About Jenks

The city of Jenks was founded in 1905, beginning as a rural railroad settlement. Named after railroad official Elmer E. Jenks, the area population exploded in 1906 with the discovery of the Glenn Pool oil field.

Today, Jenks is a prosperous city for the arts, education, business, entertainment and community. Visitor can expect small-town charm, unique food and shopping destinations, and a friendly community when visiting for a weekend.

Jenks is uniquely nestled along the Arkansas River, and RiverWalk Crossing is the region’s premier waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Just across the bridge sits River Spirit Resort and Casino. River Spirit boasts one of the largest gaming floors in Oklahoma and is home to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville casino and restaurant.

The community is also home to the Oklahoma Aquarium, which boasts the biggest collection of bull sharks in captivity. The Polynesian Reef – the second largest exhibit – contains more than 75 different species. The Secret World of the Octopus exhibit opened in spring 2020.