Ada Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Nestled in the heart of the Oklahoma region, Ada is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and small-town charm. With its rich Native American heritage and picturesque landscapes, Ada attracts visitors from all over the United States.

One of the city's main attractions is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 9,000 acres, this natural playground boasts stunning lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Whether you're looking to kayak along the tranquil waters of Lake of the Arbuckles or take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful nature trails, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers something for everyone.

For history buffs, Ada is home to the Chickasaw Cultural Center, a fascinating museum that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Chickasaw Nation. Immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits that highlight the tribe's history, art, and language. Don't miss the opportunity to watch traditional dances and listen to the enchanting stories passed down through generations.

If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, downtown Ada is a vibrant hub of local shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and explore the unique stores that offer everything from handmade crafts to vintage treasures. Indulge in some mouthwatering local cuisine at one of the charming restaurants that serve up delicious southern comfort food.

As the sun sets, Ada comes alive with its lively music scene. From local bands playing at cozy bars to larger venues hosting renowned artists, there is always something to suit every musical taste. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals as you tap your feet to the rhythm of live performances.

Alternative names: Population: 17.3 thous.Area: 19.81 mi²Elevation: 997 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°46'44"N, 96°40'11"W

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OklahomaUnited States

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Ada Top Attractions

Ada Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ada offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wintersmith Park Historic District, McSwain Theatre, Ada Gaming Center, Ada Arts and Heritage Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Playground • Park
Wintersmith Park Historic District
The Wintersmith Park Historic District, known locally as simply Wintersmith Park, is a historic district located at 18th Street and Scenic Drive in Ada, Oklahoma. The park includes a lake, a lodge, bridges, trails, courts and a public amphitheater. The area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
McSwain Theatre
The McSwain Theatre is a 560-seat former cinema, and present day theater and music venue, located in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.
Game and entertainment center • Gambling • Nightlife
Ada Gaming Center
The Ada Gaming Center is a Native American casino in Ada, Oklahoma. The center is the first gaming facility that was founded by the Chickasaw Nation, having started out as a bingo hall in 1983. The 22,482 sq ft facility includes a bar, the Traditions Bar, and a restaurant, the...

Event space • Museum
Ada Arts and Heritage Center
The Ada Arts and Heritage Center is a Colonial Revival styled building located at 400 South Rennie Street in Ada, Oklahoma. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Ada Public Library in 1989.
34°46'20"N • 96°40'41"W
Sugg Clinic
The Sugg Clinic is considered an outstanding example of the Streamline Moderne architectural style. The building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is located at 100 E 13th Street in Ada, Oklahoma.
34°46'21"N • 96°40'46"W
Pontotoc County Courthouse
The Pontotoc County Courthouse is a historic courthouse in Ada, Oklahoma. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. The county built the structure in 1926. In 2011, the courthouse underwent extensive remodeling.
Universities and schools
East Central University
East Central University is a public university in Ada, Oklahoma. It is part of Oklahoma's Regional University System. Beyond its flagship campus in Ada, the university has courses available in McAlester, Shawnee, and Durant, as well as online courses.

Day trips

Ada – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ada, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Turner Falls (Davis), Chickasaw Cultural Center (Sulphur), Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (Shawnee).

36 milesSW
State park, Waterfall, Park
Turner Falls, Davis
Turner Falls is a waterfall on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma, United States, 6 miles south of Davis.
27 milesSW
History museum, Nature and wildlife, Historical place
Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a campus located in Sulphur, Oklahoma near the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Its 109-acre campus is home to historical museum buildings with interactive exhibits on Chickasaw tribal history, traditional dancing, and Chickasaw language.
44 milesN
Museum, Art museum
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is a non-profit art museum in Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA. It is located on the Oklahoma Baptist University Green Campus, being the campus of the former St. Gregory's University. The museum operated independently of St. Gregory's and survived its closure.
48 milesSW
Gambling, Casino, Nightlife
Gold Mountain Casino, Ardmore
Gold Mountain Casino is a Native American casino in Ardmore, Oklahoma, owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. Originally opened in 2002 as Ardmore Gaming, the facility has grown steadily and today features more than 300 gaming machines.
31 milesW
34°44'25"N • 97°13'10"W
Toy and Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley
Specialty museum, Entertainment, Museum