in the heart of the historic Arbuckle Mountains, Davis, Oklahoma, is a charming small town offering an ideal blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local flavor. With a population of just over 2,800. One of the oddly of bordering towns is Davis. It is divided into two distinct territories with no ties to one another. The first section is the actual city, and the second section is a few kilometers away. Because the city bought Turner Falls, which possessed two independent parcels of land connected by the US-77, they are separated. The city is located at an altitude of 846 feet above sea level and has an area of 11 square miles. The major cities of Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Tulsa are all reachable by car from Davis.
Davis’ most notable natural features are the city-operated Turner Falls and the thrilling zip line tours through the Arbuckle Mountains. Davis can experience sweltering summers that resemble the desert, like many other cities in Oklahoma. On the other side, the winters are chilly with persistently strong winds. The hottest month is July, with average highs throughout the hot season reaching 94°F. The average temperature in the winter, however, is only 33°F. Snowfall and rain are expected in Davis, with 4.9 inches of rain falling on average in May. With an average snowfall of 1.4 inches, January is the snowiest month.
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Demographics
There will be 2,953 people living in Davis at the end of 2022. Out of 835 cities in the state, Davis is the 119th largest. Males make up 49.75% of the population, while females make up 5.25%. With 64.2% of the population, the White ethnicity is the largest group, followed by persons of mixed races (14.2%), American Indian Natives (9%), African Americans (4.37%), and Hispanics (3.95%). Except for around 2%, almost everyone is a citizen born in the nation. The city is packed with young people, with a median age of 33.3.
Economy
The city’s economy employs more than 1,100 people. The sales, retail, and production sectors have numerous employment opportunities. Retail has the most workers per industry, followed by food services and manufacturing. Whole Trade offers compensation of more than $101,250 per year, making it the highest.
The typical annual household income is $46,774. This is more than $21,000 below the US average. Turner Falls is a top destination for thousands of visitors from throughout the nation. Therefore, tourism is a positive economic contribution. The city aims to improve the economy by supporting small and medium-sized businesses and several commercial projects.
History
Chickasaw Native Indians lived in the city before 1898. A few miles south of Davis, a businessman named Samuel H. Davis operated a pharmacy. Following the construction of the Santa Fe terminal, Samuel Davis began buying land with the US government’s approval and establishing several businesses. Even though it was still regarded as Indian land, the companies he established attracted tourists, residents from other areas, and Indians.
The municipality, which had several homeowners who relied on the store Samuel Davis had built, was incorporated on November 16, 1898. By 1900, 75 companies had been built, including three legal firms, three dental offices, two banks, and farms that grew cotton. In the town, picking cotton was the most popular occupation. The village is only 2 miles from the location of Interstate 35. The city’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture until 2000. Several other sectors, including healthcare and education, began to expand.
Things to do in Oklahoma city
1. Turner Falls Park
- 77‑foot waterfall, surrounded by crystal-clear swimming holes, caves, hiking trails, and Collings Castle.
- Offers cabins, RV spots, teepees, and more for overnight stays.
- Best visited mid‑week or during off‑season to avoid crowds.
2. Arbuckle Historical Society Museum
- Located in the restored 1907 Santa Fe Depot, this museum captures Davis’s local history, from railroads to early settler life.
3. Downtown Davis & Public Art
- Vibrant mural installations like the Turner Falls tribute and a striking buffalo sculpture light up Main Street.
- Boutiques like Crazy Chick, Chigley & Co., All About Flowers, and Bedré Fine Chocolate offer local artisan crafts and gourmet treats.
4. Local Eats
- Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies (sweet and savory flavors) are a local legend.
- Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch serves up slow-smoked BBQ favorites—pulled pork, brisket, ribs—and classic sides.
5. Cultural &Leisure Staples
- Treasure Valley Casino & Inn offers gaming, lodging, and restaurants just south of town.
- Nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area features trails, springs, and wildlife in a tranquil setting.
The community is home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, Turner Falls, and the oldest park. It was bought after a vote by the locals in 1925. It has a height of 77 feet and empties into an organic swimming pool. RV parking, sandy beaches, campgrounds, cabins, and hiking trails are all found in the neighboring park. People looking for outdoor retreats will find the park to be ideal.
The Zip-line offers an exhilarating zip line experience and stunning views of the city’s mountains and the surrounding landscape. Davis is home to the gorgeous Arbuckle Wilderness Park, which features a drive-through with more than 200 species.
Any visitor passing through town must see Downtown Davis, the main street that oozes with the heritage of Davis’ simpler eras. A historical building that depicts early settler life and displays Native American relics from the 1800s is the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum.
Del City, Oklahoma
Del City is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 21,822 at the United States Census, 2020, a 2.3% increase from 2010.
Bartlesville is another famous city. Bartlesville is a city mostly in Washington County and Osage County, Oklahoma. Bartlesville is notable as the longtime home of Phillips Petroleum Company.