Fanshawe OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fanshawe, Oklahoma.
1. Lake Wister State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Wister State Park offers visitors beautiful lakeside recreation opportunities near Fanshawe. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and hiking trails throughout the expansive park. The park is particularly popular during summer months when families gather for water activities and outdoor adventures.
2. Talimena State Park
BREATHTAKING SCENIC DRIVE
Talimena State Park is home to the famous Talimena Scenic Drive, one of Oklahoma's most beautiful roadways. The park offers spectacular views of the Ouachita Mountains with vibrant foliage colors in autumn that attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy numerous lookout points, hiking trails, and camping facilities throughout the park.
3. Cavanal Hill
WORLD'S TALLEST HILL
Cavanal Hill, often called the 'World's Tallest Hill,' rises 1,999 feet above sea level just outside Poteau. Visitors can drive to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy hiking and picnicking opportunities. The annual Cavanal Hill Killer 5K race challenges runners with its steep terrain and attracts participants from across the region.
4. Wolf Mountain Golf Course
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN GOLF
Wolf Mountain Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging course set against the beautiful backdrop of eastern Oklahoma's mountains. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways that wind through natural terrain with elevation changes. Golfers particularly enjoy the reasonable rates and friendly atmosphere at this hidden gem near Fanshawe.
5. LeFlore County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
LeFlore County Museum showcases the rich history of the region through engaging exhibits and preserved artifacts. Housed in the historic Hotel Lowrey building, the museum features collections highlighting Native American heritage, pioneer life, and industrial development in eastern Oklahoma. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibits that bring the area's past to life through photographs, tools, and personal items from early settlers.
6. Heavener Runestone Park
ANCIENT VIKING MYSTERY
Heavener Runestone Park features a mysterious stone with runic inscriptions that some believe were left by Viking explorers. The park encompasses 55 acres of beautiful woodland with hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about the runestone's possible origins. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while contemplating the historical puzzle that has attracted attention from researchers and tourists for decades.
7. Robbers Cave State Park
HISTORIC OUTLAW HIDEOUT
Robbers Cave State Park was once a hideout for notorious outlaws like Jesse James and Belle Starr. The park features caves, rugged cliffs, and trails spread across more than 8,000 acres of scenic woodland in the Sans Bois Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rappelling, fishing, and horseback riding while exploring the same terrain that sheltered fugitives in the late 1800s.
8. Kerr Mansion and Museum
OKLAHOMA SENATOR'S ESTATE
The Kerr Mansion and Museum preserves the impressive home of former Oklahoma Governor and U.S. Senator Robert S. Kerr. The 40-room mansion showcases the original furnishings and personal items of this influential political figure who was once called 'The Uncrowned King of the Senate.' Visitors can tour the beautiful grounds and learn about Kerr's impact on Oklahoma's development and water conservation efforts.
9. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center preserves one of the most important ancient Native American sites in the United States. The ceremonial center was active from 850 to 1450 CE and was part of the Mississippian culture that influenced much of the southeastern United States. Visitors can explore the interpretive center with artifacts and exhibits before walking the trails past the actual mound structures that once supported temples and elite residences.
10. Wister Wildlife Management Area
PREMIER WILDLIFE WATCHING
Wister Wildlife Management Area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hunting across more than 40,000 acres. The diverse habitat includes wetlands, forests, and open fields that support a wide variety of game and non-game species. Visitors can spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and numerous bird species throughout the different seasons.
11. Poteau Balloon Festival
COLORFUL AERIAL CELEBRATION
The Poteau Balloon Festival fills the skies with colorful hot air balloons each October near the Fanshawe area. The festival features balloon glows, competitive flights, tethered rides, and a variety of food vendors and craft booths. Families enjoy the carnival atmosphere with live entertainment and the spectacular sight of dozens of balloons floating over the scenic LeFlore County landscape.
12. Broken Bow Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR MOUNTAIN WATERS
Broken Bow Lake offers crystal-clear waters surrounded by the forested hillsides of the Ouachita Mountains not far from Fanshawe. The 14,000-acre lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and trout in the cold tailwaters below the dam. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and other watercraft to explore the lake's many coves and inlets.
13. The Rock House Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Rock House Restaurant serves hearty American cuisine in a historic stone building near the Talimena Scenic Drive. Diners enjoy homestyle cooking featuring steaks, burgers, and traditional Southern favorites in a rustic atmosphere. The restaurant is a popular stop for tourists exploring the scenic byway and locals celebrating special occasions.
14. Warehouse Willy's
LOCAL FLAVOR DESTINATION
Warehouse Willy's offers a unique dining experience in a converted historic warehouse in downtown Poteau. The restaurant specializes in steaks, seafood, and regional favorites with a focus on quality ingredients and generous portions. Visitors appreciate the casual atmosphere, friendly service, and the restaurant's reputation as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
15. The District
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The District serves as a central shopping and entertainment destination in the Poteau area near Fanshawe. Visitors can browse through locally owned shops offering everything from handcrafted items to antiques and specialty goods. The area regularly hosts community events, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations that showcase local culture and products.