Small-town vibes and lake access in Stigler
The small town of Stigler often attracts buyers leaving cities like Tulsa and Fort Smith who are looking for a slower pace of life. Its simple, small-town atmosphere and access to lakes without being too far from bigger cities is just the right balance for many former city slickers. “Stigler is a very charming community,” says Realtor Debra Gentry with RE/MAX Champion Land Brokers. “You can get away from the big city life. You’re at the lake, and you can hunt and fish. If you want the shops and entertainment, you’re not too far from that, either.” Aside from spending time at Lake John Wells, its approximately 2,800 residents like to unwind at local music festivals, rodeos and the town’s Choctaw Casino.
Ranch-style homes on acreage and in neighborhoods
Ranch-style architecture is predominant in Stigler, with some bungalows and New Traditional homes mixed in. Buyers can choose between acreage properties and houses on smaller lots in neighborhoods. Most homes sell for prices between $50,000 and $250,000. Prices upwards of that are typically acreage properties. Residential streets in Stigler are often lined with trees and normally lack sidewalks and curbs.
Online learning and extracurriculars in Stigler Public Schools
Stigler Public Schools gets an overall B grade from Niche. Stigler Elementary, Stigler Middle and Stigler High School also receive Bs. High schoolers can participate in extracurricular activities such as band, FFA and academic team. Parents can also apply to send their children to Stigler Virtual Academy, a fully online learning experience for preschool through high school students.
Lake John Wells, community parks and golf
Lake John Wells is a 220-acre lake in Stigler popular for fishing, swimming and boating. “As in any of these towns, any of those surrounding areas, what draws is all the beautiful lakes in our area,” Gentry says. The lake also offers a camping area, a picnic pavilion and a playground. Roye Park is a community park with a splash pad and a playground. Stigler Sports Complex hosts youth baseball, softball and soccer. Cox Family Skatepark is a 9,000-acre skating and biking facility that opened in 2023. Briar Creek Golf Course is a public nine-hole golf course with a driving range and a swimming pool.
Dining along Highway 9
Shelly’s Stigler Café is a local diner serving American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Spring Garden is a casual Chinese buffet. Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant serves patrons plates of tacos, fajitas and more. Fast food options in town include McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Sonic Drive-In. Groceries are available at Walmart and Dollar General. About 50 miles away, Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers additional shopping and dining options.
Festivities include free live music, rodeos and Choctaw Casino
Rock The Equinox is a free annual music festival held around the fall equinox at Lake John Wells featuring local and regional rock and metal bands. The Stigler Round-Up Club hosts roping clinics and rodeos throughout the year. Choctaw Casino Stigler is open daily with 200 slot machines.
Accessing medical care and the airport
Oklahoma Highways 9 and 82 meet in Stigler, connecting it to nearby communities. Haskell Regional Hospital provides medical services in town. KI BOIS Area Transit System (KATS) is a nonprofit transportation service offering low-cost rides around town. About 50 miles away, Fort Smith Regional Airport offers flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.
