The Beavers Bend area and Hochatown, just north of Broken Bow Oklahoma is one of the biggest surprises in our travels over the United States! There’s so much to do in this area!
Fun Facts- Hochatown was named after a Native American family that settled in the area with the last name of Hoxha. Hochatown isn’t incorporated even though it has all the characteristics of a small town. A great way to enjoy the area is to book one of the many available log cabins (make sure you find one with a hot tub, because you’ll thoroughly enjoy a relaxing soak at the end of a day of outdoor adventures).
Beavers Bend State Park
Water skiing, fly fishing, cycling, hiking, and outdoor adventures of all kinds are available here! By the way, the area is also known as Beavers bend Resort Park. If you’re an RVer, you have lots of camping options year-round plus amenities and dump stations are available. This is a premier park with both lake and river access, boating, floating, and other watersports. This is a great destination for fly fishing for brown trout or smallmouth bass. The park has a full 25 miles of hiking trails for nature lovers to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Fishing
A fishing license is required in order to fish the public waters in Oklahoma. They are available at sporting goods stores, Walmart, and many convenience stores throughout the state. look for the sticker on the door that specifies the places that vend licenses.
Resident fees:
- Fishing (Annual): $25
- Fishing (2-Day): $15
- Youth Fishing (16 & 17 years old): $5/Year
- Lifetime Fishing: $225
- Lifetime Fishing (60 & Older): $15
Non Resident Fees:
- Fishing (Annual): $55
- Fishing (6-Day): $35
Hochatown Petting Zoo
This rescue is filled with barnyard animals, exotics, birds, and reptiles. The staff includes a licensed wildlife rehabilitation expert. hours are open 10 AM daily and they shelter over 300 animals.
Cedar Creek Golf Course in Beavers Bend, OK
Cedar Creek lies between tall pine trees and the shores of Broken Bow Lake with Cedar Creek running through the middle. This 18 hole, par 72 course that sports hazards, beauty, and wildlife. The greens, tees, and fairways are Bermuda grass and the pro shop boasts a driving range and putting green.
Lower Mountain Fork River
The Broken Bow dam to the US-70 bridge is one of the best places in Oklahoma for year-round trout fishing. There are several public access points along this 12 mile-long stretch of river. The northern five-mile stretch is within Beavers Bend State Park with unlimited boat access and available camping and cabin rentals.
Go Carts at Big Foot Speedway
If you have had your fill of outdoor activities, or just need a break, head over to Big Foot Speedway for a couple of hours of driving go-karts! It only costs $8.00 per race, though kids under 55 inches can ride in a double cart with an adult driver for free. You also can ride the BigFoot 360 and the BigFoot VR – a virtual roller coaster.
Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides
Take a train ride through Beavers Bend State Park game reserve. The ride usually lasts 15-20 minutes and most passengers get to see some wildlife.
You can also take a guided trail ride on horseback. The trail runs 2 1/2 miles and lasts about 45 minutes. When you finish, visit the gift shop and snack bar for some Blue Bell ice cream, funnel cakes, pizza, and more.
Broken Bow Lake
The lake covers 14,000 acres of the foothills of Ouachita National Forest and boasts 180 miles of natural shoreline. This is a great destination for water sports of all kinds because the water is clear enough to see rocks on the bottom, not mud! Beavers Bend Marina is the place for boat rentals no matter what houseboats, pontoons, speed boats, and jet skis.
Mountain Fork Brewery
The best local brewpub in the Hochatown area region is Mountain Fork Brewery. You’ll be impressed with their brick oven pizzas, sharables, and variety of burgers. Sample a few cold beers and choose one to pick up a 6 pack for later.
Hochatown Saloon
A great place to enjoy live music and experience is the Hochatown Saloon. The Restaurant/nightclub is open from 11 AM daily until 9 PM, 2 AM on the weekends. The menu includes a variety of appetizers and burgers, but the chicken fried steak is awesome. For special treats, after 4 PM Friday and Saturdays you should order the prime rib.
Beavers Bend Brewery
Every trip through McCurtain County Oklahoma should include a stop here. You’ll be able to eat in or take out, the locally crafted beers range from IPAs to Pumpkin Pie. Be sure to look at the Weinery Menu. I spelled that right, Weinery- get your dawgs here. The best and most creative hotdogs in the eastern part of the state are waiting for you.
Okie Girls Coffee & Ice Cream
Be sure to get your ice cream or coffee or confection or creation or cup combination or even honey with comb here. Caffeinated and un-caffeinated items are both available. This fun stop serves sweets Wednesdays through Sundays. My favorite is their French Lemon Ginger tea with a Peanut Butter Cookie
Hochatown Distilling Company
For those who enjoy a good craft spirit, this is the perfect place to enjoy and purchase southeastern Oklahoma Small Batch Bourbon and Spear Point Vodka. The tasting room is The tours are so much fun you will need to go online to make sure you have a spot. They usually offer two, 18 spot tours daily at 2:00 and 4:00.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway spans 54 miles of the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and culminates just north of the Broken Bow area in Taliquah. This is a great road trip to a beautiful place to experience fall foliage. Be sure to stop and enjoy each of the 15 scenic overlooks.
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Rugaru Adventures
A unique experience of a lifetime waits for you here! The series of 6 different zip lines will carry you over half a mile at up to 35 miles per hour. The highest you will be above the ground is 60 feet, so you’ll get all the great rushes without the great fright.
Forest Heritage Center Museum
Free admission! This place is fun on the cheap for everyone in the family. The museum is located inside Beavers Bend State Park and this is the epicenter of where history and wood art collide. They schedule lots of fun retreats, like the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft show and Women’s Woodturning Retreat. Check their Facebook Page for all the details.
Grateful Head Pizza Oven
There are plenty of places to get pies, but a groovy abandoned schoolhouse is home to the hands-down, best place for pizza and beer in southeast Oklahoma. Their creations bear monikers of the likes of Psychadelic Supremo and Cosmic Charlie so be totally prepared for the dead-head vibe and happy crowd.
Abendigo’s Grill
They have double deck outdoor patios with a full stage in order to feature live music during the spring-summer season. Their musical focus is on local and regional acoustics and full bands, but it’s their food and service that sets them apart! For those of us who like fine dining, they sport a separate menu during the winter months. You will love the way they wood fire southern food including rib eyes, ribs, and seafood.
Blue Rooster
Crawfish boils, fried catfish and lots of other great hometown-Oklahoma dishes are served by the friendly and helpful staff here! They offer live music and cold beer both inside or out on the big porch. While you’re there, you need to browse the Cornbread Trading post, it’s full of gifts and unique treats.
Beavers Bend Mining Company
You and your kids will have the time of your lives here mining for dinosaur bones, artifacts, natural local gemstones, and playing a few rounds of miniature golf. For less than $10.00 you can make your own wax-cast hands as a permanent family heirloom.
Girls Gone Wine
Chandra, Michelle & Rhonda want you to be ready for fun! The VIP Tasting G Spot near Beaver’s Bend is exciting both inside and outside the tasting room. They made sure fun wine replaced fine wine here. By the way, the wines are fermented on-site for your pleasure.
Bald Eagle Watch
About 20 Bald eagles winter in McCurtain County every year. As a matter of fact, a group meets at the amphitheater behind Big Bend Restaurant every Saturday in February at 9:00 AM with comfortable shoes on their feet and binoculars in their hands. There isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be spot one, but it is fun and exciting when you do.
Hochatown Escape Games
Four challenging and fun scenarios will test your teamwork skills, intelligence, and patience! Call ahead to choose your room. My Favorite is The Lake House- in this game, the owner has lost his mind and your team must solve the mystery before he returns. If you want to solve a game at your own location, give them a call and you can pick up The Pirate’s Code and use it at your location for three hours.
Float the River
Wild Goose Canoe and Kayak Rentals have two different trips. The 8-mile trip is a little more challenging and the 5-mile trip is more relaxed. Prices vary. You can park at the landing and they will pick you up at the end of the route.
Fish Tales Winery and Bistro
The convenient location is right across from the entrance to Beavers Bend State Park. The menu includes charcuterie boards, paninis, dips, and lots more. With fifteen or more wines in the free tasting room, you need to try the muscadine wine before you leave.
Janet’s Treasure Chest
This fun place is the gift shop of your dreams! Janet’s has everything from Tyler Candles, birthday tiaras, all occasion balloons to cards of every type. It is within walking distance (almost) of the state park. Oh yes, this is the place for Hochatown Tee shirts and they can help you with your lodging needs.
Riverman Trail Rides
Call and set up your trail ride! This is one of the most authentic horseback-trail experiences in the US. They have a stable of 40 mounts and 6 full-time guides. If riding atop doesn’t suit your size or skill, they offer wagon rides as well. By the way, they offer fishing services.
Bandits ATV Rentals
Rain or shine, this is a safe place to enjoy some self-guided outdoor activities. Rain or shine, you can explore the Ouachita mountains and Broken Bow Lake.
Broken Tiki Tour
Broken Bow Lake also boasts a way to explore the park and lake. The Broken Tiki Tours lets you travel by bus or by boat. The lake tour lasts one hour-80 minute, giving you time to finish your cocktail. (Beverages must be purchased at the Tiki Bar/Store. You also can purchase candy, chips, and ice cream.)
Regular Tours $32 per person
Adult Only Tours: $35 per person
Kids 2 and under are free
Either way- a boat or bus (or both!) are great ways to relax and explore the lake.
Thank you for Reading About Things to do in Broken Bow, OK!
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