Heavener Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich town of Heavener, Oklahoma with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Heavener.


Introduction to Heavener

Welcome to Heavener, a small town located in Choctaw Country, Oklahoma, in the Great Plains of the United States of America. Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, Heavener offers visitors a unique experience that is true to the heart of America. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the various places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Heavener. We’ll also give you tips on the best time to visit, local cuisine, and nearby excursions.

List of Places to Visit in Heavener

There is no shortage of places to visit in Heavener. Here are some of the must-visit destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center: A National Historic Landmark, these 12 prehistoric Native American mounds offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Caddo people who lived here over 1,000 years ago.
  • Heavener Runestone Park: Home to an ancient runestone with Viking inscriptions, this park offers visitors a chance to explore the fascinating history of the Heavener Runestone.
  • Talimena Scenic Drive: This 54-mile drive through the Ouachita Mountains offers visitors stunning views of the fall foliage and the nearby Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area.

Natural Attractions of Heavener: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Robbers Cave State Park: This park offers visitors hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, and camping opportunities, all set against the stunning backdrop of the San Bois Mountains.
  • Talimena State Park: Located on the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, this park offers visitors hiking, fishing, and stunning scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Heavener Runestone Park: Besides the ancient runestone, the park is also a great place for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Heavener

Heavener is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with several trails to explore. Here are some of the popular trails in Heavener:

  • Heavener Runestone Trails: This trail system offers over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails through the Ouachita Mountains.
  • Robbers Cave State Park Trails: With over 12 miles of hiking trails, including the challenging Rough Canyon Trail, this park is a haven for hikers.

Best Things to Do in Heavener: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours to enjoy in Heavener. Here are some of the best things to do in Heavener:

  • Go fishing: Whether it’s at Robbers Cave State Park or Heavener Runestone Park, both offer ample opportunities for fishing.
  • Go rock climbing: Robbers Cave State Park is a popular destination for rock climbers, with several challenging routes to choose from.
  • Go camping: Both Robbers Cave State Park and Heavener Runestone Park offer camping opportunities for visitors.
  • Take a historical tour: Explore the ancient history of Heavener with tours of the Heavener Runestone and Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Heavener

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for your visit to Heavener:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Heavener Runestone Park and go fishing
Day 2 Take a hike at Robbers Cave State Park and enjoy a picnic
Day 3 Take a historical tour of Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
Day 4 Go rock climbing at Robbers Cave State Park
Day 5 Explore Talimena Scenic Drive and enjoy the stunning fall foliage
Day 6 Take a day trip to nearby Ouachita National Forest
Day 7 Enjoy a leisurely day in Talimena State Park, go fishing or hiking

Food and Drink Scene of Heavener

No trip to Heavener is complete without trying the local cuisine and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Indian Tacos: A popular dish in Heavener, Indian Tacos are made with fry bread and topped with chili, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  • Fried Catfish: An Oklahoma classic, fried catfish is a must-try in Heavener.

Local Beverages

  • Choc Beer: A local brewery in Krebs, Choc Beer is a popular drink in Heavener.
  • Sweet Iced Tea: The perfect drink to cool off after a day of outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in Heavener: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Heavener. Here are some of the popular options:

  • Rocky Point Campground (Heavener Runestone Park)
  • Bell Cow Guest Ranch (Robbers Cave State Park)
  • Cimarron Bend RV Park

What to Buy in Heavener: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for souvenirs to bring back home? Here are some great options:

  • Heavener Runestone Book: Souvenir books about the Heavener Runestone can be found at the Runestone Gift Shop.
  • Indian Fry Bread Mix: A unique souvenir, you can buy fry bread mix at local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Heavener

Heavener has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect the local customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Respect Native American customs: The Caddo people have a rich history in Heavener, and visitors should respect their customs and traditions.
  • Follow Leave No Trace ethics: With its natural beauty, visitors should follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment.

Best Time to Visit Heavener

The best time to visit Heavener is during the fall season, from late September to early November, when the tree leaves change color, and the weather is mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Heavener

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Heavener:

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment: Visitors should follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions: The local customs and traditions should be respected at all times.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Visitors should dispose of their litter properly.
  • Harm the wildlife: Any harm to the local wildlife is strictly prohibited.

Safety and Health

Safety in Heavener

Heavener is a safe town to visit, but visitors should still exercise caution. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay on designated trails: When hiking or biking, visitors should stay on designated trails to avoid accidents.
  • Take caution when rock climbing: Visitors should take caution when rock climbing and always follow safety guidelines.

Health in Heavener

Visitors should be aware of the local disease-carrying insects, including ticks and mosquitoes. Visitors should protect themselves from insect bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellant.

Getting to Heavener: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Heavener

The closest major airport is Fort Smith Regional Airport, located about 60 miles east of Heavener.

Bus Stations Near Heavener

Greyhound Bus Lines provides service to nearby Poteau, located about 11 miles from Heavener.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Heavener, with major highways including U.S. Route 59 and Oklahoma State Highway 63.

How to Get Around in Heavener

Visitors will need a car to get around in Heavener, as public transportation is limited.

Where to Go Next from Heavener: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions to enjoy from Heavener:

  • Tulsa, OK: Located about 130 miles northwest of Heavener, Tulsa offers visitors plenty of attractions, including museums, parks, and botanical gardens.
  • Hot Springs National Park, AR: Located about 70 miles east of Heavener, Hot Springs National Park features natural thermal springs, hiking trails, and historic bathhouses.

Conclusion

Heavener offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now well-equipped with the information you need to plan your visit to Heavener. Whether you’re here to hike, rock climb, fish, or explore ancient history, Heavener is sure to leave an impression on you.

Talimena Drive in the fall Talimena Drive in the fall