Poteau

Poteau is based in the Choctaw Country of Oklahoma and near Cavanal Hill, commonly called "The World's Highest Hill". Poteau was selected as one of "The 100 Best Small Towns in America" in Norman Crapton's book by the same title.

Cavanal Hill Poteau, Oklahoma - 640px|Cavanal Hill, world's highest hill, 1,999 feet agl

Poteau Halal Travel Guide

Originally a part of Indian Territory, Poteau can be traced back to around 1885 and is pronounced "po toe". If you ask a local how to say it and they may tell you it is what you say when you stub your toe. "Oh my po toe." Poteau is a French word that means "post" or "pole". There are two different beliefs on how the city was named. One is it was a trading post and the other is the name came from the river and the story goes that when the French explorers arrived in the area they had to use poles to navigate the shallow waters of the Poteau River. The latter story seems move likely as the town was developed well after the French explorers arrived.

Poteau is "Above the Ordinary" in every way. As the gateway to the Ouachita and Kiamichi Mountains and home to many lakes and rivers, we offer outdoor recreation such as bass fishing, rodeo, fair grounds, hot air balloon festival, softball, baseball, soccer, hometown parades, 4th of July celebration, Bluegrass festival and many other events.

Travel to Poteau

Car - The best way is by car. US Highway 59 and 271 provides access. From Fort Smith, Arkansas take Oklahoma HWY 112. Poteau is 2.5 hours south of Tulsa, Oklahoma and 3 hours east of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Plane - You can fly into Fort Smith regional airport and make the 45 minutes drive from there.

Get Around

The best way to get around is by car. The layout of Poteau is about 6-miles along US Highway 59.

What to See

Poteau Valley From Cavanal Hill - Poteau Valley From Cavanal Hill

Cavanal Hill - Drive to the top of Cavanal Hill for a great view. The drive will take about 45 minutes and the road is paved the entire distance but there are some very steep grades. Be careful on the trip down not to burn up your brakes, use low gears. There are a couple of turnouts along the way with a great view. Cavanal Hill is 1999 ft. above sea level and is known as "The World's Highest Hill".

Robert S. Kerr Conference Center & Museum - - The previous home of Robert S. Kerr. The center is located on a ridge with a beautiful view. You may tour the site and the museum. There is also a 20 unit Bed and Breakfast and a business conference center. The view from the ridge is very good. You can see Rich Mountain, Poteau Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Winding Stair Mountains to the south.

Things to Do

Poteau Frontier Rodeo - This is a PRCA sanctioned rodeo with top cowhands from throughout the United States. It is held each year in September.

Poteau 4th of July Celebration - This is an annual festival sponsored by the Poteau Chamber of Commerce. Live music, free games for kids, food and fun. Fireworks show provided by the City of Poteau.

Shopping

WalMart Supercenter - At the north end of town

Price Cutter - (grocery store) located along North Broadway the primary street through the city which links with State Highway 112 north of town.

Halal Restaurants in Poteau

You will find the normal fast food chain restaurants available in Poteau, such as Arby's, Braum's Ice Cream, KFC, McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Long John Silver's, Mazzio's Pizza, Pizzas Hut, Western Sizzlin Steak House and Taco Bell (Please do not support Taco Bell as Taco Bell supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand).

Lahuerta Mexican Restaurant | ☎ +1 918 649-0086
Myers Drive-In 305 North Broadway Street ☎ +1 918 647-4464 Hot Dogs and Hamburgers at a 50s style Drive-In.

Simple Simons Pizzas 1900 North Broadway Street ☎ +1 918 649-3696
Warehouse Willy's 300 Dewey Ave ☎ +1 918 649-3400 Very good Steaks house in downtown Poteau.

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Days Inn & Suites | 1702 North Broadway ☎ +1 918 647-3510
Best Western Traders Inn - 3111 North Broadway Street ☎ +1 918 647-4001 +1 918 647-9555
Black Angus Motel | 1700 North Broadway ☎ +1 918 647-3246
Holiday Inn Express | 201 Hillview Parkway ☎ +1 918 649-2103
Long Lake Resorts - U.S. Highway 59 South ☎ +1 918 647-8140

News & References

Travel Next

Talimena Drive - Talimena Drive in the fall

Talimena Drive from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena (Arkansas) | Mena, Arkansas 54 Mile National Scenic Byway in Oklahoma and Arkansas along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest. This is the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies. The drive has frequent turnouts so you can enjoy the scenery. Convenient access to the drive near the midpoint can be visited from Poteau by taking Highway 59 south.