Attractions
Chadick Park
This is a 10.2 acre community park. It has 4 tennis courts, wading pool, restrooms, playground equipment, gazebo, and two covered picnic pavilions. This park contains several other McAlester Attractions: The Boy's and Girl's Club of McAlester and The Coal Miners Memorial are located at 3rd Street and Chadick Avenue. The War Memorial and God's Little Angle Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma city bombing, are located on 6th Street and Chadick Avenue.
400 S. 3rd
918/421-4922
Choctaw Casino
Wide variety of slot machines and off-track betting.
1638 S. George Nigh Expressway
918/423-8161
Gerrard Ardeneum
Visitors will enjoy the tranquility of beautifully landscaped gardens and a step into the past with antique furnishings, maps, photographs, and historical items. This beautiful home and grounds are the setting for receptions, weddings, and photography shoots. By appointment only.
501 North Fifth
918/423-8555
International Order of Rainbow for Girls Temple
Yes, it's located in McAlester and open for your group to tour. Enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful facility and learn about the Rainbow Girls organization. By appointment only Monday-Saturday. Allow 1 hour.
315 E. Carl Albert Parkway
918/423-1328
J G Puterbaugh House
Home of area coal business founder. Tours by appointment.
Fifth Street & Adams
918/423-0314
J J McAlester Mansion
Once the home of James Jackson McAlester, the founder and namesake of the city, this beautiful home may be viewed by appointment only. Originally built in the early 1900's, the home, now a private residence, was recently renovated and restored to it's original beauty in 1998. Tours by appointment only, $2.00 per person, groups only please.
14 E. Smith
918/423-8620
Lake McAlester
This lake offers fishing, camping, picnicking, boat ramps, playground, and 20 miles of shoreline. It is located approximately 5 miles west of McAlester.
McAlester Building Foundation, Inc.
The 14 rooms of the old McAlester high school have been transformed into mini-museums, including: Native American, 1800's, Coal Mining, early 1900's, Art Studio, 1920's, Telephone History, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Military Honors, Anthropology and numerous school memorabilia from1906 to present. A guide provides your group with an overview of the facility. You are then on your own for more viewing. Allow 1 to 1 1/4 hour. Donations appreciated.
200 E. Adams
918/423-2932
Oklahoma State Penitentiary Museum
This small but unique museum offers many artifacts, memorabilia, and history from the very earliest day inmates to present day. On display is information of famous inmates, early chain gangs, prison escapes, riots, and the electric chair "Old Sparky" as well as actual home-made weapons found on inmates while incarcerated. Leave with a bit more insight about just what goes on behind the walls. To make an appointment call McAlester Tourism @ 918/420-3976.
Old Town Antique District
Located just north of current downtown, the original site of McAlester and its first post office is now the site of numerous antique shops in the old stores that first welcomed the train. Approximately six to eight shops are within a two block area, easy walking between shops.
North Main Street
918/423-8620
Pittsburg County Genealogical & Historical Society Museum
Research and genealogical library with Dawes Indian Rolls. Small upstairs museum displays mining and Indian artifacts. Open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Free admission.
113 E. Carl Albert
918/426-0388
Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful" temples in America, this 140 foot tall building includes a museum, complete wardrobe and make-up department, the second largest stage (80' x 120') in North America and a Kimball Organ with more than 3,100 pipes and valued at more than a half-million dollars. Famous Oklahoman Will Rogers was a member of the McAlester Consistory. Guided tours are given Monday-Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. By appointment only on Saturday. Allow 1 to 1 1/4 hour.
2nd & Adams
918/423-6360, 800/625-5520
Tannehill Family Heirlooms & Gun Museum
Not just another gun collection! This place will pique your interest as James Earl Tannehill (one of Mr. Tannehill's sons) takes you on a historical journey of early-day McAlester, local celebrities, big-name criminals, a fabulous gun collection and his mother's special doll collection. You'll see hundreds of unusual weapons, an original "Shirley Temple" doll, and see some of the most phenomenal pieces of clothing including the actual prison issue uniform of one of the state's most famous and sought after prisoners. Your group will start off hesitant but then you won't be able to pry them away from James Earl. Allow 1 to 1 1/2 hour (late afternoons during the week). By appointment only.
500 W. Stonewall
918/423-5953
Tobusky Indian Courthouse Museum
First courthouse in McAlester.
315 E. Krebs
918/423-8620