Choctaw Country Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and cultural experiences in Choctaw Country with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore museums, hiking trails, local cuisine, and more.


Introduction to Choctaw Country

Choctaw Country is a beautiful travel destination located in Oklahoma, in the Great Plains region of the United States of America. This area is named after the Choctaw Nation, the first Native American tribe to be removed from their ancestral lands and sent on the Trail of Tears. Today, Choctaw Country is proud of its Native American heritage and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Choctaw Country

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Choctaw Nation Museum: Located in Tuskahoma, this museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Choctaw Nation. It features exhibits on the Trail of Tears, traditional crafts, and tribal government.
  • Fort Towson Historic Site: This former military fort, located in Fort Towson, offers visitors the chance to step back in time to the 1800s and learn about the area’s history.
  • Oklahoma History Center: Located in Oklahoma City, this museum covers the history of Oklahoma from prehistoric times to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Choctaw Country: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Beavers Bend State Park: This popular park, located in Broken Bow, offers hiking trails, fishing, and scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
  • Hochatown State Park: Another natural wonder in Broken Bow, Hochatown features gorgeous waterfalls, nature trails, and picnic areas.
  • Kiamichi Mountains: This stunning mountain range is the perfect destination for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Choctaw Country

Choctaw Country is a hiker and biker’s paradise, with numerous trails and routes scattered throughout the region. Some of the most popular include:

  • Little River National Wildlife Refuge: Located in Idabel, this refuge offers visitors the opportunity to hike through beautiful woodlands and see a variety of birds and animals.
  • Cedar Lake Trail: This 1.2-mile trail, located in Heavener, offers beautiful views of Cedar Lake.
  • Ouachita Trail: This trail, spanning 223 miles, takes hikers and bikers through the Ouachita Mountains in both Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Best Things to Do in Choctaw Country: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback riding: With numerous stables and ranches in the area, visitors can enjoy the great outdoors on horseback.
  • Fishing: Choctaw Country is home to numerous lakes and streams stocked with catfish, bass, and trout.
  • Casinos: For those who enjoy gambling, Choctaw Country is home to several casinos, including the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant.

Week-Long Itinerary for Choctaw Country

  • Day 1: Begin your trip at the Choctaw Nation Museum in Tuskahoma.
  • Day 2: Spend the day hiking and exploring Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a horseback ride through the Kiamichi Mountains.
  • Day 4: Tour the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
  • Day 5: Take a scenic drive through the Ouachita Mountains.
  • Day 6: Try your luck at the Choctaw Casino in Durant.
  • Day 7: Relax and unwind at the Cedar Creek Golf Course in Broken Bow.

Food and Drink Scene of Choctaw Country

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried catfish: A Southern classic, fried catfish is a must-try dish in Choctaw Country.
  • Indian tacos: This local specialty consists of fry bread topped with beans, meat, lettuce, and other toppings.
  • Pecan pie: Choctaw Country is home to numerous pecan orchards, so it’s no surprise that pecan pie is a popular dessert here.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Choctaw Country has several microbreweries, including the Mountain Fork Brewery in Broken Bow.
  • Sweet tea: A Southern classic, sweet tea is a staple in Choctaw Country.

Where to Stay in Choctaw Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Hochatown Lodge: This lodge, located in Broken Bow, offers cozy cabins and a great location near Beavers Bend State Park.
  • Choctaw Casino & Resort: For those looking for upscale accommodations, the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant has luxury rooms and suites.
  • Pine Lodge Resort: This family-friendly resort in Kiamichi Mountains offers cabins, RV sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Choctaw Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Native American crafts: Choctaw Country is home to several artisan shops selling traditional crafts like pottery, jewelry, and woven baskets.
  • Pecans: Choctaw Country is known for its pecan orchards, so be sure to bring home some locally-grown pecans.
  • Oklahoma-made products: Look for locally-made products like honey, bbq sauce, and hot sauce from brands like Head County’s Finest and Oklahoma Joes.

Local Culture and Customs of Choctaw Country

The Choctaw Nation has a rich cultural heritage that is still celebrated today. Visitors should respect the following customs:

  • Respect for elders: Elders are highly respected in Choctaw culture, so be sure to show them deference.
  • Honoring traditions: Traditional dances, ceremonies, and festivals are an important part of Choctaw culture.
  • Language: While many Choctaw people still speak their Native American language, English is commonly spoken in Choctaw Country.

Best Time to Visit Choctaw Country

The best time to visit Choctaw Country is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the leaves are changing. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be chilly and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Choctaw Country

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect Native American heritage and culture.
  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Be disrespectful to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Choctaw Country

Choctaw Country is a generally safe travel destination, but visitors should always take precautions like locking car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Choctaw Country

Choctaw Country has several hospitals and medical clinics scattered throughout the region, but visitors should still pack any necessary medications and follow standard health precautions like staying hydrated and using sunscreen.

Getting to Choctaw Country: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Choctaw Country

The closest airports to Choctaw Country are:

  • Tulsa International Airport
  • Oklahoma City International Airport
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Bus Stations Near Choctaw Country

Greyhound and other bus companies serve the following cities in Choctaw Country:

  • Durant
  • Broken Bow
  • Hugo

Other Options

For those who prefer to drive, Choctaw Country is easily accessible from several major highways, including I-35 and US-75.

How to Get Around in Choctaw Country

The best way to get around Choctaw Country is by car. However, visitors can also rent bicycles or explore on foot.

Where to Go Next from Choctaw Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dallas, Texas: Just a three-hour drive south of Choctaw Country, Dallas is a cosmopolitan city with great dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
  • Hot Springs, Arkansas: A two-hour drive east of Choctaw Country, Hot Springs is a charming resort town known for its hot springs and natural beauty.
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma: Located two hours north of Choctaw Country, Tulsa is home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Zoo.

Conclusion

Choctaw Country offers visitors the chance to explore Native American history and culture, as well as enjoy the great outdoors and sample delicious regional cuisine. With so much to see and do, this is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Talimena Drive in the fall Talimena Drive in the fall


    Bokoshe
    Heavener
    Hugo
    Spiro
    Talihina