The home of
civil war battle re-enactments,
rodeos and romance, Vinita welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and a
quaint hometown charm.
Established in
1871, the town was born from the struggles of the Cherokee Nation and the
expansion of the railroad. Originally named Downingville, Elias Boudinot
renamed it “Vinita” after the woman he loved. Visitors can learn more
about Vinita’s fascinating history at the
Eastern Trails Museum on
Illinois Avenue.
Like so
many communities along Route 66, Vinita was a railroad town. Today you’ll
find a Victorian downtown shopping district with antique treasures, campy
collectibles and unique gifts, while enjoying the stolen moments of days
gone by.
This bustling
small town’s modern day attractions include the Little Cabin Pecan
Company, Cabin Creek Battle Site and Battle Re-enactment, Vinnie Ream
Cultural Center, Summerside Vineyards & Winery, two Will Rogers Historical
Monuments and the world’s largest McDonald’s.
Vinita is
also the self-proclaimed Capitol of the world’s foremost Calf Fry Festival
and Cook-off every September. The Annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo
in August has been attracting visitors to Vinita for over 65 years.
