Wister is located in eastern Oklahoma in Le Flore County about 10 miles southwest of Poteau along U.S. Highway 270 on the northern shores of Lake Wister. Outdoor recreation in the area includes Lake Wister State Park, 5 statute miles south of town and Heavener Runestone State Park, about 10 miles to the southeast. In addition, Talimena State Park and the Ouachita National Forest are both within an hours drive. Also of interest in the area is the Peter Conser Historic Home, southwest of Heavener and the Robert S. Kerr Museum, on the eastern banks of the Poteau River.