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What To Do In Hochatown Ok

From the rugged mountains to the fertile plains, this little corner of Southeast Oklahoma is sparsely populated and wildly scenic. Criss-crossed by rivers and bordered by the Texas desert and Arkansas hills, Hochatown (alongside the Broken Bow area) is the pride and joy of McCurtain County.

Hochatown offers a wide variety of things to do, from panning for gemstones to golfing in a panoramic mountain paradise. And when are you done ticking off this must-do list? The Bear Cabins’ cozy accommodations offer the best natural views, comfortable amenities, and easy access to activities fit for one and all.

Here are the best things to do in Hochatown, Oklahoma!

1. Visit Beavers Bend State Park

hochatown

Photo Credit: Jordons Edits

There is loads to do inside the well developed Beavers Bend State Park. For starters, you can hike one of the many meandering hiking trails and take in the lovely Oklahoma air. The Friends Trail is a highly recommended 1.5-mile loop with panoramic views of the park.

You can also try your hand at horseback riding at Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides or take the family to Beavers Bend Land and Water Park for swimming, mini-golf, and watersport rentals. Be sure to stop off at the Beavers Bend Forest Heritage Center to marvel at the massive collection of wood art hand-crafted and painted by Harry Rossol while you’re at it.

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2. Float the River with Beavers Bend River Floats

Beavers Bend River Floats offers affordable rentals of kayaks or canoes to float yourself down the calm 2.5-mile scenic stretch of the Mountain Fork River. You can also DIY this outdoor activity if you have your own flotation device. Keep in mind the water warms with the weather, and this is more of a summer activity.

3. Explore the Natural Landscape on Horseback

There’s no better way to experience the trails of Oklahoma. Head to one of the prominent outfitters in the area to set yourself up for a trail ride. The best are Riverman Trail Rides, Outlaw Trail Rides, and Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides.

4. Spot Some Black Bears and Other Local Wildlife

petting zoo

Photo Credit: T. Chaudhury Production

Black bears are just one of many species you might see while roaming about the woods in Hochatown. You can also head to the Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum to see the local fauna up close in a family-friendly environment! Here, they have many professional taxidermy models of Oklahoma’s favorite critters.

If you’ve got a family full of animal lovers, you can also pay a visit to the Hochatown Petting Zoo and Rescue Center, where 95% of the animals on site have been rescued.

5. Learn about the History of the Choctaw Nation

Hochatown was once populated almost entirely by the Choctaw Tribe and still has many inhabitants who are direct descendants of the Choctaw Nation today.

6. Spend the Day at Broken Bow Lake

broken bow lake

Photo Credit: Norm Lane

This expansive lake is the most spectacular lake in all of Oklahoma, and you absolutely cannot visit Hochatown without visiting the water’s edge. Head to the Broken Bow Marina to rent your watersport equipment of choice. They have Kayaks, SUPs, paddleboats, jet skis, and even speed boats and pontoon boat rentals for the whole family.

7. Drive the Hwy 259 A Loop Drive

If you are itching for a scenic drive, look no further. This winding road is a 10-mile loop to Broken Bow Lak, so you’re bound to see it at least once on your next visit to Hochatown, Oklahoma.

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8. Try Your Hand at Fly Fishing with Beaver’s Bend Fly Fishing Guide Service

fly fishing

Photo Credit: wendell cosenza

The slow-moving flow of Lower Mountain Fork River is the perfect place to learn to fly fish! You can also fish freely in the depths of Broken Bow Lake or the lush Glover River if you have your own pole.

9. ATV Through Ouachita National Forest

There are countless trails in the Ouachita National Forest where you can walk, or even better ride, through rolling rugged landscapes and take in all the natural beauty that makes Hochatown such a wonderful travel destination. Our favorite is the 22-mile looping Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail.

10. Learn the History of Local Spirits at Hochatown Distilling Co.

hochatown distilling

Photo Credit: Jasons Phone

This distillery has a lovely tasting room where you can sample the freshly crafted spirits made in homage to the moonshine traditions of the region protected by the Kiamichi Mountains.

For other adult beverage fun, you can pay a visit to Beavers Bend Brewery, Fish Tales Winery, and the Mountain Fork Brewery.

11. Have Some Indoor Family Fun Year-Round

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re visiting Hochatown in the off-season you can always stick to indoor activities. You can try an escape room at the Hochatown Escape Games, bowl at Gutter Chaos, hit the nature center at Beavers Bend State Park, or seek out some live music in one of the local restaurants like the Hochatown Saloon.

For some indoor adult fun, you can head to the wildly popular Choctaw Casino for drinks and games.

12. Go-Kart Race at Bigfoot Speedway

This outdoor Bigfoot Speedway is popular with the kids! It’s safe, well-maintained, and has a glorious selection of fair-style food like hotdogs and nachos to keep you fueled.

13. Pan for Gemstones and Fossils with Beavers Bend Mining Company

beavers bend mining

Photo Credit: Francisco Leung

Spend the day searching the outdoors with the experts at Beavers Bend Mining Company to unearth your own sparkling gemstones and ancient dinosaur fossils along the shores of Broken Bow Lake. This is a “kid-friendly” activity, and the unearthing is done in more of an educational manner than in an actual mining way. You are guaranteed to find some gemstones.

You can also visit their new mini-golf course, Kraken 9.

14. Zipline With Rugaru Adventures

For those looking for a dose of excitement and adventure, look no further than Rugaru Adventures – a thrilling and exhilarating attraction for daring adventurers of all ages less than 10 minutes from the city center!

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Located in the heart of a lush and vibrant forest, the park offers a variety of ziplines of varying lengths and speeds, allowing visitors to soar through the trees at breakneck speeds and feel the rush of the wind on their faces.

15. Chase some Waterfalls

A handful of scenic waterfalls are scattered throughout the Hochatown and Broken Bow areas. Our favorites are Blaylock Creek Waterfall and the Crooked Creek Falls in the Ouachita Mountains. The much closer Presbyterian Falls is in Beavers Bend State Park is more of a modest step than a fall, but still an interesting waterfall adventure.

16. Escape the Maze of Hochatown

maze

Photo Credit: Lance Kenyon

This complicated maze is lots of fun for the whole family! It’s much harder than you might think and takes some serious brain power to navigate the 29,000 sq. ft. of pathways made up of over a mile of wooden fencing. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

17. Leaf-Peep During the Fiery Fall Season

Broken Bow and Hochatown offer some of the best leaf peeping in Oklahoma. Just head to the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the trails of Beavers Bend State Park to see the colors at their best. Or take a drive along the Talimena National Scenic Byway winding through the Ouachita National Forest.

18. Picnic in a Hochatown Green Space

The serene landscape of Oklahoma is suited to a family or romantic picnic in every sense. No matter who you are traveling with, you should pack yourself a lunch (or order takeaway) and eat surrounded by nature at the Carson Creek Recreation Area, Mountain Fork Park, or the vast expanse of Beavers Bend State Park.

19. Experience the Local Cuisine

food

Photo Credit: Elena Veselova

Oklahoma doesn’t get the culinary credit it deserves. Hochatown and the Broken Bow area have lots to offer foodie travelers. What should you add to your must eats? Shuck Me Hochatown is famed for its delicious fried catfish, Grateful Head Pizza has creative pies and a chill atmosphere, and Abendigo’s Grill is perfect for a traditional American steak dinner.

20. Play a Full 18 at Cedar Creek Golf Course

The pine-rimmed and narrow Cedar Creek Golf Course is hailed as one of the best in the state. You can see the rolling green rugged terrain of the Kiamichi Mountains and the deep blue of Broken Bow Lake straight from the course.

21. Pamper Yourself at Body Harmony Day Spa

At the end of a tri, sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is a spa day. Body Harmony Day Spa offers therapeutic bodywork and massages that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. But probably still not ready to wrap up vacation and return to real life.

22. Pick Up Some Hochatown Souvenirs

shopping

Photo Credit: Francisco Leung

Hit the Girls Gone Wine, Janet’s Treasure Shop, Broknbo Vintage Market, and Hochatime Store for quirky local goods that will help you remember your trip for years to come. Janet’s specializes in bigfoot-themed apparel and goods.

Stay With Us in Beautiful Hochatown!

There’s no better place to sleep than our stunning luxury cabins for two or the whole family! We have numerous conveniently located options in the Hochatown area that will make your vacation comfortable and easy. From here, you can start knocking off your Hochatown bucket list.

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