Discover the Beauty & Culture of South-Central Oklahoma

To most in the know, South Central Oklahoma consists of about 10 counties — and maybe a little more or less if you’re looking specifically at the Chickasaw Country heart of the region. It’s an area of the state where agriculture is big business, and where beautiful features such as the Arbuckle Mountains, local waterways and state parks provide amazing settings for adventures in the great outdoors.

Largely considered rural, South Central Oklahoma (which used to be known as “Arbuckle Country” and “Lake and Trail Country”) features lots of small towns and working farms and ranches. There’s also an emphasis on cultural diversity and a nod to changing times, while still preserving history of the past.

You can take a scenic drive across the countryside, drop a fishing line at a few well-rated area lakes, and hike the Arbuckles to marvel at Turner Falls. Later, stroll historic downtown areas and grab some tasty barbeque. Feeling lucky? Spend your evening at one of the region’s casinos.

Following are the counties, and some cities and towns that represent the core market area – though not necessarily all of it – that United Country Real Estate | Johnson Realty & Auction Services serves in Oklahoma. Our overview includes a variety of popular destinations, attractions and things to do that appeal to residents and tourists alike.

Garvin County

• A fun annual event in Stratford shows why it is the “Peach Capital of Oklahoma.”
• Check out the Santa Fe Depot Museum and Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley.
• Some of the best pecan pie on Oklahoma is at Field’s in Pauls Valley.
• R.C. Longmire Lake is a great Garvin County spot for fishing and camping.
• Thousands of area residents are big fans of Pauls Valley Waterpark in the summer.
• Visit the peaceful and charming Fannie Jane Ranch in Elmore City.
• Speaking of Elmore City, it apparently inspired the movie Footloose.
• Attend the Washita River Film Society’s Red Brick Road Film Festival.

Murray County

• Chickasaw National Recreation Area is the region’s top outdoor recreation spot, with Lake of the Arbuckles, camping and a whole lot more to explore.
• Turner Falls Park in Davis is home to abundant wildlife and Oklahoma’s largest waterfall.
• Discover a world of new cultural experiences at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
• Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch in Davis is one of the best BBQ spots in all of South Central Oklahoma.
• Hit the trails on horseback over in Sulphur.
• The Artesian Arts Festival in Sulphur brings everyone out in the spring.
• Unwind on the weekend at The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa.
• Head down to Carter County for live performances at the Goddard Center.

McClain County

• Alpaca Farm Days in Newcastle is ideal for a fun family outing.
• Enjoy gaming and dining at the Newcastle Casino.
• Have a paintball war with your friends at Avid Extreme Sports.
• The community gathers each year for the Blowin’ Smoke Cook-Off.
• Events and festivals are a big part of Purcell's identity.
• Take a swim or fish for bass at Purcell Lake.
• Purcell hosts the annual Heart of Oklahoma Golf Tournament.

Pontotoc County

• Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore is just over an hour’s drive south of the county.
• Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is another spot about 40 minutes northwest of Lake Murray.
• From Tishomingo, head due south about 35 minutes to reach Lake Texoma State Park.
• Ada in Pontotoc County is the location of East Central University.
• The Christian-themed Cornerstone Kids Ranch is also in Ada.
• Hold an event or taste the wines at Rocky Top Winery in Allen.
• When it comes to the arts, Ada has several spots to check out.
• Refine your golf game at Lakewood Golf Course.

Sources:
GcaOok.com
ChickasawCountry.com
TravelOk.com
Chickasaw.net
OklahomaAgritourism.com
PaulsValley.com
PurcellOK.gov
TurnerFallsPark.com
BestPlaces.net
Oklahoman.com
Lake-Murray.org
Nps.gov
Fws.gov
Facebook.com
En.Wikipedia.org