Poteau is a city in eastern Oklahoma and the county seat of Le Flore County. The first European explorer to visit the area was Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe, who led a group of French explorers through the region in 1719. Around that time, they named the river that flowed through the area the Poteau River. More than 150 years later, the modern city of Poteau was founded in 1885. The new community got its name from the nearby river, and at the time of its founding, it consisted of only a few houses and a general store. The first public building in Poteau was a school built in 1898, and the city's first newspaper, the Poteau News, was published in 1905. Poteau has been a small, peaceful town throughout its entire history, and as of 2022, the population was just under 9,000.
When visiting Poteau, you should certainly check out the historic downtown area. There, you'll find a variety of historical buildings, unique shops, excellent restaurants and Southern charm. You can also stop by the Poteau Farmers Market to pick up some tasty fresh produce and other goods. For a memorable experience, consider taking a drive along the breathtaking Talimena National Scenic Byway. You could also take the whole family to catch a movie at the iconic Tower Drive-In or spend a fun afternoon picking berries at the Maple Creek Berry Farm.
If you want to learn something new, you can head to the Le Flore County Museum. You can browse cool exhibits and learn about the history of the area. When you're looking for outdoor recreation, consider playing some golf at Choctaw Country Club, hiking or boating at Lake Wister State Park, or attending the famous Poteau Balloon Fest. While you're in Poteau, you may also want to visit unique attractions like the Runestones of Heavener Runestone Park or the Spiro Mounds.
Campgrounds Near Poteau, Oklahoma
There are some great campgrounds in Arkansas near Poteau, and one example is the William O. Darby RV Park & Covered RV Storage. The park, which is about 40 minutes northeast of Poteau, boasts 38 RV campsites available for just $20 to $24 per night. Amenities at the campground include picnic tables, laundry facilities and cable television. Additionally, there are nearby opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing.
Another quality Arkansas campground is Park Ridge RV Campground, which offers shaded RV campsites with full hookups. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, the park, which is 50 minutes northeast of Poteau, is located conveniently close to attractions like the Alma Aquatic Center and the Elevate Trampoline Park. There are also several top-notch dining and shopping destinations located near the campground.
You could also have a relaxing stay at Cloud Nine RV Park, two hours and 40 minutes southeast of Poteau. There, you can rent one of the 49 full-hookup RV campsites for upwards of $33 per night. The park is a fantastic option for outdoor enthusiasts who won't have to travel far to enjoy activities like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Plus, there are lots of convenient amenities, including an exercise room, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and a pool table.
State Parks Near Poteau, Oklahoma
Located among the Winding Stair Mountains in the Ouachita Mountain Range, Talimena State Park covers just over 8,000 acres and is known as a great recreational destination. The park, which is approximately a half-hour southwest of Poteau, contains many miles of beautiful hiking trails, including the famous Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Additionally, the park serves as a fantastic starting point for those looking to ride their ATVs or dirt bikes in the nearby Ouachita National Forest. If you want to take it easy, you could simply have a picnic in the area while observing the stunning mountain views.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, 50 minutes southeast of Poteau, is a small natural haven situated on top of the mighty Rich Mountain, which is the second-highest peak in Arkansas. The park is most known as the home of Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, which is a wonderful place to stay and features a quality restaurant. The lodge was originally built in 1898, but it was reconstructed in 1973. Visitors to the gorgeous park can take in the tremendous views, explore the scenic hiking routes and have some fun on the volleyball courts. Plus, if you bring your kids, they can have fun at the awesome playground.
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Tenkiller Ferry Lake, an hour and 10 minutes northwest of Poteau, Tenkiller State Park comprises 1,190 acres of serene land. The lake, which is revered for its crystal-clear water, is a superb destination for water-based recreation. The reservoir is the most popular spot for scuba diving in all of Oklahoma, and it also provides opportunities for boating, tubing and waterskiing. There are several nature trails surrounding the park as well, one of which is paved, ADA-accessible and perfect for biking.
National Sites Near Poteau, Oklahoma
One of the most historically significant sites in Arkansas is the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site. The site, which is three hours and 10 minutes southeast of Poteau, features the former president's first home, which was built in 1917. Bill Clinton lived in the house for several years, and today, there's a fascinating visitor's center to explore. There, you'll find digital vignettes of Clinton's life and career and a variety of other exhibits. If you like, you can take a guided tour of the home to learn more about Clinton's time there.
Another unique historic site is the George Washington Carver National Monument, which honors the amazing life of the famous botanist, humanitarian and educator, George Washington Carver. While you're there, you can see an impressive bust of Carver as a young man. You can also view the spot where he was born and a visitor center with many interesting exhibits. Additionally, the national monument, which can be found in Missouri, two and a half hours northeast of Poteau, is home to the garden where Carver grew peanuts and recorded their progress.
If you travel two and a half hours northeast of Poteau into Arkansas, you can visit the beautiful Buffalo National River. The river, which flows through the Ozark Mountains, will take you past many fascinating spots as you paddle it or hike beside the water. These amazing sights include ancient Native American caves and historical cabins. There are also quite a few parts of the huge river that are excellent for activities like canoeing, swimming and fishing. If you'd rather stay dry, you'll have access to top-notch hiking trails such as the Buffalo River Trail from Woolum to Tyler Bend and the Cecil Cove Loop.
National Forests Near Poteau, Oklahoma
In Arkansas, a half-hour southeast of Poteau, Ouachita National Forest is known as one of the oldest and largest forests in the Southern United States. The vast natural area comprises 1.6 million acres and contains rivers, streams, lakes and historical sites. The forest also promotes numerous recreational opportunities, including hunting, camping, scenic driving, fishing, boating and swimming. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you can navigate excellent trails like the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and the Eagle Rock Loop Trail.
Angelina National Forest is a smaller stretch of forest covering approximately 153,000 acres, which is spread across four counties in Texas. The forest, which is about five hours and 20 minutes south of Poteau, is mainly known for containing the massive Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the biggest man-made body of water in the state. The huge lake is a great boating destination and also features exceptional crappie fishing. There are many miles of serene hiking trails throughout the forest as well, including the Sawmill Hiking Trail and the Banita Creek Trail. Other common activities for visitors include bird-watching, geocaching and stargazing.
In Missouri, five hours and 10 minutes northeast of Poteau, Mark Twain National Forest is an unusual national forest comprising over 3 million acres that's divided into nine different sections of land. Approximately half the forest's land is publicly owned, and all 3 million acres are located within the boundaries of the Ozark Mountains. The forest is home to several lakes, where visitors can reel in trout, crappie and bass. If you're up for a hike, you should check out great routes such as the Berryman Trail, the Lower Rock Creek Trail and the Council Bluff Lake Trail.
