With a population under 10,000, it’s obvious Poteau is a very small town. But that’s part of its charm. Located near the Arkansas border and near the marvelous Ouachita National Forest, Poteau is the right destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Stay in a secluded cabin rental and soak in nature. Take a relaxing drive along the magnificent Talimena National Scenic Byway, an area showcasing more than 50 miles (80.4 kilometers) of the most amazing vistas, rich golden valleys, and captivating historic towns in the region! Want to witness clusters of hot air balloons as they fill the sky then the annual Poteau Balloon Fest is a must. There are also plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals in the area for a comfortable stay. If your interest is peaked then you need to read on to discover things to do in Poteau, Oklahoma.
1. Spend a day outdoors at Lake Wister State Park
Posted by Lake Wister State Park on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Soak in some sunshine at Lake Wister State Park. The park includes 115 miles (185.07 kilometers) of beautiful shoreline perfect for admiring the beauty of Lake Wister. Get closer to the water by boating or water skiing in the 7,300 surface acres of lake waters or stay at the beach. You can also stay overnight in one of the five campgrounds within the park. There’s even a group camp that can accommodate up to 100 people with its own full kitchen and dining hall.
Lake Wister State Park
Address: 25679 US Hwy 270, Wister, OK 74966
Website: Lake Wister State Park n
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 8am - 4pm (closed on Tue)
2. Get a great workout hiking Cavanal Hill
Cavanal Hill is considered the highest hill in Oklahoma, and the world, at an elevation of 1,999 feet (609.2 meters), which makes it 1 foot (0.30 meters) shy of mountain designation. With that kind of serious height, Cavanal Hill not only gives you a wonderful cardio session but reach the summit and you’re rewarded with fabulous panoramic views of the Ouachita National Forest, the Poteau River Valley, Wister Lake, and many other beautiful sites surrounding the area. Cavanal Hill provides a nice respite at the top with a breezy renovated pavilion that’s perfect for picnicking.
Cavanal Hill
Address: Poteau, Oklahoma 74953
Website: Cavanal Hill
3. Watch a game at Poteau Area Recreational Complex
Spend a sunny afternoon cheering at a baseball game or soccer match at Poteau Area Recreational Complex. This wonderful recreational facility prides itself on keeping the community moving with many fun sports activities. This city-owned complex offers a variety of exciting youth and adult sports leagues. From baseball to basketball to football, this facility has it all. Along with the expansive green fields is a convenient concession stand if you need to hydrate with a cold drink or satisfy your hunger with a light snack.
Poteau Area Recreational Complex
Address: 5007 S Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Poteau Area Recreational Complex
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4. Enjoy a movie under the stars at Tower Drive-In
One of the joys of small towns like Poteau is you can still find a drive-in for a nice nostalgic movie-going experience. Entertaining residents of Poteau since 1950, Tower Drive-In delivers fully digital first-run features and blockbuster movie action. This drive-in is equipped with one screen measuring 75 feet (22.8 meters) wide and 40 feet (12.1 meters) tall so patrons are sure to have a sensational visual experience. The concession stand is packed with lots of goodies from buttery popcorn to sweet funnel cakes. Download the Fan Food app and you can have food conveniently delivered to your car!
Tower Drive-In
Address: 2214 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Tower Drive-In
Price: 7 USD
5. Take a pleasant stroll at Bill J Barber Park
Surrounded by plenty of green grass and tall trees, Bill J Barber Park in Poteau is an ideal place to enjoy a nice walk. Providing outdoor recreation and nature preservation, Bill J Barber Park is equipped with a network of paved footpaths making a walk at this park a breeze. There’s also no worries if you want to bring along your furry friend. Aside from ideal walking terrain, Bill J Barber Park also offers other outstanding outdoor features like a sturdy playground area for youngsters, picnic facilities, and a tranquil creek that meanders through the park.
Bill J Barber Park
Address: Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Bill J Barber Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Uncover Poteau's history at Leflore County Museum
Leflore County Museum is housed in a historic structure erected in 1922. Once the luxurious Hotel Lowrey, this space underwent a renovation in 2008 and was repurposed as the Leflore County Museum. This museum boasts a wide range of artifacts and bygone treasures such as antique furnishings, a spiffy 1900s cash register, old photographs, and so much more. Via a restoration, this museum even offers a glimpse at the original Hotel Lowrey lodgings affording visitors the chance to view what a deluxe hotel from the 1920s was like.
Leflore County Museum
Address: 303 Dewey Ave, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Leflore County Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Relish the good life at Choctaw Country Club, Inc.
A splendid retreat when you’re in need of maximum relaxation, Choctaw Country Club, Inc. offers a well-manicured nine-hole golf course with an above-average putting green, a nicely supplied pro shop, and a satisfying snack bar. This course is replete with pretty ponds and lovely lakes at several holes adding extra tranquility to the grounds as well as keeping you alert and sharp during your golf game. This stellar club is also equipped with fine tennis courts and a sparkling swimming pool so guests can further unwind and forget their daily worries.
Choctaw Country Club, Inc.
Address: 21723 Country Club Road, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Choctaw Country Club, Inc.
Price: 15 - 21 USD
8. Shop at Poteau Farmers Market
Posted by Poteau Farmers Market on Saturday, 27 July 2019
If freshness is the number one quality you want when it comes to food then come and visit this farmers market in Poteau. Some of the wonderful wares found at this market include local fresh fruits and veggies, tender farm-raised meats, and sweet local honey. There are even fragrant homemade soaps. Standouts are the myriad of flavorful jams on hand. Choose from the eclectic like strawberry-cotton candy or plum-bourbon or traditional choices such as apricot and grape jellies. Get everything you need without setting foot in a grocery store!
Poteau Farmers Market
Address: 1914 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Poteau Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
9. Engage in a game of bowling at Strike A Lot Lanes
Sufficiently equipped with 18 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an outstanding laser tag section, a large fun-filled arcade room, and professional billiards tables, Strike A Lot Lanes offers the perfect place for non-stop thrilling action. Cosmic Bowl nights - featuring Glo-Bowl and Bowl-araoke - is a nice additional bonus. If that’s not enough excitement for you Strike A Lot Lanes also offers great live entertainment on weekends. When it’s time to reenergize head to the handy on-site 11th Frame Snack Bar for a tantalizing selection of filling snacks and refreshing drinks.
Strike A Lot Lanes
Address: 1914 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Strike A Lot Lanes
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Tue)
Price: 3 USD
10. Pick batches of blueberries at Maple Creek Berry Farm
With more than 2,000 robust blueberry plants, Maple Creek Berry Farm offers an ideal family adventure. A popular u-pick farm in Oklahoma, guests of Maple Creek Berry Farm can enjoy the splendor of the countryside while picking juicy blueberries to either eat directly or use to bake a yummy pie or blend a delicious smoothie. Buckets and take-home bags are supplied so don’t be shy when it comes to picking. In addition, handy and complimentary jelly jar labels and recipe cards are available. Be aware: harvest time is generally the early part of June through the middle of July.
Maple Creek Berry Farm
Address: 33423 Pleasant Valley Rd, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Maple Creek Berry Farm
Opening hours: Jun - Jul: Tue & Thu: 7pm - 9pm; Sat: 7am - 11am (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri)
Price: 5 - 25 USD
11. Test your skills at The Skatepark Off Broadway
Posted by The Skatepark off Broadway on Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Poteau’s clear winner when it comes to intense skating action, Skatepark Off Broadway consists of 12,000 square feet (1,114.8 square meters) of fast-moving fun. This concrete jungle does not skimp: offering large bowls, thrilling gaps, slick rails and ramps, dazzling half pipes and quarter pipes, and much more. The Skatepark Off Broadway welcomes skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX bikers so strap your helmet on tight and get moving to this town’s best skatepark.
The Skatepark Off Broadway
Address: 105 Reynolds Ave, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Skatepark Off Broadway
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Lace up your skates and get rolling at Skate-Reation
Riedell skates for sale at Skate-Reation. Fun fashion styles like camo, polka dots and zebra stripes. Make great Christmas presents. Come see them in person.
Posted by Skate-Reation on Friday, 19 December 2014
Skate-Reation is a fantastic way to spend a rainy afternoon. This first-rate indoor skating rink offers everyone the chance to enjoy a fun activity while getting some excellent exercise. Skate-Reation also has a superb snack bar where you can get a quick energy boost. If you’re searching for the perfect gift for your avid roller-skating loved one check out the top-quality Riedell roller skates available in eye-catching designs such as polka dot, camouflage, and zebra stripes.
Skate-Reation
Address: 201 Hughes Dr, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Skate-Reation
Opening hours: Fri: 7pm - 11pm; Sat: 2pm - 4pm, 7pm - 11pm; Sun: 2pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 3 - 5 USD
13. Check out the mecca of gaming at Poteau Games
If you’re a gaming fanatic the only go-to spot is the spectacular Poteau Games. You’ll quiver with excitement over the widest and latest selection of top gaming supplies. Uncover ace vintage and snazzy next-generation consoles, fun card games, must-have miniatures, and fun board games. If you’re on the hunt for all-time favorites such as Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Minecraft, and Warhammer, Poteau Games has you covered. Everyone from diehard gamers to curious newbies is welcome.
Poteau Games
Address: 806 S Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Poteau Games
Opening hours: 1pm - 9pm (daily)
14. Pack a picnic and head to lovely Twyman Park
Open to the public since 1937, Twyman Park is located on 20 acres (8.09 hectares) of lush green terrain. No doubt a wonderful setting to enjoy an afternoon picnic, Twyman Park boasts two spacious picnic pavilions, a babbling brook, a shimmering pond, a collection of whimsical ducks, a seasonal crystal-blue swimming pool, tennis courts, and a nicely equipped playground. Worth investigating is the Caretaker’s Cottage. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is constructed of expertly cut native sandstone and adorned with an attractive gabled roof.
Twyman Park
Address: Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Twyman Park
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Take a scenic bike ride along Old Frisco Trail
Old Frisco Trail is the remains of the Frisco Railroad line. It’s popular with hikers, walkers, and, of course, mountain bikers. A delightful surprise is the colorful art murals painted on three of the four bridges. The pathway, comprised of a crushed-stone surface, is somewhat flat and runs along Old Wister Highway through an inviting jungle-like section. While biking you’ll see serene Cavanal Lake. The thick, wooded vegetation is a nice protective shield for bikers from harsh elements like the sun and wind and also adds an unexpected layer of quiet remoteness to the trail.
Old Frisco Trail
Address: Old Wister Hwy Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Old Frisco Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
16. Savor old-world Italian fare at Leona's Italian Restaurant
Leave with a full belly every time, Poteau.
Posted by Leona's Italian Restaurant on Monday, 4 June 2018
Get a taste of authentic Italian eats at Leona’s Italian Restaurant in Poteau. From tasty standard dishes like Manicotti and Chicken Marsala to more singular plates such as Linguini Tuttomare and Tortellini Siciliano, Leona’s Italian Restaurant prepares every order with only the freshest ingredients. Fried calamari or bruschetta is a great appetizer and to complete the meal you can’t go wrong with the creamy tiramisu or the to-die-for limoncello cake.
Leona's Italian Restaurant
Address: 200 S Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Website: Leona’s Italian Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
17. Sample spicy specialties at La Huerta Mexican Restaurant
Boasting a menu packed with everything from sizzling fajitas to gooey cheese enchiladas, La Huerta Mexican Restaurant is the premiere spot for genuine Mexican cuisine. Fresh creamy guacamole or the uniquely tasty Quesadilla Con Chorizo are a great way to start your meal along with a house margarita. When you’re ready to dive into your meal try the Chili Relleno or Chile Colorado. No meal at La Huerta Mexican Restaurant is complete without a taste of their creamy flan or sweet sopapilla served with cool ice cream!
La Huerta Mexican Restaurant
Address: 3115 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 74953
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Price: 10 USD
Nearby things to do
18. Visit Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Around 30 minutes away from Poteau, Oklahoma, the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center offers a fascinating view of the area’s rich history. The site includes 150 acres (60.70 hectares) of land along the Arkansas River, two interpretive trails, and a half-mile (0.80-kilometer) nature trail. It is the only American Indian archaeological site in all of Oklahoma and shows artifacts that tell the story of the prehistoric Spiro people. If you’re traveling with a group, you can arrange a group tour for 10 or more people to have a guided tour.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
Address: 18154 First Stree, Spiro, OK 74959
Website: Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 12 pm; 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
19. Poteau pleasures
With a wonderful mix of outdoor and indoor enjoyment, you can’t go wrong with a stay in Poteau. Delighting in the peacefulness of verdant parks, hiking impressive hills, experiencing great recreational fun is only the beginning of an unforgettable trip to this quaint tiny town.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Poteau, Oklahoma
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