Things to do
Things to do
Choctaw Nation Capital Museum & Gift Shop
It currently houses exhibits on early Choctaw history, the Trail of Tears and Death, Choctaw Code Talkers, Light Horsemen, Choctaw basketry and many more exhibits on Choctaw culture. The Museum gift shop is filled with Choctaw art and beautiful Choctaw hand-made items.
Open to the Public, Admittance is FREE, Mon-Fri 8am-4:30 pm, Open Saturdays after Memorial Day through Labor Day, please call for group tours: 918-569-4465 (12 miles)
Talimena Scenic Byway, State Hwy 1
Oklahoma’s most renowned fall foliage drive, the eminent display of autumn’s beauty invites viewers on a pathway through the Ouachita National Forest along the mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Mile after mile of hardwoods and statuesque evergreen pines present an array of fall color and splendor. (20 miles to start the drive)
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
We recommend you continue the scenic drive to Queen Wilhelmina State Park. You can dine on southern cuisine year round at the Queen’s Restaurant. Breakfast is served 7 am – 11 am, Lunch 11 am – 5 pm, Dinner 5 pm – 9 pm. In addition to sightseeing, there are lots of hiking options and a neat little train ride for adults and kids to enjoy.
Viking Runestone at Heavener Runestone Park
On the way back, discover the unique history behind the mysterious Viking Runestone at Heavener Runestone Park in Heavener. (52 miles) Among the various restaurants, one unique option is to dine on the railroads. The Southern Belle Restaurant, once an active railroad car, has been restored to its 1940’s state and now boasts of true Southern home cooking with some of the best homemade pies.
Lake Sardis
(15.5 miles for Potato Hills South) this lake is an awesome place to boat, fish and swim. Especially for boaters, this lake is a hidden gem and doesn’t get crowded even during popular holidays. Potato Hills South specifically also has a swim beach cove that is great to take the kids.
Middle Mountain Dairy
Located just northwest of Lake Sardis, you can tour a working goat dairy farm. Owners, Karen & Squeakie Brown offer grade A Goat Dairy and cheese. Family and group tours available. 9 am – 5 pm, call 918.569.7885 (26 miles)
Robbers Cave State Park
The park and adjoining wildlife management area offer acres of discovery and enjoyment including seasonal trout fishing and hunting, miles of hiking and equestrian trails, rugged cliffs for climbing and stunning fall foliage viewing.Once a former hideout for outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr, Robbers Cave State Park is an 8,246-acre park with 189 combined lake acres with Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace and Coon Creek. It is named for the famous outlaw cave hidden in the formation of 300 to 1,500-ft sandstone hills and cliffs. Robbers Cave State Park also hosts a wonderful fall festival and car show every year in October.
Honobia BigFoot Festival
(24 miles) The annual Bigfoot Festival and Conference will take place the first Friday and Saturday in October, in Honobia, Oklahoma. Whether you’re a serious Bigfoot scholar or a seeker of folklore, you’ll find fellow explorers at the Kiamichi Christian Mission, located at Highway 144 and Indian Trail Highway in the deep woods of tiny Honobia.
Poteau Balloon Festival
(50 miles) each October, colorful hot air balloons fill the sky above Poteau for this fun festival that features tethered balloon rides, monster truck rides and live bull riding. www.poteauballoonfest.net
Glover River Trail Rides
(45 miles) Take a one-, two- or three-hour guided ride on a horse through the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains near Battiest and then venture over to the petting zoo to meet miniature donkeys and goats. www.gloverrivertrailrides.com
Hochatown/Beavers Bend
(58-62 miles) We receive many calls asking how far away we are from Beaver’s Bend. There is lots of information about this area and closer lodging, so we recommend you google it. 🙂
