PATHFINDER FALL / WINTER 2020
ChoctawCountry.com
HALITO! [Hello] It is with great pride that I welcome you to Choctaw Country! When the air starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, I find myself getting excited. In Choctaw Country, there are so many wonderful things to look forward to during the fall and winter seasons! Take a brisk (or long) hike through the stunning fall foliage, find some of the greatest hunting and fishing spots for miles around, or treat yourself during perfect camping temperatures to a spectacular view of the stars. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a weekend adventure, our community members are here to welcome you with open arms and true Southern hospitality. At every turn, you will find history, nature, excitement and, most importantly, culture. So, come experience the Choctaw Nation and see for yourselves! Chi Pisa La Chike! [Be seeing you]
Chief Gary Batton
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Stoking twin fires: adventure and imagination.
CONTENTS EVENTS 6
FISHING 26
COFFEE SHOP STOPS 10
HUNTING 28
SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH 12
MOTORCYCLE TOURING 30
MUSEUMS 14
SPA DAY 32
STATE PARKS 16
SOCIAL MEDIA 33
AGRITOURISM 18
CASINOS 34
FOLIAGE SIGHTSEEING 20
TRAVEL PLAZAS 36
CAMPING/LODGING 22
STARGAZING 38
HIKING TRAILS 24
INFORMATION LISTING 40
Cool cars. Haute Chili.
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EVENTS OCT 3 / DRAGGIN’ MAIN CAR SHOW & CRUISE / DURANT 580.924.1550 For both the classic car owner and admirer, make sure you join us for one of the coolest car shows around! Check out all the incredible cars from days gone by – restored to their glory days. And if you have one yourself, turn a few heads as you bring it in for others to drool over! Make sure you stop by the many vendors, merchandise booths and food trucks on site.
OCT 24 / STIGLER CAR SHOW FESTIVAL AND CHILI COOK-OFF / STIGLER 918.967.3368 You’ll be amazed at the rows and rows of incredible street rods, motorcycles, muscle cars, custom and original cars – all on display at this spectacular event! Walk around and meet the car owners, soak in the sights and sounds and get ready to sample some of the best chili around! NOV 5-7 / MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL / DURANT 580.924.0848 If you only attend one Oklahoma festival this year, let it be the Magnolia Festival! This incredible annual jubilee is a past winner of the State Tourism’s Red Bud Award for “Most Outstanding Event”! Outside, you’re in a large carnival with rides and games. Inside, you’ll find lots of great retail and food booths! Spanning an entire weekend, the Magnolia Festival offers a Bike Tour, a 5K and Fun Run, an art show and sale, traditional Choctaw dancing, a Children’s Theater and even an incredible fireworks display. There’s so much to do here, a weekend almost isn’t enough time to do it all! NOV 7 / HIKE FOR WHOLE HEALTH / STIGLER
OCT 18 / COLTON’S MAIN STREET RUN / DURANT Benefiting the Durant Main Street Program and the Colton Sherrill Memorial Fund (promoting AED devices for schools, Crooked Smile Trail in Durant and other community projects), the painful decision has been made to make Colton’s Run a virtual event. The virtual format allows you to run/walk anytime and any place between October 10, 2020 and October 17, 2020. Each registrant will receive a long sleeve Colton’s run t-shirt, an individually packaged Main Street Muffin and some Colton’s Run Swag. Colton’s Run hopes you will still run in 2020 to support the cause. #IStillRun2020 #ColtonsRun
Join us for a heart-healthy, brisk three-mile hike through gorgeous Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton. Too long for you? Try a lighter 1.5-mile walk and enjoy the beauty of Robbers Cave as the early fall leaves start to change and transform into rich, dark reds, oranges and yellows. Great for a peaceful walk alone, with friends or with the whole family! NOV 14 / TURKEY TROT 5K / STIGLER Okay, let’s face it: Thanksgiving is a time of unabashed eating with reckless abandon. So, rather than feel guilty about all those calories on Thanksgiving Day, why not feel like you earned it by participating in the Annual Turkey Trot! With races from 5k to one mile, burn those calories preemptively and sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner with a smile on your face!
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EVENTS (CONT.) DEC 4 / “CITY OF LIGHTS” CHRISTMAS PARADE / IDABEL
DEC 5 / STIGLER CHRISTMAS PARADE / STIGLER
One of the most beautiful and well-attended Christmas parades in the region, The Idabel “City of Lights” is widely considered the annual Holiday Season “kick-off” in McCurtain County. Approximately 25,000 citizens and visitors attend each year to watch the parade which starts at 7pm. Come out to witness the expected 100+ entries, including bands from local and area schools; floats decorated by businesses, churches, schools and civic clubs; pageant winners in decorated vehicles and horseback riders. And, of course, the Guest of Honor will arrive on an Idabel Fire Department Fire Truck! Don’t miss Santa’s first visit to Idabel of the year!
Welcome the holiday season with an annual lighted Christmas parade held in downtown Stigler for many years! Starting at 9am, beautifully decorated floats head down Main Street as those in the parade toss-out an incredible amount of candy for the kiddos! (And if a few grown-ups pick up some candy, we won’t tell!) Join us for a longtime Stigler tradition we hope will continue for many years to come!
VISIT CHOCTAWCOUNTRY.COM & DOWNLOAD THE APP Discover all of the fun attractions, special events and outdoor activities for your family’s next adventure on our new website. Use our new app to easily plan your next vacation getaway.
JAN 22-23 / THE CATMASTERS BOAT SHOW & EXPO AT CHOCTAW CASINO / DURANT Are you good at reeling in the big ones? If so, this is the event for you! Come out and check out all the new, incredible boats on display, then sign up to compete in the fishing competition. It’s a two-day tournament with the fisherman bringing in the heaviest total weight from both days declared the winner. So come on out, check out the boats and jump in the competition or cheer for your favorite competitor! Valid fishing license required.
COVID -19 POSSIBLE DELAYS / CANCELLATIONS Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, for safety purposes, all listed events are subject to change, postponement and/or cancellation at the discretion of the organizer.
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Master the big cats of the deep.
he CatMasters Boatshow & Expo T Hosted by Choctaw Country Visit ChoctawCountry.com
COFFEE SHOP STOPS A great cup of coffee is often more than just a “great cup of coffee.” Much of the experience involves the ambiance, the atmosphere, even the time of day. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few of our favorite “hot” spots in Choctaw Country to kick back with a fantastic “cuppa joe” and enjoy the fresh aroma and cozy setting as you take cover from the chill of winter – whether you’re there with family and friends…or just soaking it all in by yourself. AMAZING AREA COFFEE SHOP STOPS THE COFFEE CUP 401 N Broadway St / Poteau / 918.647.2622
HARBOR MOUNTAIN COFFEE HOUSE 224 S 3rd St / McAlester / 918.426.9600
ADAM AND EVE’S COFFEE SHOP 8949 US-259 / Broken Bow / 580.494.6442
SACRED GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE 206 SW B St / Antlers / 580.298.9826
HOCHATOWN COFFEE CENTRAL 9981 N US Hwy 259, Suite C / Broken Bow / 580.494.3834
BLAKE’S COFFEE SHOP 1426 W University Blvd / Durant / 580.609-1214
OKIE GIRLS COFFEE & ICE CREAM 121 North Lukfata Trail / Broken Bow / 580.494.6545 PUNKINS COFFEE HOUSE 103 SE Ave N / Idabel / 580.245.7017
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HOT SHOTS COFFEE 2832 W University Blvd # 136 / Durant / 580.924.7468 OPERA HOUSE COFFEE 202 W Evergreen St / Durant
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Delectable goodies are within reach.
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SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH Remember when you were a kid and you had to eat all of your dinner—including the veggies—before you could have your tiny serving of dessert? You used to think, “When I’m grown-up, I’m going to eat all the dessert I want!” Well, guess what? It’s your time. And here are all the incredible places in Choctaw Country you can live-out your childhood dream. AMAZING STOPS THAT TAKE THE CAKE CAKES AND MORE 804 N Broadway St # B, Poteau / 918.649.0451
ROLLING FORK TAKERY 5 Coho Rd / Broken Bow / 580.494.7655
MAIN STREET BAKERY 136 E Main St / Wilburton / 918.465.5333
HOCHATOWN SWAMP BOOGER MERCANTILE 8891 N US Hwy 259 / Broken Bow / 580.494.3150
NORTH SIDE ICE CREAM PARLOR 9123 N US Highway 259 / Broken Bow / 580.494.7301 TREATS & TREASURE OLD-FASHIONED SODA FOUNTAIN 314 Dallas St / Talihina / 918.567.2410 CAKED UP! 201 W Main St / Durant / 580.380.7777 PANADERIA VILLEGAS 510 S 9th Ave / Durant / 580.920.0915
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Time travel. Easier than you think.
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MUSEUMS One of the most overlooked features within tourism tends to be the rich history and inspiration available at the local museums. In fact, Choctaw Country is loaded with many historical destinations and sites that not only give visitors a greater appreciation for the legends and myths within, but make southeastern Oklahoma one of the most unique areas in the U.S. Simply visit choctawcountry.com, discover all of the museums in the areas you plan to visit and map out your next journey. MUSEUM OF THE RED RIVER | IDABEL How much admission would you pay to see a life-sized, 40-foot long skeletal representation of Acrocanthosaurus atokensis—one of the fiercest meat-eating dinosaurs ever to walk the earth? Couple that with an archaeological Study Area which showcases numerous authentic Caddo ceramics ranging as far back as the Mississippian phase (A.D. 700 – 1500) all the way up to modern day examples of native artwork – how much would you pay to see all that? Put away your wallets, as admission to the Museum of the Red River is always free. THREE VALLEY MUSEUM | DURANT Named after the book, Queen of the Three Valleys by Henry McCreary, the Three Valley Museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts from the history of Bryan County. Exhibits include a small town exhibit area depicting 20+ scenes and businesses from the early 1900s, area transportation history and a Native American Gallery which highlights Indian tribes located in southeast Oklahoma.
ATOKA CIVIL WAR CEMETERY AND MUSEUM | ATOKA Since 1979, this amazing museum has evolved from a simple, small, one-room museum of Civil War history to a full-sized museum featuring many artifacts related to Atoka County. Today, the site is operated by the Atoka County Historical Society and features several exhibits, artifacts and information, all which will keep you interested and intrigued for hours. In addition, the museum also functions as a Visitor Information Center. LE FLORE COUNTY MUSEUM | POTEAU Featuring 25+ rooms full of artifacts and two revolving exhibit rooms, The LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowrey also offers a new Veteran’s Room with artifacts from the Civil War all the way up to the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars. Additionally, you can study artifacts from the Spiro Mound Indians as well as runestones from areas such as Poteau, Shawnee and Warner.
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Wake up to the sound of sunshine. Beavers Bend State Park Broken Bow, OK
STATE PARKS While all of Choctaw Country is beautiful and has amazing things to offer, there are some special “gems” that were so special, we felt we had to preserve them as state parks. Here’s a list of the state parks in Choctaw Country where you can pitch a tent or bring an RV, take a hike, do some ATV or horseback riding or just sit back and enjoy the campfire on a cool, clear night. MCGEE CREEK ■ B iking, Horseback Riding, Boating, Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Watchable Wildlife, Waterskiing ■ Lodging: Cabins, Tent & RV CLAYTON LAKE ■ B oating, Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking, Fishing, Watchable Wildlife ■ Lodging: Cabin, Tents & RV BEAVERS BEND ■ Nature Center, Biking, Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Children’s Programs, Fishing, Golf Course On Site, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Tennis Court, Watchable Wildlife, Boating, Water Skiing ■ Lodging: Cabins, Tents, Lodges & RV LAKE WISTER ■ B oating, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Disk Golf, Waterskiing, Swimming, Canoeing/Rafting/Kayaking ■ Lodging: Cabin, Tents, Group & RV
ROBBERS CAVE ■ ATV, Biking, Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Disk Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Swimming ■ Lodging: Cabin, Tents, Group Camps, Lodges & RV ARROWHEAD AREA AT LAKE EUFAULA ■ B iking, Boating, Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Golf Course on Site, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Volleyball, Watchable Wildlife, Waterskiing ■ Lodging: Group, Tents & RV RAYMOND GARY ■ Canoeing/Rafting/Kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Boating ■ Lodging: Cabins, Tents & RV HUGO LAKE ■ Archery, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Waterskiing, Biking, Watchable Wildlife, Swimming ■ Lodging: Cabins, Tents, Hospitality House TALIMENA ■ ATV, Hiking, Watchable Wildlife ■ Lodging: Tents and RV
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AGRITOURISM There’s always something special to do in Choctaw Country, especially this time of year. So pack up the kids and kick-off the holidays searching for the perfect “Griswold” family Christmas tree! Check out these farms & ranches and bring home memories that will last a lifetime.
HONEYBEAR RANCH / BROKEN BOW
CREEKSIDE BERRY FARM / RED OAK
897 Redwood Rd., Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.306.6020 / honeybear-ranch.com
17881 SE 110th Rd., Red Oak, OK 74563 918.448.8387 / creeksideberryfarm.com
WILD THINGS FARM / POCOLA
360 FARMS / PORUM
700 Beaty, Pocola, OK 74902 918.626.4053 / wildthingsfarm.com
21838 S 115th St. E, Porum, OK 74455 918.464.2505 / 360okfarms.com.
REDBARN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM / KIOWA
LIL GLADYS FARM N’ PUMPKIN PATCH / STIGLER
Hwy 69, Kiowa, OK 918.548.3347
10084 N County Rd. 4312, Stigler, OK 405.694.8746 / lilgladysfarm.com
MAPLE CREEK BERRY FARM / POTEAU
ARROWHEAD STABLES / CANADIAN
33423 Pleasant Valley Rd., Poteau, OK 74853 918.658.9139 / oklahomablueberries.com
3995 Main Park Rd., Canadian, OK 74425 918.339.2204
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Feel the nip in the air. The joy in your heart.
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Exhilaration at every turn.
alimena Scenic Byway T Talihina, OK
FOLIAGE SIGHTSEEING “How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days!” – John Burrows If you’ve never treated yourself to a road trip just to see the incredible changing colors of fall – well, that’s an injustice you simply must correct. It fills us with an unparalleled pride that we have some of the most breathtaking colors and visions of autumn in the entire nation right here in Choctaw Country. These sites have been known throughout the Choctaw Tribe for generations as incredible places to witness the changing of the seasons. And it’s all just a short drive away. While you can find natural majesty all throughout Choctaw Country, below are some of our very favorite places to take in Mother Nature’s beauty. Broken Bow Area:
Talihina Area:
Upper Mountain Fork River (Smithville)
Talimena Scenic Byway
ountain Fork Park M Campgrounds eavers Bend Folk B Festival & Craft Show
Talimena State Park Talihina Fall Foliage Festival Robbers Cave State Park (Wilburton)
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CAMPING/LODGING There’s nothing quite like soaking in “the great outdoors”. But the preferred way to experience it varies greatly from person to person. This is an area Choctaw Country really excels. From primitive sites to RV and cabins, even “glamping,” we’ve got just what you’re looking for.
ARROWHEAD STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents ATOKA LAKE ■ Waterfront Site, Sewer Dump, Restroom/Bath, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents BOGGY DEPOT PARK ■ E lectric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents CEDAR LAKE NATIONAL ■ E lectric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath, Picnic Area ■ Lodging: RV, Tents
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CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents
MCGEE CREEK STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents
HEAVENER RUNESTONE PARK ■ Restroom/Bath, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: Tents
OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST ■ Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath, Swim Beach, Picnic Area ■ Lodging: RV, Tents
HUGO LAKE STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: Tents LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents LAKE WISTER STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents
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RAYMOND GARY STATE PARK ■ Waterfront Site, Electric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/ Bath, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK ■ E lectric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath, Grocery/Tackle, Swim Beach, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents TALIMENA STATE PARK ■ E lectric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath, Picnic Area, Pets Allowed ■ Lodging: RV, Tents TALKING TREES CAMPGROUND ■ E lectric, Sewer Dump, Water, Restroom/Bath ■ Lodging: RV
Blow the morning chill away.
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HIKING TRAILS Whether you prefer a short walk or a multimile-long rugged hike, the trails of Choctaw Country offer breathtaking views for everyone. Here are some of the best trails to step back into nature and recharge your mind, soul and spirit. BILLY CREEK WEST TRAIL / HEAVENER Length: 8 miles Elevation: 880 to 1,700 feet Difficultly: Hard Type: Loop BEECH CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM / HODGEN Length: 2.5 miles to “Cascades” Various loops totaling 32.5 miles Elevation: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Type: Multiple Loops BOARDSTAND TRAIL / TALIHINA Length: 7.5 miles Loop totaling 23.1 Miles Elevation: 600 to 1,400 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Out & Back / Loop CEDAR LAKE (CL) AND OLD PINE TRAILS (OP) / HODGEN Length: CL 2.9 miles OP 0.4 mile Elevation: 700 feet Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop
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DAVID BOREN HIKING TRAIL / BROKEN BOW Length: 11.5 miles Difficulty: Easy to Hard Type: Out & Back MCGEE CREEK RECREATION AREA / ATOKA Length: 30 Miles Elevation: 1,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Multiple Loops ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK / WILBURTON Length: 1 mile Mountain Trail 6.7 Miles Difficulty: Hard Type: Loops / Mountain Trail Out & Back OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL / TALIHINA Length: 192 miles (57 miles in OK) Elevation: 600 to 2,600 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Type: Point-to-Point
obbers Cave State Park R Wilburton, OK
Explore the echoes of days gone by.
Cast to the rhythm and sounds of the river. ountain Fork River M Broken Bow, OK Visit ChoctawCountry.com
FISHING If you’ve got fishing on the brain, Broken Bow is recognized as one of the premier locations known throughout the U.S. It’s a haven for housing some of the largest variety of freshwater fish and provides ideal conditions for the cooler seasons of the year. Largemouth, smallmouth, white and spotted bass are a signature catch for the area, along with a broad range of trout and walleyes. So, if you’re into adventure – and the colder climate – come drop a line in any one of these sweet honey holes. GLOVER RIVER
MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER
With a thriving, genetically pure population of Ouachita-strain smallmouth, you’re likely to pull out a few 1-to-3 pounders or even larger. Don’t be surprised if you land the occasional spotted or largemouth bass, as well.
While the Upper Mountain Fork River is great for bringing in smallmouth, spotted and even largemouth bass, you just might hook into the occasional white bass or walleye. And if you cast-out near the Broken Bow dam, you could even be having fresh trout for dinner. Ranging from calm pools to deep areas and aggressive rapids, Mountain Fork River provides a wide variety of different fishing opportunities and species with every cast.
BROKEN BOW LAKE Cast your line into deeper waters at long points extending out into the river, and you’ve got a fairly strong chance of pulling out a largemouth bass upwards of 14 lbs. Broken Bow Lake also harbors both smallmouth and spotted bass to keep the anglers guessing. Don’t forget to take a moment after each cast to soak in the untouched serenity of this gorgeous place.
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HUNTING After sitting in the deer stand for hours in the quiet stillness of the early morning dew, the crackling of leaves in the distance alerts the hairs on the back of your neck. Carefully, you take aim, getting the sights perfectly aligned with the animal. You breathe in the crisp air and – as you exhale – you squeeze the trigger. Congratulations, the trophy is yours. This is the thrill of a lifetime for a hunter, and Choctaw Country offers our hunting visitors some of the best areas anywhere for seasonal hunting: from turkey to wild hog and boar to game bird and, of course, whitetail deer. Come and see for yourself and come home with the prize of a lifetime. CHOCTAW HUNTING LODGE / DAISY
POGUE RANCH / STRINGTOWN
If you’ve not yet seen Choctaw Hunting Lodge for yourself, it’s an absolute must. The Lodge is surrounded by 44,000 sprawling acres of gorgeous, largely untouched Native American soil. Hunt some of the largest whitetail deer on the same grounds Indian braves have hunted for centuries.
Nestled on over 2,000 acres of breathtaking hunting terrain, hunt exotics like Axis, Fallow Buck, Gemsbok, and Skimitar Oryx, or traditional game – any time of the year. The Ranch offers over 9,600 square feet of 5-star accommodations for up to 60 guests. You can’t go wrong with this weekend getaway. WILD BOAR RIDGE HUNTING RANCH / SMITHVILLE Wild Boar Ridge offers many hunting options – Fallow Deer, Rams, Feral Goats, and Buffalo to name a few – but their main attraction is their wild boars of incredible sizes – weighing up to 400 pounds! Imagine bringing that trophy home! BIG PRAIRIE BUCKS / ATOKA Besides offering some of the best hunting in southeast Oklahoma, Big Prairie Bucks is over 5,000 acres of some of the most beautiful undisturbed country you will ever see. An abundance of wildlife makes for a fun, adventurous weekend in the woods. Guided hunts available for whitetail deer and wild hog using bow, muzzle or gun.
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The moment. The adrenaline. The rush.
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Another adventure, just around the bend.
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MOTORCYCLE TOURING Open up your engine as you cruise the winding turns and straights across Choctaw Country. Feel the crisp air as you experience the changing of the season for a ride like no other. Touring the great outdoors solo or with friends and loved ones never felt so good!. TALIMENA SCENIC DRIVE
TVSHKA HOMMA
Thousands of motorcycles take this mountain top pass year round to enjoy all the fresh air and beautiful vistas. It’s sure to be one of the best rides of your life.
With a beautiful view of Lake Sardis and Nanih Waiyah, partnered with the rolling hills in the background, the ride to Tvshka Homma is one for the books. While you’re there, check out the historic Capitol building and the Museum inside.
MCALESTER This ride is for a rider that likes old-school settings. Visit the historic downtown area while you’re there, eat some good food, and take some cool pictures with the old-school gas stations. SPIRO If you’re looking for a little longer ride, beautiful Spiro in nature-filled LeFlore County is the place to go. Enjoy some good food and don’t forget to check out the Spiro Mounds archaeological site while you’re there. It’s the only pre-historic Native American archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma!
POTEAU This is an amazing ride with a beautiful ending. When you get to Poteau, be sure to drive to the top of the world’s highest hill, reaching a peak of 1,999 feet…just one foot shy of a mountain! Be sure to bring your camera for the perfect selfie! WILBURTON If you’re looking for a long ride and want a weekend getaway, call and book your trip today at the famous Robber’s Cave State Park. With all the curves and turns, you’ll have a blast both getting there…and being there!
BROKEN BOW Any drive you take through Broken Bow is going to be one of the most beautiful rides you’ll experience in Choctaw Country. With all the beautiful scenery and rolling hills as far as the eyes can see, it won’t take you long to figure out why. Once you get there, renting a cabin to enjoy the breathtaking scenery may not be a bad idea.
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SPA DAY Satiate. Exfoliate. Luxuriate. The traffic. The frustration. The work. The struggle. The stress! Sometimes, life is a challenge, to say the least. But thankfully, there are plenty of places in Choctaw Country where you can relax, unwind, take a breath and just de-stress—rather than distress. Here are a few spas where you can make the world go away and take a “mental health day.” BROKEN BOW Body Harmony Spa Flawless Wellness Spa Velvet Dragon Katie’s Nail & Spa POTEAU Gossip Girl Salon & Spa Creative Nail & Spa Posh Nail & Spa MCALESTER The Skin Company Medical Spa Health Massage Family Massage & Day Spa Star Nails & Spa DURANT Spa at Choctaw Journey Well Spa Orchid Nails & Spa HUGO Golden Nails & Spa Angel Nails & Spa
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SOCIAL MEDIA It’s great fun to be able to share your photos and experiences in Choctaw Country on social media with friends and family. But did you know you can also share them with others who are also considering visiting Choctaw Country themselves? Just tag your pictures and selfies with the hashtag #HurryUpAndSlowDown, along with the location. Tag #ChoctawCountry, too, to get even more views! While you’re browsing social media, stop in and check out the hashtag pages to see some of the incredible posts and photos made by other visitors in their visits to Choctaw Country.
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No inside voices allowed.
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CASINOS With your favorite games in the newest titles, top entertainment acts, delicious dining and outstanding service, you’re sure to have an amazing experience at the Choctaw Casino destination of your choice. For a little fun-on-the-go or a break from your travels, visit one of the Casino Too locations found in the Choctaw Travel Plazas across southeast Oklahoma. CASINOS & RESORTS:
CASINO TOOS:
Durant 4216 S Hwy 69/75 888.652.4628
Antlers 1319 W Main St 580.298.4735
Hugo 1908 W Jackson 580.317.9102
Pocola 3400 Choctaw Rd 800.590.5825
Atoka 1390 S Mississippi 580.364.0313
Idabel 2449 E Washington St 580.286.2596
Grant 1516 U.S. 271 580.326.8397
Broken Bow 1800 S. Park Dr 580.584.5528
McAlester 1640 S George Nigh Expy 918.426.6390
CASINOS:
Durant East 4015 Choctaw Rd 580.920.2186
Pocola 3402 A Service Rd 918.436.2425
Durant West 4169 Choctaw Rd 580.924.7210
Poteau 4105 N Broadway 918.947.3392
Garvin 10545 State Hwy 37 580.746.2212
Stringtown 897 N Hwy 69 580.346.7478
Grant 1516 US Hwy 271 S 580.326.7595
Wilburton 902 W Main St 918.465.0469
McAlester 1638 S George Nigh Expy 877.904.8444 Broken Bow 790 S Park Dr 580.584.5450 Idabel 425 SE Washington St 800.634.2582 Stringtown 893 N Hwy 69 580.346.7862 Stigler 1801 E Main St. 918.967.8364
Heavener 505 N. Hwy 59 918.653.3106
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TRAVEL PLAZAS Your car can’t run on an empty tank and neither can you! But when you pull up to a Choctaw Travel Plaza, it doesn’t matter which tank is empty. We offer fuel for your car, a tasty selection of food and drinks to fuel you, and we have plenty of ways to fuel a little fun inside at Choctaw Casino Too. While traveling through southeast Oklahoma, make sure to stop by and visit a Choctaw Travel Plaza.
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Antlers 1319 W Main St 580.298.4735
Grant 1516 US Hwy 271 S 580.326.7595
Poteau 4105 N Broadway 918.947.3392
Atoka 1390 S Mississippi 580.364.0313
Heavener 505 N Hwy 59 918.653.3106
Stigler 1801 E Main, Suite A 918.967.9288
Broken Bow 1800 S Park Dr 580.584.5528
Hugo 1908 W Jackson 580.317.9102
Stringtown 897 N Hwy 69 580.346.7478
Durant East 4015 Choctaw Rd 580.920.2186
Idabel 2449 E Washington St 580.286.2596
Talihina 13900 SE Hwy 63 918.567.4360
Durant West 4169 Choctaw Rd 580.924.7210
McAlester 1640 S George Nigh Expy 918.426.6390
Wilburton 902 W Main St 918.465.0469
Garvin 10545 State Hwy 37 580.746.2212
Pocola 3402 A Service Rd 918.436.2425
Take your fun and refreshment on the road.
Visit ChoctawCountry.com
STARGAZING Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Listen – Mother Nature is calling your name. She’s saying, “Enough with the streetlights of the city! Come to Choctaw Country and see MY streetlights.” So, pack up your favorite blanket, lay back with friends and family and just soak-in the night sky as it shimmers brilliantly with billions of flickering stars. Strike up a campfire and make s’mores under constellations like the Big Dipper and maybe even get lucky enough to see the entire heavenly body of Orion. A few of the places in Choctaw Country we’ve found spectacular views of the stars: BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK Broken Bow LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK Durant MCGEE CREEK Atoka OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST Hodgen ROBBER’S CAVE Wilburton RUNESTONE PARK Heavener
Andromeda
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Aquarius Aquila
Eridanus Gemini
Ara
Hydra
Argo
Leo
Aries
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Auriga
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Bootes
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Canis Major
Capricornus Cassiopeia Centaurus Cepheus
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Cetus
Lepus
Ophiuchus Orion Pegasus Perseus Pisces
Scorpius
Cygnus Delphinus Draco Equuleaus
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Sagitta
Corona Borealis
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March
February
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Piscis Austrinus
Sagittarius
Crater
January
Lyra
Corona Australis
Corvus
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Libra
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Lupus
Cancer
Canis Minor
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Hercules
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November
October
March
February
January
December
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October
STARGAZING CHART
Serpens Taurus
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Triangulum Ursa Minor Ursa Major Virgo
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INFORMATION LISTING A TO Z RANCH 64599 Ashby Road Smithville, OK 74957 580.244.3729 atozguestranch.com ABENDIGO’S 259 Stevens Gap Rd Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.7222 abendigos.com ANGIE’S CIRCUS DINER 1312 E Jackson St Hugo, OK 74743 580.326.2027 angiescircuscitydiner.com
Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, an exciting look into the past or a peaceful getaway, Choctaw Country in southeast Oklahoma is waiting for you! Plan your trip to explore the variety of things we have to offer –casinos, wineries, history, state parks, scenic drives and so much more!
ANTLERS RV PARK 220 NW J St Antlers, OK 74523 580.298.9008 antlersrvparkok.com ARROWHEAD STATE PARK, EUFALA, OK 3995 Main Park Rd Canadian, OK 74425 918.339.2204 ATOKA COUNTY MUSEUM & CONFEDERATE CEMETERY 250 US-69 Atoka, OK 74525 580.889.7192 okhistory.org AUNT JAN’S COZY CABIN 24662 Nubbin Ridge Spiro, OK 74959 918.962.2380
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BEAVERS BEND BREWERY 46 Coho Rd Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.3455 beaversbendbrewery.com BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK 4350 S Hwy 259A Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6538 BELLE STARR VIEW LODGE Hwy 2 N | Robbers Cave State Park Wilburton, OK 74578 918.465.2562 BIG CEDAR RV PARKS & CABINS 21823 OK-63 Hodgen, OK 74939 918.525.2637 bigcedarrvpark.com BIG KIAMICHI RANCH 4464 E 1970 Rd Antlers, OK 74523 281.703.5849 BIG PRAIRIE BUCKS 195 N Carr Pen Rd Atoka, OK 800.654.1212 bigprairiebucks.com BLUE RIVER VALLEY WINERY 3565 Sawmill Rd Caddo, OK 74729 580.775.4213 bluerivervalleywinery.com THE BLUE ROOSTER RESTAURANT 10235 N US-259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6361 blueroosterok.com
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BOGGY DEPOT 475 Park Dr Atoka, OK 74525 580.889.5625 BRIAR PATCH WINERY 32574 S Hwy 2 Porum, OK 74455 918.471.9292 BUFFALO CREEK GUEST RANCH Talihina, OK 74571 918.684.8642 buffalocreekguestranch.com BURRIS VALLEY RANCH D194 S Rd Clayton, OK 74536 918.398.8188 burrisvalleyranch.com CHAHTA GRILL 13900 SE Hwy 63 Talihina, OK 74571 918.567.4223 CHOCTAW HUNTING LODGE 4932 Pine Top Rd Blanco, OK 74528 580.775.4213 choctawhuntinglodge.com CHOCTAW NATION CAPITOL MUSEUM Council House Rd Tuskahoma, OK 74574 918.569.4465 CHOCTAW RV PARK 3650 Enterprise Blvd Durant, OK 74701 800.562.6073 choctawcasinos.com
CIELITO LINDO 102 Wilson St Valliant, OK 74764 580.933.7572 CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK 170591 US Hwy 271 Clayton, OK 74536 575.374.8808 COAL COUNTY HISTORICAL & MINING MUSEUM 118 S Broadway St Coalgate, OK 74538 580.927.2360 minersmuseum.blogspot.com THE COFFEE CUP 401 N Broadway St Poteau, OK 74953 918.647.2622 poteaucoffeecup.com E’S HIDEAWAY RESTAURANT 1518 OK-9 Stigler, OK 74462 918.967.9000 EL ADOBE MEXICAN RESTAURANT 406 S Mississippi Ave Atoka, OK 74525 580.889.5296 eladobemexicangrill.com FISHTALES WINERY & VINEYARD 17 Oak Leaf Ln Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6115 fishtaleswine.com FOREST HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM N US Highway 259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6497 forestry.ok.gov/fhc
FORT TOWSON & DOAKSVILLE 896 N 4375 Rd Fort Towson, OK 74735 580.873.2634 okhistory.org FORT WASHITA 3348 OK-199 Durant, OK 74701 580.924.6502 okhistory.org FRISCO TRAIN DEPOT 307 N B St Hugo, OK 74743 580.326.6630 friscodepot.org GIRLS GONE WINE 10216 US-259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.306.9463 thegirlsgonewine.com GRATEFUL HEAD PIZZA OVEN 10251 US-259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6030 gratefulheadpizza.com HAPPY DAYS HOTEL 1400 S George Nigh Expy McAlester, OK 74501 918.429.0910 eatstaynplay.com HEAVENER RUNESTONE PARK 18365 Runestone Rd Heavener, OK 74937 918.653.2241 heavener-runestone.com
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HIGH STREET PIZZA 226 N High St Antlers, OK 74523 580.298.5511 highstreetpizza.com HOCHATOWN JUNCTION RESORT 75 Oak Leaf Ln Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6521 beaversbendcabins.com HOCHATOWN OUTFITTERS 549 N 259-A Broken Bow, OK 74728 405.673.2887 hochatownoutfitters.com HOCHATOWN RV PARK 81 Pine Cone Ln Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.6765 hochatownrvpark.com HOOTIE CREEK HOUSE B&B 202 1st St Talihina, OK 74571 918.567.5388 hootiecreekhouse.com HORSE HEAVEN RANCH 1 Horse Heaven Ln Talihina, OK 74571 918.567.4200 horseheavenranchresort.com HUGO LAKE STATE PARK Highway 70 Sawyer, OK 74756 580.326.0303
INDIAN TERRITORY MUSEUM 108 Buffalo St Caddo, OK 74729 580.367.2787 ISLE OF CAPRI 150 SW 7th St Krebs, OK 74554 918.423.3062 isleofcapriofkrebs.net JAKE’S BRICKHOUSE GRILL 14 SW Main St Idabel, OK 74745 580.286.5000 jakesbrickhousegrill.com K RIVER CAMPGROUND HC 66 Box 42 Moyers, OK 74557 580.298.2242 kriver.com KREBS HERITAGE MUSEUM 85 S Main St McAlester, OK 74501 918.426.0377 krebsmuseum.com LA MAGIA DEL TRIGO 106 W 1st St Heavener, OK 74937 918.653.3570 LAGO VISTA B&B 489 Bowfin Ln Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.7378 lagovistabedandbreakfast.com LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK 111563 OK-150 Checotah, OK 74426 918.689.5311
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LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK 11500 Park Office Rd Kingston, OK 73439 580.564.2566
THE MOON TOWER BAR AND GRILL 83 N Lukfata Trail Rd Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.2378
LAKE WISTER STATE PARK 25679 US-270 Wister, OK 74966 918.655.7886
MOUNTAINSIDE CAMPGROUND & RV PARK 28494 Indian Rt 144 Smithville, OK 74957 580.244.3790 mountainsidecamp.com
LeFLORE COUNTY MUSEUM 303 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953 918.647.9330 leflorecountymuseum.org LINCOLN ROAD RV & EQUES PARK 710 NE Lincoln Rd Idabel, OK 74745 214.534.6612 MAIN STREET BARBECUE 42 W Main St Durant, OK 74701 580.745.9120 mainstreetbbq.org MARIA’S MEXICAN 600 S Broadway St Poteau, OK 74953 918.649.0811 McGEE CREEK STATE PARK 576 S McGee Creek Lake Rd Atoka, OK 74525 580.889.5822 MILLER LAKE RETREAT HC66 Box 188 Moyers, OK 74557 580.298.5483 millerlakeretreat.com
MUSEUM OF CREATION TRUTH 3290 State Rd 22 Bokchito, OK 74726 580.924.0803 MUSEUM OF THE RED RIVER 812 E Lincoln Rd Idabel, OK 74745 580.286.3616 museumoftheredriver.org NTR OFFROAD 36705 US-70 Bennington, OK 74723 855.204.3680 ntroffroad.com OLD CHOATE HOUSE MUSEUM 403 Walnut St Indianola, OK 74442 918.823.4421 PAM’S HATEFUL HUSSY DINER 304 Dallas St Talihina, OK 74571 918.567.2051 PETE’S PLACE RESTAURANT 120 SW 8th St Krebs, OK 74554 918.423.2042 petes.org
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PINE MOUNTAIN ATV PARK Webb Trail Rattan, OK 74562 580.587.2758
SALT CREEK LODGE 2702 N Central Ave Idabel, OK 74745 580.212.8980
POGUE RANCH 1590 E Greasy Bend Rd Stringtown, OK 903.229.8954 pogueranch.com
SAWYER RV CAMPGROUND 3289 E 2040 Rd Sawyer, OK 74756 580.326.0830 sawyerrvcampground.com
RAYMOND GARY STATE PARK 1119 OK-209 Fort Towson, OK 74735 580.873.2307
SCOTTISH RITE TEMPLE 305 N 2nd St McAlester, OK 74501 918.423.6360 mcalesterscottishrite.org
REBEL HILL GUEST RANCH HC 83 Box 848 Antlers, OK 74523 580.271.0061 rebelhillguestranch.com RED RIVER ATV PARK 477 OK-78 Hendrix, OK 74741 903.583.2288 redriveratv.com
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SECLUDED ACRES 9123 US-259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.7301 beaversbendsecludedacres.com SHADY OAKS RV PARK 1083 N 4290 Rd Sawyer, OK 74756 580.326.9680 shadyoakspark.com
THE ROCK HOUSE 52060 Blackjack Ridge Dr Talihina, OK 74571 918.567.3577 therockhouse.us
SOUTHERN BELLE RESTAURANT 821 US-259 Heavener, OK 74937 918.653.4458
ROSEANNA’S ITALIAN FOOD 205 E Washington Ave Krebs, OK 74554 918.423.2055 roseannas.com
SPIRO MOUNDS 18154 N 1st St Spiro, OK 74959. 918.962.2062 okhistory.org
ROBBERS CAVE STATE PARK 4575 NW 1024th Ave Wilburton, OK 74578 918.465.2565
TALIMENA STATE PARK 50884 US-271 Talihina, OK 7457 918.567.2052
TALOKA VALLEY CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER 20250 E CR 1205 Stigler, OK 74462 918.967.4078 talokavalleychc.com TANNEHILL MUSEUM 500 W Stonewall Ave McAlester, OK 74501 918.423.5953 tannehillmuseum.com TEXOMA MUD PARK 60 Reynolds Chapel Rd Bokchito, OK 74726 580.775.4926 texomamudpark.com THREE VALLEY MUSEUM 401 W Main St Durant, OK 74701 580.920.1907 threevalleymuseum.com VOJAI’S WINERY 9983 N US-259 Broken Bow, OK 74728 580.494.7687 vojaiswinery.com WAREHOUSE WILLY’S 300 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953 918.649.3400
WHEELOCK ACADEMY 1377 Wheelock Rd, Unit C Garvin, OK 74736 580.746.2199 WHISPERING MEADOWS VINEYARDS 34 E Choctaw Ave McAlester, OK 74501 918.423.9463 whisperingmeadowswine.com WHISTLE STOP BISTRO 2700 N Main St McAlester, OK 74501 918.423.8620 WILD BOAR RIDGE HUNTING RANCH 276 Stoneroller Ln Smithville, OK 74957 580.244.7418 wildboarridge.com WILDLIFE HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM 610 SW D St Antlers, OK 74523 580.298.9933 WOOD GUEST RANCH 245 E County Road 2020 Boswell, OK 74727 580.566.1300 WRIGHT’S DRIVE-IN 319 S 9th Ave Durant, OK 74701 580.924.4793
WHEELER’S RESTAURANT 504 Garfield Ave Kiowa, OK 74553 918.432.6035
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THE CATMASTERS TOURNAMENT, BOATSHOW & EXPO
Brought to you by Choctaw Country
Come and join the CatMasters Lake Texoma Boat Show & Catfishing Expo on January 22nd through January 23rd. The event takes place at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma. The CatMasters show includes a catch & release Catfishing Tournament. First place winner is guaranteed $40,000. There are no age limits for this tournament. Oklahoma participants will also be able to purchase a Texas fishing license for the event. For more info & tournament rules, please visit thecatmasters.com/texoma-rules.
www.thecatmasters.com