McCurtain OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McCurtain, Oklahoma.
1. Beavers Bend State Park
NATURE'S OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND
Beavers Bend State Park offers visitors a stunning natural retreat with diverse outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. The park features beautiful landscapes surrounding Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. Visitors can enjoy cabin rentals, camping options, and various recreational facilities throughout the year.
2. Broken Bow Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Broken Bow Lake is a pristine mountain lake offering 180 miles of shoreline for water recreation enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports of all kinds. The lake is surrounded by scenic pine forests that create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures.
3. Forest Heritage Center Museum
FORESTRY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Forest Heritage Center Museum houses 14 dioramas painted by Harry Rossoll, the artist who created Smokey Bear, teaching visitors about the important role forestry plays. Located in Beavers Bend State Park, the museum displays historical documents, antique forestry tools, wood art, and homestead memorabilia. Admission is free, making it an accessible educational experience for all visitors.
4. Museum of the Red River
ANCIENT ARTIFACTS COLLECTION
The Museum of the Red River showcases artifacts dating back to prehistoric times, highlighting the world's artistic heritage and Native American contributions. This impressive museum features collections spanning natural history, science, art, and culture. Visitors can explore the exhibits free of charge, making it an accessible cultural destination in McCurtain County.
5. Girls Gone Wine
FUN WINERY EXPERIENCE
Girls Gone Wine offers a unique wine tasting experience in a fun, relaxed atmosphere near Broken Bow. Visitors can sample locally produced wines, shop for wine-related gifts, and enjoy the casual vineyard setting. The winery has become a popular stop for tourists looking to unwind after outdoor activities in the area.
6. Fish Tales Winery & Bistro
WINE AND DINING
Fish Tales Winery & Bistro combines wine tasting with excellent dining in a charming setting. Guests can sample locally produced wines paired with delicious menu offerings. The establishment provides a relaxing atmosphere for visitors looking to enhance their McCurtain County experience with fine food and drink.
7. Hochatown Petting Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Hochatown Petting Zoo offers families an interactive experience with friendly farm animals in a welcoming environment. Children and adults alike can feed and pet a variety of gentle animals in this hands-on attraction. The zoo provides a perfect break from outdoor adventures and creates memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
8. Barnes-Stevenson House
HISTORIC JUDICIAL RESIDENCE
The Barnes-Stevenson House was the first county judge's home, constructed between 1911 and 1912, offering a glimpse into early 20th century life. The historic residence represents an important piece of McCurtain County's judicial history and architectural heritage. Tours of this significant landmark are available by appointment, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about local history.
9. Alikchi Court Grounds
CHOCTAW NATION LANDMARK
The Alikchi Court Grounds marks the historical site where justice was delivered in the Apukshunnubbe District of the Choctaw Nation during the 19th century. Located about 20 miles west of Broken Bow on State Highway 3, this landmark preserves an important chapter in Native American judicial history. The site offers visitors insight into the governance systems established by the Choctaw people after their forced relocation.
10. McCurtain County Veterans' Memorial Museum
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
The McCurtain County Veterans' Memorial Museum showcases the stories of local veterans through pictures and numerous artifacts spread across a 4,000-square-foot facility. Operated by the local American Legion and running solely on donations, the museum opened its doors in 2005 following the overwhelming response to the Vietnam Moving Wall's visit. The museum also features four acres of outdoor monuments commemorating major conflicts from WWI through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
11. Eagletown Choctaw Settlement
TRAIL OF TEARS MEMORIAL
The Eagletown Choctaw Settlement marker commemorates the first settlement for Choctaws arriving from Mississippi on the Trail of Tears in the 1800s. This historical landmark provides a sobering reminder of the forced relocation that Native American tribes endured. Visitors can learn about this significant chapter in American history and gain appreciation for the resilience of the Choctaw people.
12. Beavers Bend State Park Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The Beavers Bend State Park Nature Center offers educational exhibits about local flora and fauna in a family-friendly environment. Visitors can participate in guided nature walks, wildlife presentations, and interactive learning experiences. The center serves as an informative starting point for exploring the rich natural diversity of McCurtain County.
13. Mountain Fork River
PREMIER TROUT FISHING DESTINATION
The Mountain Fork River flows through McCurtain County, offering year-round trout fishing and exciting whitewater rafting opportunities. The lower portion of the river is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making it a premier fishing destination in the region. Scenic views and cool waters provide a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts visiting southeastern Oklahoma.
14. Chitto Harjo Grave Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Chitto Harjo Grave Site preserves the final resting place of an important Native American historical figure in McCurtain County. Visitors can pay respects and learn about the cultural significance of this site to local indigenous history. The grave site offers a quiet place for reflection on the complex historical relationships between Native American tribes and the United States government.
15. Clear Creek
PEACEFUL NATURAL RETREAT
Clear Creek provides a serene natural setting for hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful contemplation in McCurtain County. The pristine waters and surrounding forests create a habitat for diverse plant and animal species. Visitors can escape the busier tourist attractions and experience the unspoiled beauty of southeastern Oklahoma's landscape.