bicycles. Lights also align the trail if you prefer walking in the evenings.
Chisholm Trail Arts Council & Art Gallery
CTAC’s Art Gallery showcases art in a variety of mediums. All art is by local artists and is available for purchase. They also offer arts programming including the popular CTAC LIVE Concert Series, which features famous performers, artists, and entertainers, many of which are held live at the Simmons Center Theatre. Group rates are available.
Simmons Center Performing Arts Theatre and Jack A. Maurer Convention Center
This exquisite theatre seats 750 guests and showcases all manner of performing arts, as well as business forums and conventions. The Simmons Center Theatre and Jack A. Maurer Convention Center offers a state-of-the-art theatre with updated lights & sound, as well as over 10,000 sq ft of meeting space. You’ll also find one of the four murals by nationally acclaimed muralist, Dr. Bob Palmer, in the lobby of the Simmons Center Theatre and Convention Center.
Duncan Little Theatre
Duncan Little Theatre provides plays, musicals, dinner theater, kids camps, and melodramas over the course of each year. Performances may be found throughout Duncan with their annual musical and more held at the Simmons Center Theatre.