Discover Mcalester: Nature, Culture and Recreation

When choosing a hotel in Mcalester, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: time by the water, a walk through the arboretum, art and regional history, or recreational activities. The city brings together a range of interests, so you can plan your itinerary around the places and activities that appeal to you most.

Nature by the Lake and in the Arboretum

McAlester Lake has a 20-mile shoreline. Facilities at the lake include a covered fishing area, boat ramps and docks. This means that several distinct features take center stage by the water: the long shoreline and facilities for fishing and boating. If you would like to include nature and water-based recreation in your trip, the lake offers a dedicated focus for that.

The McAlester Arboretum offers a different way to spend time outdoors. The grounds cover 25 acres and include the Mike Deak Walking Track, which is 1 mile long. Its length gives your walk a defined route, while the arboretum can also be explored through its plant life. Trees growing on the grounds include Contorted Oak.

The lake and the arboretum offer different highlights: at the lake, fishing areas, boat ramps and docks are part of the picture; at the arboretum, trees and a named walking trail take center stage. This contrast can help you choose the nature-related activities that suit your stay.

Art, History and Regional Culture

The McAlester Community Mural was created in 2011 in the trompe-l’œil style. Local artists Anita Caldwell Jackson and Ted Welch created it together with other artists from the Southeastern Oklahoma Fine Arts Association. Trompe-l’œil refers to a style that plays with spatial effects and the impression of depth. The mural thus combines local artistic participation with a distinctive visual style.

The Tannehill Museum tells the story of southeastern Oklahoma through artifacts. Its historical span runs from the pre-statehood era to the 1973 prison riots. Exhibits include historic weapons, memorabilia from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and the decommissioned electric chair “Old Sparky.” Its regional focus and specific exhibits give a visit to the museum a different character from viewing a single work of art or building.

The OKLA Theater is also part of local history: it reopened as the OKLA Theater on July 10, 1931. During restoration, tours were available by appointment. If you are planning a visit, ask in advance about current visiting options; the appointment requirement mentioned here applied during the restoration period.

The XL Cattle Drive Memorial is a sculpture made up of twelve pieces, erected in 2009. It is dedicated to Freddie Browne, a prominent cattleman from Pittsburg. Its dedication and multipart design make the memorial another distinctive point of interest for art and cattle-ranching history.

Recreation and Seasonal Products

The Great Balls of Fire Family Entertainment Center has a 16-lane bowling center. Bowling is a specific recreational option, while the lake and arboretum are more focused on nature and outdoor activities. When planning your stay, you can weigh the different options according to the kinds of activities you would like to include.

Country Aire Estates Winery offers a changing selection of seasonal wines. The shop also carries local cheeses and artisan food products. The wine selection and the shop’s offerings provide two distinct points of interest: one focuses on seasonal wines, the other on regional products and food craftsmanship. Together with art, the museum and recreational activities, they add to the range of things you can consider during a stay in Mcalester.

For the broader travel overview: Pittsburg County.