Ada, OK
Take a trip to Ada to experience the small-town charm with big-time history!
What to Do
Ada is home to the historic McSwain Theatre, a 100-year-old venue with a vibrant history of vaudeville, "Talkies," and variety shows. Main Street is the perfect place for art lovers with The Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center, the Centennial Plaza and a 27-foot-tall iron horse sculpture that make up the Arts District of Ada. Stroll the galleries at Chokma’si Gallery and Chickasaw Market to purchase your own piece of art to take home.
Find fun for the entire family at Lazer Zone Family Fun Zone or Star Skate. Connect with nature at Ada Outfitters, Waddell Vineyard and Wintersmith Park.
Sports enthusiasts can feel the need for speed at the Oklahoma Sports Park.
Shop ‘til you drop at one of the many boutique shops located in Ada. Shop EVER Boutique, Serendipity on Main and Southern Sass for the best gifts and the latest fashions. M Street Décor is your stop for all things home décor and gifts for every room in the house. Charlotte’s Variety Store has something for everyone in the family.
Where to Eat
Throughout the city, you will find a captivating array of global cuisine. Here are some of our favorite holiday dining venues in Ada with culturally inspired menus, vibrant atmospheres and large dining areas—perfect for family get-togethers or holiday dinner parties!
Indulge in the rich splendor of Italy at its finest with Papa Gjorgo Italian Restaurant’s authentic Italian recipes, traditional dishes, specialty hand-tossed pizzas, gourmet wines and desserts.
Experience a flavorful affair of ingenuity and elegance at Polo’s Mexican Restaurant. With a colorfully ornate atmosphere and exquisite Mexican fare with a traditional twist, this place is ideal for seasonal south-of-the-border dining.
Step back in time at Dairy Lou Drive Inn. This drive-in burger stop takes pride in making their burgers hot and juicy every time. Burgers can be accompanied by fries, shakes, chili cheese dogs and more.
Find a variety of dinner options and live music at The Lot in Ada. This open-air food truck lot is family and pet-friendly and open on weekends.
Discover more delicious places to eat in Ada and share your food photos with us on social media by tagging #VisitChickasaw.
History
Incorporated as an old railroad town in 1901, Ada was originally known as Daggs Prairie, after the first settling family. It was later named Ada, after the daughter of one of the Dagg’s family relatives appointed to carry mail to and from the surrounding area. The city is notorious for the 1909 vigilante hanging of four men accused of murdering a local rancher, an event documented in the Emmy Award-winning film “Death of the Old West.” Ada is home to East Central University and is the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation. It is also the hometown of notable politicians like former Oklahoma Governor and U.S. Senator Robert S. Kerr as well as Country Music Star Blake Shelton.
