by Melissa Fox
Chances are you’ve heard the buzz surroundingMcCurtain County, Oklahoma.
In the far southeastern corner of Oklahoma lies the second-fastest growing travel destination in the United States, according to a recent Vrbo report for holiday getaways. But, it’s not just a summer-time destination. With distinctive seasons and amicable weather year-round, the areas surrounding Broken Bow Lake have become a hot spot for both experienced outdoorsmen and city slickers alike.
Cutting directly through the center of the county lies a well-known stretch of Highway 259 starting in the north at Beavers Bend State Park and traveling south through the increasingly popular towns of Hochatown, Broken Bow and Idabel, Oklahoma. The McCurtain County area even topped vacation rental by owner’s list of drivable U.S. Destinations for 2021 published in its annual trend report due to the proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Located no more than four hours from our regional cities like DFW, Tyler and Shreveport, it’s no surprise why this nature-wrapped paradise has become a favorite for families, friend groups, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Sitting squarely at the foothills of the Ouachita and Kiamichi Mountains, the shores of Broken Bow Lake, and the Lower Mountain Fork River banks offers some of the most breathtaking views around. And luxury cabins are booming because of it. According to AirDNA’s short-term vacation rental data, the number of rentals in the Broken Bow area has grown from about 600 at the end of 2018 to nearly 2,500 today. That means a lot of newly built properties ranging from quaint cabins to literal mansions in the mountains.
“The creativity of our cabin owners continues to make McCurtain County a place people want to visit again and again,” Charity O’Donnell, Executive Director of McCurtain County Tourism Authority, said. “People can’t get enough, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for what’s next.”
The laid-back luxuries of McCurtain County have obviously attracted investors as evidenced by the exponential growth. It’s why Financial Advisor Magazine recently deemed Broken Bow the 7th Best Place to Buy a Vacation Rental. AirDNA even compared it to the same markets for development as Maui, Joshua Tree, and Charleston. Not bad company.
While cabins are the stars of the show, there’s an ever-growing list of things to see and do thanks to those indulgent digs. McCurtain County offers an abundance of activity options, ranging from outdoorsy escapades to anything-but-ordinary experiences. And most are just a few minutes from your cabin’s front door.
One of the largest draws is Beavers Bend State Park, one of the original seven parks in Oklahoma and surrounded by the pine-wrapped mountains of the Ouachita National Forest. The almost 3,500 acre park was established in 1937 but Broken Bow Lake wasn’t formed until 1960, when a dam was built to create the 22-mile-long, 14,000-acre lake.
As one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state, it remains a popular destination for year-round bass fishing. And if fly fishing is more up your alley, then the crystal clear waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River are one of the few places where trout season runs 365 days a year. Book a private guided fly-fishing excursion with one of the many local guides or rent a kayak to explore on your own the many secluded coves that stretch along the river’s edge.
Beavers Bend State Park is arguably on par with its national cousins offering visitors a variety of adventures from hiking, zip-lining and ATV riding to horseback riding, mountain biking, and even flyboarding. The rugged landscape and scenic appeal of this densely forested park beckons all sorts of nature enthusiasts. There’s definitely something for everyone, including the more offbeat attractions like axe throwing or exploring a 29,000 square foot wooden maze in nearby Hochatown.
Hochatown, a former Choctaw Indian village and considered the moonshine capital of Oklahoma during prohibition, will join it’s neighbors to the south as home to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s newest entertainment and resort development, Choctaw Landing. The four-story, 200,000 square-foot resort plans to open at the end of 2023 with 100 hotel rooms and in addition to the casino it will include several restaurants and bars, a pool, an outdoor amphitheater venue, beer garden and family-game zone. A 12,000 square-foot mercantile will adjoin Choctaw Landing, offering a small grocery store and market, more dining options and a 24-pump fuel station.
Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton remarked, “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.” The design of the resort and mercantile will reflect the tribe’s culture and the property will include their history and display art created by tribal members.
After sampling the offerings of locally crafted beer, brick-oven pizzas and award-winning BBQ, there’s still more in this quirky, small town to keep busy. You don’t want to miss unique attractions like the Hochatown Rescue and Petting Zoo for an up close and personal encounter with everything from barnyard animals, to reptiles and even some exotic animals like camels and kangaroos. Sure to intrigue any age is the local Bigfoot legend played up by many of the area establishments as well. When the day is done, you can unwind at the number one rated winery in the state by Yelp.com, Fish Tales Winery & Bistro. Founded by a retired fly-fisherman who specializes in offering visitors a little bit of Oklahoma history through Muscadine wine made from the plethora of wild muscadines growing nearby.
Rounding out the southern part of McCurtain County, and just 12 miles apart, are the towns of Broken Bow and Idabel, each already home to two of the state’s eight Choctaw Casino and Resorts. In Idabel you can play a round of golf at the picturesque Idabel Country Club, no membership required and then celebrate your performance with a dish of the Red B Restaurant’s ultimate comfort food, chicken fried steak, named “Best in the State” according to USA Today. In Broken Bow you’ll find a variety of additional shopping, dining and entertainment options for a slew of one-of-a-kind fun.
Whether you want more of a thrill-seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, McCurtain County has it all. Head over to www.visitmccurtaincounty.com and start planning your road trip now. If you hurry, you’ll get there just in time to witness the leaves transform into the vibrant oranges and reds of the fall foliage season.
