Just across the Texas/ Oklahoma border sits WinStar World Casino and Resort, large and in charge! Just a few miles into Oklahoma, this expansive resort built by Native American Indians reminded me of a very large mall from the outside. But don’t be intimidated; once you get inside the belly of the beast, so to speak, get your bearings straight and then you can really start to relax and enjoy this unique property.

Whether you enjoy casino play or not, you can make the most from a visit to WinStar. Granted, the casino takes up a large part of the facility, but even if you don’t gamble, there’s plenty to do!

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, enjoy the pool, where you can get cool in the Texas heat, grab a cold beer, and relax.

Restaurants for Miles at Winstar Casino and Resort

There are plenty of restaurants on property, which makes it really convenient because you don’t have to drive around looking for places to dine. Kirby‘s is a well-known steakhouse, with locations around Texas, but this location is steps away from the lobby. Feast on scrumptious appetizers, fresh salads, delicious pasta dishes, steaks, and sea bass, all paired with a fabulous Daou Cabernet.

For a more casual Southern comfort food experience, have lunch at Toby Keith‘s I Love This Bar. Indulge in delicious shrimp and grits, brisket nachos, a robust cobb salad featuring several types of meats, a warm toasty sandwich or other tasty dishes, paired with a cold iced tea. This spot is great for sports buffs because there are big screens all around. Check out the “Beer for my horses” section on the menu.

Vino’s Italian Kitchen features Italian comfort food, including various types of pastas, pizzas and flatbreads, and a robust Italian wine list. Enjoy arancini with pepperoni and they even offer zucchini noodles for those looking to reduce their carbs. 

Music and More

But here is the real draw for a stay at WinStar Resort. Stay in the spa tower, which is just up the elevator from the two heroes of the property: WinStar Spa and Lucas Oil Live concert venue. Literally, your room, the spa and the concert venue are all just across the hall from each other.

Lucas Oil Live is a huge draw for this resort. Without a bad seat in the house, this concert venue brings in some of the most impressive superstars. With acoustics to rival the most popular concert venues, enjoy a show with one of your favorite musicians, artists or comedians, and then walk across the hall to head upstairs to your room. It doesn’t get more convenient than that!

And, for the pièce de résistance… before or after your concert experience, plan a solid half day to enjoy the impressive WinStar Spa. I’ve been travel writing for 22 years and visited some of the world’s most amazing spas and I will say that this spa is definitely in my top five for U.S. spas! 

The amenities feature multiple steam rooms and saunas, but also lounge rooms for relaxation, hydrotherapy features, a walk-through experiential shower, and an ice lounge. The hydrotherapy pool boasts various water therapy features. You will definitely want to block off a full half day to enjoy the amenities and a treatment such as a massage or facial. This is communal aquathermal bathing at its best!

So head north and spend a few nights enjoying music, relaxation, and pampering all in one convenient location. Watch more about Winstar on my summer travel segment on San Antonio Living! 

TRIP TIPS:

• Note that the pool area is only open from Memorial weekend through Labor Day weekend. 
• Make your reservations for dining as much as possible as the restaurants get (and stay) fairly busy. You might even find it hard to pop into a bar for a drink (unless the bar is in the casino).
• Make sure you book a room in the spa tower for the best in convenience.

About Lucas Oil Live:

• Lucas Oil Live opened in the fall of 2023
• Area: 300,000 SF
• Seating capacity: 6,500 (club seating level with private lounges and VIP suites)
• Impressive three-level pre-function area with natural light, escalators, and concessions amenities
• Roof steel trusses are an average of 17 feet high and spanning 225 feet.
• 3 million cubic feet of auditorium volume
• Club Lounge: 3,600 SF
• Two (2) VIP party rooms with electric recliners opened to the auditorium
• State-of-the-art auditorium acoustics designed by the best acousticians in the country
• 140-decibel loudspeaker system
• Two 32’ x 18’ LED video screens
• 8 concession stands, 8 bars, and box seating

Fun facts:

• Stage Area: An NBA basketball court would fit in the stage.
• A Boeing 747 would fit inside the auditorium footprint with some room to spare.
• A 7-story building would fit inside the auditorium.

Upcoming acts: 

• Turnpike Troubadours
• James Taylor & His All Star Band
• Kevin Hart
• Parker McCollum
• Jerry Seinfeld
• Scotty McCreery

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Cover photo courtesy WinStar

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News, Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (FOX), and Studio 512! She loved fulfilling her 15-year old dream of seeing Duran Duran live at Lucas Oil Live!