Places to visit in Atoka, OK.
Atoka, Oklahoma, is a small town located in Southeast Oklahoma. It has a population of 3,188. The city is on Highway 69, just 70 miles east of Interstate 35. Atoka has some exciting things to see and do. In addition to outdoor activities, there are also museums and entertainment options.
If you plan a vacation to Atoka, Oklahoma, you will be glad to know that there are plenty of things to do in this small town. These include the Lake Atoka reservoir, the McGee Creek State Park, the PAWsitively Wild Animal Encounter, and the Boggy Depot Site.
Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery
Atoka Museum & Civil War Cemetery is a great place to learn about the history of southeast Oklahoma. The museum, located in Atoka, is accessible to the public. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
The museum displays Civil War-era weapons and other items, including uniforms and schoolhouses. Visitors can also view the state’s first official Civil War Confederate cemetery.
The museum also contains a schoolhouse display with a record player. The visitor center is free, and the grounds are open year-round. A rest area is available for picnics. In addition, there are charcoal grills and group picnic shelters.
The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The site was used as a Confederate commissary depot during the Civil War. In addition, it was the location of the Battle of Middle Boggy, which was fought on February 13, 1864.
The Atoka County Historical Society manages the museum, cemetery, and rest area. The society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are currently attempting to identify the bodies of Confederate soldiers buried on the site.
Exhibits include re-creations of historical artifacts, such as the Butterfield Stage Line, a Danish heart, and the Choctaw Trail of Tears. Other things to see in the museum are fingerplays, early literacy, and a collection of Choctaw history.
McGee Creek State Park
McGee Creek State Park in Atoka, Oklahoma, has what you’re looking for if you’re looking for a quiet spot to camp and fish. This park is near McGee Creek Reservoir, which features 64 miles of shoreline.
The park is near a wildlife management area that supports various habitats. There are deer, crows, doves, rabbits, and waterfowl. You can also see Eastern wild turkey.
The park has two campgrounds. Both of them are located along the reservoir. One campground has paved RV sites, while the other has primitive tent camping. Most RV sites have electric and water hookups.
The park has a rest area that is open year-round. In addition, it features picnic tables under large shade trees. A playground is available, as well.
Lake Atoka Reservoir
Lake Atoka Reservoir, aka Atoka Lake, is a municipal water supply lake in southeastern Oklahoma. It’s also a famous fishing hole and boat ramp. There are some impressive lakefront properties here, including Lake Murray. Moreover, it’s located only a few miles from downtown Atoka.
There are some outdoor activities to enjoy at Lake Atoka in Oklahoma. Whether you are into fishing, water skiing, or boating, you will find plenty of options. Dense forests surround the lake.
As the name suggests, the lake offers plenty, including boat ramps, fishing docks, and a children’s playground. However, the real fun begins when you go out on the water. It is no secret that Lake Atoka is the top outdoor recreation destination in the area.
Boggy Depot Park
Boggy Depot Park is a ghost town located in Atoka County, Oklahoma. The city was founded in 1837 by the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. It was once an important trading center. However, it went through a decline in the 20th century. Today, only a few open fields remain.
This ghost town was originally a supply depot for the Choctaw and Chickasaw people when they came to the Indian Territory. It also served as a post office. Despite this, many original settlers left the town after the Civil War.
Boggy Depot was later used as a Confederate commissary depot during the Civil War. In 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Chickasaw Nation now manages Boggy Depot. Visitors can enjoy a nature trail, fishing lake, baseball diamond, and picnic shelters. There are also restrooms and showers available.
PAWsitively Wild Animal Encounter
PAWsitively Wild is an animal encounter and education center in Atoka, Oklahoma. It is owned by Ryan and Jamie Krueger, who moved to Atoka from Washington State to open the attraction. They were looking for a warmer climate and found their new home.
With the help of guides, guests can interact with different animals. The guide will lead them to areas that are not visible to the general public. Some animals are accessible by a walker or wheelchair. Many interactive programs allow children to learn more about animal care. These programs are offered throughout the day. Children aged 0-2 are free.
Best Things to Do in Atoka, Oklahoma
Places to visit in Atoka, OK:
- Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery
- McGee Creek State Park
- Lake Atoka Reservoir
- Boggy Depot Park
- PAWsitively Wild Animal Encounter