Explore Kellyville, Oklahoma
Kellyville is a small town along Historic Route 66 in Creek County, Oklahoma. The town was named after James E. Kelly, a trader who started his trading post in the area in 1892. On November 27, 1893, a post office was set up in Kellyville with James Kelly as the first postmaster. In 1898, the St. Louis and Oklahoma City Railroad constructed a railway line across Kellyville. This line brought the town significant growth as settlers followed the railroad across the country. In 1909, Kellyville's population was around 300. At the time, the residents of Kellyville enjoyed the services of a cotton gin, a feed mill, and a bank.
In 1915, oil and gas were discovered in Creek County, which drew large oil companies to Kellyville. On September 28, 1917, Kellyville witnessed a horrible train accident involving two trains, resulting in the deadliest train accident in Oklahoma history. Despite this tragedy, the town continued to develop, and by 1919, a hotel, two restaurants, a movie arena, and telephone lines were in place. The town's population grew to 548 by 1930, and six oil and gas firms were set up in the area.
Today, Kellyville's economy is driven by agriculture and oil and gas production. The town recorded a population of 1,012 in 2021, and it is home to unique attractions and family-friendly sites. For example, the Kellyville Historical Museum offers visitors a glimpse of the town's rich history. The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum is an excellent spot to view magnificent collections of vintage cars, and it's also where you can see the world's tallest gas pump, standing at 66 feet tall.
After experiencing the exceptional museums in Kellyville, hop into your Kellyville, OK, RV rental and head to Heyburn Park. This site in Kellyville provides RVers with 46 campsites with ample space for fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and camper vans. The park's lake is also a great place to relish boating and fishing. Another local place of interest is the Creek County Fairgrounds, which allows visitors to experience Oklahoma's most renowned agricultural and livestock exhibitions.
Best State Parks Near Kellyville, Oklahoma
Osage Hills State Park is situated within 15 minutes of Kellyville. The numerous trails found in this park allow you to hike and view various wildlife, including foxes, squirrels, white-tailed deer, bobcats, buffalos, and wild turkeys. Hike the Bison Pasture Trail for the chance to see bison in their natural habitat. Visitors can swim from the beach at Lookout Lake and fish for crappie, catfish, bass, and sunfish in Sand Creek. The park is close to Bartlesville, home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower, as well as exceptional restaurants and stores.
Drive 66.3 miles east of Kellyville to arrive at Sequoyah State Park, situated adjacent to Fort Gibson Lake. This park is a prime spot for swimming, boating, Jet Skiing, and fishing. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available to rent. You can also view various wildlife in the park, including foxes, turkeys, bald eagles, squirrels, deer, and bobcats. Sequoyah State Park is home to plants like oak, black gum, red maple, woodbine, sand plum, and redbud. Hiking trails, playgrounds, and campgrounds cater to the needs of all campers. Enjoy the lake view from the park's 18-hole championship golf course, which boasts a pro shop and practice facilities.
Located 91.6 miles south of Kellyville is Arrowhead State Park. This park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities, including camping, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and swimming. The park has access to Lake Eufaula, a 100,000-acre reservoir teaming with species like crappie, smallmouth bass, white bass, and catfish. You can bring your own boat or rent one at the full-service marina. This park also boasts volleyball courts, golf courses, basketball courts, and picnic tables with grills.
National Forests Near Kellyville, Oklahoma
Ouachita National Forest covers over 1.6 million acres and is situated about 172.5 miles southeast of Kellyville. This forest is predominantly covered with oak trees. Numerous lakes, rivers, and streams allow visitors to engage in swimming, boating, and fishing. You can also explore the forest by hiking, biking, and horseback riding on various trails, including the Fourche Mountain Trail, Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, and Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The area also features various RV campsites, allowing you to enjoy a convenient camping experience. It's the perfect place to take your Class A or Class C motorhome for an outdoor adventure.
Events Near Kellyville, Oklahoma
Oktoberfest – This festival will be held in October in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. It allows visitors to dance, enjoy German food and beer, and listen to live music.
Southern Hills Festival – This event will be held in September in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tour the Southern Hills of Tulsa, attend free concerts and cooking demos, and view multiple fireworks shows on the weekends.
Tulsa Farmer's Market – Stop by the Tulsa Farmer's Market, held each Wednesday from April through October, to shop more than 90 vendors selling Oklahoma-grown produce and handmade crafts.
