by Melissa Fox
Oklahoma is home to more headquarters of Native tribes than any other state. Whether wind-swept plains or the lore of old oil ghost towns come to mind when thinking about the Sooner state, Oklahoma is diverse in both its landscape and culture. The longest border between two states in the U.S. is the Red River border which seperates the great states of Oklahoma and Texas.
As the river flows east and towards the junction of Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas in the southeast corner, you will find the third-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, the Choctaw Nation.
While the Choctaw Nation’s headquarters are located in Durant, Oklahoma they have been making headlines in McCurtain County this year with the groundbreaking of their newest entertainment and resort development in Hochatown, Oklahoma. The area is already a rapidly growing vacation destination with outdoor enthusiast draws like Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park. Now with the construction of yet another attraction in and around Hochatown, the area undoubtably has something for everyone.
The Choctaw Nation broke ground on what they’ve named, Choctaw Landing, over the summer. It will be the ninth of its kind in the state for the Choctaw, joining the other Oklahoma Choctaw Nation casino resorts in cities such as Durant, Pocola and Grant. Choctaw Landing is being built on the site of the historical Choctaw Village and since so many Choctaw still live in the area, it makes the perfect location for the facility. The name is invoked to remind guests that the resort is meant to feel like home. The design of the mercantile and the resort will reflect the tribe’s culture and the property will include their tribe’s history and a world-class display of art created by tribal members. Choctaw Landing was designed to be part of the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with a goal to keep as many of the native trees and plants intact as possible. The construction plans call for the area to overlook the scenic grounds. The four-story, 200,000 square-foot entertainment destination will feature 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, eight table games, several restaurants and bars, a pool, an outdoor venue with an amphitheater, beer garden and a family-friendly game zone. In addition to the new resort, a 12,000 square-foot mercantile will adjoin Choctaw Landing offering a small grocery store/market, three dining options and a fuel station with 24 pumps. It is expected to be open in late 2023.
“We are excited to get started on bringing to life what promises to be an amazing entertainment destination for Oklahomans and our friends and neighbors in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana,” said Janie Dillard, Senior Executive Officer for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “In addition to the gaming, hotel and entertainment amenities, we plan to offer our guests an opportunity to learn more about our history, our culture and what it means to be Choctaw.”
It will be a special spot for visitors to touch base and recharge for their next adventure. Choctaw Landing will serve as an overlook into the natural beauty of the surrounding area and as a guide into the history of the Choctaw people. The Nation is investing $165 million on the project which will, in turn, create more than 2,000 new jobs with an expected economic impact of more than
$211 million.
“This development will be an economic driver not only for southeastern Oklahoma but the entire state,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton back in January. “We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to providing more opportunities and financial success for our tribal members, our state, and all Oklahomans.” Manhattan Construction Company and JCJ Architecture are the lead partners for Choctaw Landing and have a successful track record working with the Choctaw Nation on large hospitality and gaming projects. Both have previously assisted the Choctaw Nation on multiple projects, including the Choctaw Cultural Center and Choctaw Wellness Center. Furthermore, the firms also worked on recent expansion and property improvements on the Choctaw Resort in Durant. The Choctaw Nation also stated they are working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to prepare for the anticipated increase in traffic that they expect to come to the area.
“At the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, our goal is to continue to provide for our fellow tribal members, families and our community,” said Chief Batton. “Choctaw Landing will provide significant opportunities for local residents and the future availability and quality of this hotel will not only attract business, but tourism opportunities for Choctaw Nation Reservation in Southeast Oklahoma.”
In Oklahoma where many declare that God and the Sooners are king, you will also find a strong and vibrant Choctaw Nation spirit. Experience it for yourself with a visit to this beautiful area in the heartland of America, where as legend has it “hope never dies and the red fern still grows.”
