Tonkawa is a city in Kay County, Oklahoma, United States, along the Salt Fork Arkansas River.

Prior to the land run, from 1879 to 1885, the area was known as "Fort Oakland", home to the Nez Perce people.

[6] Built between October and December 1942, the 160-acre (0.65 km2) site contained more than 180 wooden structures for 3,000 German POWs as well as 500 U.S. Army guard troops, service personnel and civilian employees.

In November 1943, a prison riot caused the death of a German soldier, Johannes Kunze.

Tonkawa is located in southwestern Kay County on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River, 14 miles (23 km) west of Ponca City.

Interstate 35 passes 2 miles (3 km) west of the center of Tonkawa, with access from Exits 211 and 214.

Tonkawa is also home to Northern Oklahoma College which provides Associates level education.

The following sites in Tonkawa are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Kay County, Oklahoma: Kansas portal