McAlester Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, McAlester is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Known as the "Capital of the Choctaw Nation," this captivating destination boasts a rich Native American heritage and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

One of the highlights of McAlester is its fascinating history. Take a step back in time as you explore the Historic McAlester Downtown District, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From elegant Victorian-style architecture to quaint boutiques and antique shops, this area is a treasure trove for history buffs and shopping enthusiasts alike.

For nature lovers, McAlester offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma's largest lake, where you can go fishing, boating, or simply relax on its sandy beaches. Hiking and camping enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Robbers Cave State Park, where scenic trails wind through rugged terrain, leading to stunning vistas and hidden caves.

McAlester is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. Immerse yourself in the local creativity at the McAlester Scottish Rite Masonic Center, a stunning architectural gem that hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Visit the McAlester Little Theatre, where you can catch captivating performances by talented local actors. And don't miss the annual Italian Festival, a lively celebration of Italian heritage that showcases delicious cuisine, live music, and traditional dances.

Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary offerings that McAlester has to offer. Indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, savor hearty Southern comfort food, or sample authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the city's many charming eateries. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try the famous McAlester hotcakes, a local specialty that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Alternative names: Population: 18.3 thous.Area: 16.32 mi²Elevation: 745 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°55'8"N, 95°44'46"W

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OklahomaUnited States

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McAlester Top Attractions

McAlester Attractions - What to See and Explore

McAlester offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: SOFA Art Gallery, Aldridge Hotel, Garrard Ardeneum, First Presbyterian Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

34°55'54"N • 95°46'9"W
SOFA Art Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
34°55'57"N • 95°46'1"W
Aldridge Hotel
The Aldridge Hotel, an 11-story hotel on U.S. 270 in McAlester, Oklahoma completed in 1930. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and is today used as senior citizen housing.
Museum • History museum
Garrard Ardeneum
Gerrard Ardeneum in McAlester, Oklahoma, United States, was established 1990 as combination of an arboretum and a museum with landscaped gardens and historical artifacts. It is located at 501 North 5th Street.

Church • Shingle style architecture
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a historic church building at 101 E. Washington Avenue in McAlester, Oklahoma. It was built in 1895 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Museum
McAlester Scottish Rite Temple
The McAlester Scottish Rite Temple, also known as Masonic Temple or the McAlestor Consistory, is a building in McAlester, Oklahoma that was built in 1907 and 1928–1930. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
34°55'57"N • 95°45'53"W
International Temple
The International Temple, Supreme Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a building in McAlester, Oklahoma, United States that serves as the headquarters for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
34°55'57"N • 95°45'55"W
Carl Albert Federal Building
The Carl Albert Federal Building is a historic courthouse located in McAlester, Oklahoma. Built in 1914, the facility was renamed in 1985 in honor of former Speaker of the House Carl Albert, a native of the town.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of McAlester, it's worth seeing attractions such as: First Methodist Church Building (Atoka), St. Anthony's Catholic Church (Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge), First United Methodist Church (Checotah).

43 milesSW
Church
First Methodist Church Building, Atoka
First Methodist Church Building is a historic church building at 105 W. 1st Street in Atoka, Oklahoma. It was built in 1915 and added to the National Register in 1980.
50 milesN
Church
St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge
St. Anthony's Catholic Church is a historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style church at 515 S. Morton Street in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States. It was built in 1927 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
40 milesN
Church
First United Methodist Church, Checotah
The First United Methodist Church, formerly the Methodist Episcopal Church, South is a historic church in Checotah, Oklahoma. It was built in 1917 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It is a two-story brick building.
42 milesNE
35°15'31"N • 95°7'28"W
First United Methodist Church Stigler, Stigler
Church
35 milesSE
National park
Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area
Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area is a scientifically managed preserve of native flora and fauna in northern Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, five miles south of Clayton, Oklahoma. It is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.