Ada
Around Ada
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Town and around · Oklahoma · 38k people
Ada
“Chickasaw Capital”
Local rooms for Ada.
East Central University goldEast Central University navy
Welcome to Ada and the surrounding towns—where the lakes are calm, the diners are friendly, and the game-day spirit runs deep. Come for the mineral springs, stay for the small-town charm and a slice of chicken fried steak.
Clubs for Ada
No clubs for Ada yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Ada. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Ada. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area Mineral springs, Platt Historic District, and swimming holes.
- Turner Falls Park Oklahoma's tallest waterfall and natural pools.
- Wintersmith Park Lake, trails, and the Ada War Memorial.
- Lake of the Arbuckles Popular for fishing, boating, and camping.
- East Central University Home of the Tigers; hosts public events and sports.
- Ritz Theatre Restored 1930s art deco venue in Ada.
- Outdoors Hike to Turner Falls
- Outdoors Swim at Chickasaw NRA
- With kids Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center
- With kids Picnic at Wintersmith Park
- Evenings Live music at the Ritz Theatre
- Evenings ECU performing arts events
- Locals love Lakes and reservoirs
- Locals love State parks and nature trails
Through the year
- Pontotoc County Free Fair September Carnival, livestock shows, and local exhibits at the fairgrounds.
- Ada Rodeo June Bull riding, barrel racing, and family entertainment.
- East Central University Tigers football Fall Home games at Ada's Norris Field draw local crowds.
Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for being outdoors, with mild temps and lower humidity.
Getaways
- Oklahoma City Museums, Bricktown, and the OKC Thunder.
- Ardmore Lake Murray and the Ardmore Regional Park.
- McAlester Historic downtown and the Krebs food scene.
- Durant Lake Texoma and Choctaw Casino.
Local flavour
Rooting for Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), Oklahoma Sooners football (NCAA), Oklahoma State Cowboys (NCAA), Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Eat and drink
- Chicken fried steak A classic Oklahoma comfort food, often served with cream gravy.
- Indian tacos
- Braum's An Oklahoma-based chain known for fresh ice cream and burgers, a local staple.
Where people go
- Mineral springs and baths The area around Sulphur is known for its natural springs and historic bathhouses.
- State parks and lakes Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers lakes, creeks, and hiking trails.
- Small-town main streets and diners Typical Oklahoma small towns with a diner, a hardware store, and a grain elevator.
- Historic theaters The McSwain Theatre in Ada is a restored vaudeville-era venue.
Heritage and traditions
Ada and its neighbors take pride in their Chickasaw heritage, small-town warmth, and the natural beauty of the Arbuckle Mountains and mineral springs.
This time of year in Ada
- Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival Fall A fall tradition celebrating heritage.
- Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival October Celebration of Chickasaw history with dancing, food, and ceremonies.
Say it like a local: “Coke” — Any soda
Festivals
- Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival October Celebration of Chickasaw history with dancing, food, and ceremonies.
- Artesian Arts Festival May Showcases Native American artists from the Chickasaw Nation and beyond.
- Ada's Christmas Parade December Small-town holiday parade through downtown Ada.
- Hughes County Free Fair September Traditional county fair with livestock, rides, and food.
Landmarks with a story
- Pontotoc County Courthouse Historic courthouse built in 1926, a landmark of Ada's downtown.
- Chickasaw Nation Headquarters The seat of the Chickasaw Nation government in Ada.
- Ada's Santa Fe Depot Restored railroad depot that recalls Ada's origins as a railroad town.
Food traditions
- Pashofa Traditional Chickasaw hominy stew with cracked corn and pork, often served at community gatherings.
- Grape dumplings Sweet Chickasaw dessert made with grape juice and dumplings.
- Mineral water from Sulphur springs Locals and visitors drink the artesian water for its supposed health benefits.
Music and arts
- Chickasaw traditional dance and music Performed at cultural events and the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
- Native American beadwork and basket weaving Crafts passed down through generations, sold at local galleries.
- Local country music scene Small-town honky-tonks and live music venues.
A little history
- 1900 Ada founded as a railroad town
- 1906 Platt National Park established, now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area
- 1909 East Central University founded
- 1920s Oil boom brought growth to the region
- 1980s Chickasaw Nation reestablished its government in Ada
Rivalries
- Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys College football's Bedlam Series is a statewide debate.
- East Central University vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State Conference rivals in football and basketball.
- Ada vs. Sulphur high school football Local bragging rights on Friday nights.
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Ada Rodeo
- Outdoors Soaking in the mineral baths at Sulphur
- Outdoors Birdwatching at Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Locals speak with a Southern drawl, use 'y'all' and 'fixin' to', and often pronounce 'Oklahoma' with a flat 'a'.
Only here
- The Chickasaw Nation headquarters is in Ada.
- Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma.
- Sulphur's artesian springs are a natural wonder.
New here? A few tips
- Prepare for hot summers and tornadoes; have a weather radio.
- Try Indian tacos and pashofa at local diners or events.
- Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn about the region's heritage.
- Be friendly—locals are welcoming and love to share stories.
- Learn a bit about Chickasaw history; it's central to the area's identity.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaArbuckle MountainsOklahomaWhere the springs run clear and the hills hold stories.SeminoleOklahomaWhere the prairie meets the oil patchShawneeOklahomaSmall-town heart, Oklahoma soul.AtokaOklahomaRed earth, tall pines, and a slow pace.Lake TexomaOklahomaWhere the lake meets the prairie, and everyone knows your name.ArdmoreOklahomaWhere the plains meet the pines, and the lakes welcome you home.McAlesterOklahomaWhere coal history meets lake lifeDurantOklahomaWhere the lake meets the Choctaw spirit
Ada, OK. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.