Major city · United States
Sallisaw
One night, not two: use Sallisaw as an I-40 stop between Fort Smith and Tulsa, then push on to the lakes or Muskogee.
Sallisaw is a small Sequoyah County seat on Interstate 40 in Green Country, about 30 minutes west of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Its draw is Cherokee history — Sequoyah's Cabin, where the Cherokee syllabary was created — plus Robert S. Kerr Lake and Tenkiller for water and fishing. Sights sit outside the town centre, so a car is the practical way to see them. Most travellers spend one night here or use it as a half-day stop on a longer Oklahoma drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airports
- FSM · TUL
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sallisaw911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sallisaw, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetySallisaw is a small town and generally low-risk for visitors.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFSM Fort Smith Regional (About 30 min east by car on I-40; small airport, limited routes).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the sights are spread out and there is no useful local transit for visitors.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- Sit-down mealCatfish dinner$14–22
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data plan, about a week$10–30
- Budget bedCampground or RV site, a night, per roomUS$30
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$80
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$110
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FSM Fort Smith Regional (About 30 min east by car on I-40; small airport, limited routes) · TUL Tulsa International (About 1 h 30 min west by car; more airlines and connections)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sallisaw: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the sights are spread out and there is no useful local transit for visitors. I-40 runs east–west, US 64 through town, and US 59 north–south toward the lakes. Fuel up in town before heading to the lake or refuge roads.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fort Smith, Arkansas
goDoor to door: About 40 min
I-40 east by car, about 30 min
Historic downtown, the national historic site and a good dinner stop.
Tenkiller State Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US 59 north then east by car toward Vian
Lake swimming, trails and a lodge; a full half-day or overnight.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
By car south of town toward Vian
Wetland birding; go early for wildlife.
Tulsa
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
I-40 west then US 75 north by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; base there instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kerr Blvd (US 59 south strip)
The main motel row: Quality Inn, Super 8, Blue Ribbon Inn, Golden Spur. Best for one night with a car.
E Cherokee St (I-40 exits)
Budget chains and truck parking close to the interstate; convenient for a late arrival or early start.
US 59 South / KOA
Campground and RV sites with pull-through pitches, cabins and a fishing pond; south of town near the lake road.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel room1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Fuel, about 100 mi of driving1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$10 | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$41 |
| Trip total≈ US$223 per person per day, bed included | US$446 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| BBQ plate | $12–20 |
| Catfish dinner | $14–22 |
| Motel room, one night | $60–130 |
| Gallon of fuel | $3–4 (check) |
| eSIM or data plan, about a week | $10–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: carry water and plan outdoor stops for the morning.
- Tornado season runs spring into early summer; check local forecasts and know your shelter.
- Distances between sights are longer than they look on a map; a car is needed.
- Some rural roads and park facilities are seasonal — check before you drive out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Poison Control
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SallisawSallisaw
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Please take me to this addressPlease take me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Sallisaw; nearest consulates are in Oklahoma City, Dallas or Houston (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Sallisaw to Fort Smith and back: about $8–12 (check)
- Motel room, one night: $60–130
- BBQ plate: $12–20
Say or show
- Where is I-40? — Where is the interstate?
- Do you take cards? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
Tipping is expected in the US: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sallisaw. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for FSM and TUL: drive times, late-arrival motels and a taxi fallback.
- Walking and driving clusters: Kerr Blvd motel strip, downtown Cherokee Ave, Sequoyah's Cabin, the lake and refuge.
- Place pages with verified hours for Sequoyah's Cabin, 14 Flags Museum and Brushy Lake Park.
- Seasonal and weather fixtures so lake, refuge and cabin pages can go green.