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15 Things to Do in Hochatown, Oklahoma (OK)

Hochatown, Oklahoma, is a picturesque town nestled in the southeastern part of the state. It lies just a short drive away from the scenic Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, two of the area’s most popular destinations. Known for its charm, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere, Hochatown has become an increasingly popular travel destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Hochatown offers something for everyone.

The town's growing popularity can be attributed to its wide range of outdoor activities, serene landscapes, and friendly local culture. If you're in search of a destination where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature, Hochatown is the perfect place to visit.

Unique Facts About Hochatown, Oklahoma

A Gateway to Beavers Bend State Park

Hochatown is often referred to as the gateway to Beavers Bend State Park. This 1,100-acre park is renowned for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and abundance of wildlife. Visitors to Hochatown often use the town as a base camp to explore the park, which offers some of the best outdoor adventures in Oklahoma.

Unique Wildlife and Outdoor Activities

Hochatown’s proximity to Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake allows for ample opportunities to experience Oklahoma’s diverse wildlife. From birdwatching and fishing to hiking and canoeing, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy in Hochatown. It's not unusual to see deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional black bear during your stay.

Distinct Local Cuisine and Food Culture

Hochatown is home to a growing food scene that showcases local flavors. From Southern comfort food to fresh-caught fish from the nearby lakes, visitors can indulge in hearty meals at local eateries. Be sure to try the famous catfish, barbecue, and locally sourced vegetables, which reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Fun Facts About Hochatown

  • Hochatown is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.

  • The town is known for its relaxed pace of life and beautiful cabins, perfect for a weekend escape.

  • Hochatown is a hub for outdoor festivals, particularly those focused on music, arts, and food.

Infographic - 15 Things to Do in Hochatown, Oklahoma (OK)

15 Things to Do in Hochatown, Oklahoma (OK)

Hochatown, Oklahoma, is a charming destination nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, offering a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those looking for some relaxation. Whether you're seeking adventure, wildlife experiences, or just some time to unwind, Hochatown has something for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore 15 exciting things to do in this picturesque town.

1. Explore Beavers Bend State Park

Short Description:
Beavers Bend State Park is one of Oklahoma's most visited parks. It features lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Pros:

  • Scenic beauty with abundant wildlife

  • Offers numerous outdoor activities

  • Family-friendly

Cons:

  • Can get crowded during peak seasons

  • Some areas may be inaccessible during the winter months

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Scenic hiking trails

  • Autumn foliage

  • Year-round fishing opportunities

2. Boating on Broken Bow Lake

Short Description:
Broken Bow Lake is a serene, 2,100-acre lake surrounded by the lush forests of Beavers Bend State Park. It’s an ideal spot for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Pros:

  • Stunning lake views surrounded by nature

  • Great for water activities like boating and fishing

  • Calm, relaxing atmosphere

Cons:

  • Limited access to certain areas during the off-season

  • Can be busy on weekends and holidays

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Water sports and activities

  • Scenic boat tours

  • Fishing tournaments

3. Go-Kart Racing at BigFoot Speedway

Short Description:
BigFoot Speedway offers a thrilling go-kart racing experience, perfect for families and thrill-seekers. Race around the track for an exciting and competitive outing.

Pros:

  • Fun and fast-paced for all ages

  • Great family activity

  • Well-maintained track

Cons:

  • Can be expensive for larger groups

  • May have long wait times during busy periods

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Competitive races

  • Seasonal events and challenges

4. Visit Beavers Bend Mining Company

Short Description:
Get your hands dirty and experience gold mining at Beavers Bend Mining Company. It’s a fun, interactive experience where you can try your luck at panning for gold, gems, and minerals.

Pros:

  • Family-friendly activity

  • Educational and hands-on experience

  • Great for kids

Cons:

  • Limited time for panning

  • May require patience as others are also mining

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Gem panning

  • Gold panning lessons

  • Seasonal treasure hunts

5. Ziplining with Rugaru Adventures

Short Description:
Rugaru Adventures offers an exhilarating zipline experience across the stunning Oklahoma forest. Soar through the treetops and get a bird’s-eye view of the natural beauty below.

Pros:

  • Thrilling experience with breathtaking views

  • Perfect for adventure seekers

  • Trained guides for safety

Cons:

  • Not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions

  • May be weather-dependent

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Multiple zipline courses

  • Group packages for friends and families

6. Horseback Riding

Short Description:
Explore the trails around Hochatown on horseback. Local stables offer guided rides through the scenic landscapes, allowing you to experience nature in a peaceful way.

Pros:

  • Quiet and scenic

  • Great for nature lovers

  • Suitable for all ages

Cons:

  • Limited availability during winter

  • May require prior reservation

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Guided horseback rides

  • Scenic forest routes

7. Hochatown Petting Zoo and Rescue Center

Short Description:
Get up close and personal with animals at the Hochatown Petting Zoo and Rescue Center. This attraction offers a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about various animals.

Pros:

  • Perfect for families with children

  • Educational and fun

  • Opportunity to support animal rescue efforts

Cons:

  • Can get crowded during weekends

  • Limited species compared to larger zoos

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Animal feeding

  • Educational talks about rescue animals

8. Hiking the Friends Trail Loop

Short Description:
The Friends Trail Loop offers a scenic hiking experience through dense forests and beautiful landscapes. The trail is perfect for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Pros:

  • Easy to moderate hike

  • Beautiful views of the Ouachita Mountains

  • Great for photography

Cons:

  • Can get muddy after rainfall

  • Some parts of the trail are uneven

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Wildlife sightings

  • Seasonal wildflower blooms

9. Fishing in Mountain Fork River

Short Description:
Mountain Fork River is known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, you'll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while casting a line.

Pros:

  • Great fishing year-round

  • Calm and serene environment

  • Easy access to various fishing spots

Cons:

  • Fishing licenses required

  • Limited spots during peak fishing season

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Seasonal trout fishing

  • Fly-fishing events

10. Visit Hochatown Distilling Co.

Short Description:
For those who enjoy fine spirits, a visit to Hochatown Distilling Co. is a must. This local distillery produces high-quality whiskey, gin, and other spirits, offering tours and tastings.

Pros:

  • Delicious handcrafted spirits

  • Informative tours about the distilling process

  • Tasting experiences

Cons:

  • Only available to those of legal drinking age

  • Limited hours during off-season

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Whiskey tastings

  • Distillery tours

  • Special events and seasonal releases

11. Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides

Short Description:
The Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides offers a scenic train ride through the beautiful forested areas of Hochatown. The ride provides great views and is an excellent way to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Pros:

  • Scenic train rides through picturesque landscapes

  • Great for families and groups

  • Relaxing and laid-back experience

Cons:

  • Limited availability

  • Not ideal for thrill-seekers

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Scenic train tours

  • Special seasonal train rides

12. Cedar Creek Golf Course

Short Description:
Cedar Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, public golf course set in the heart of Hochatown. It’s a great place to spend a day on the green surrounded by scenic views.

Pros:

  • Beautiful views on the course

  • Suitable for golfers of all skill levels

  • Affordable green fees

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during weekends

  • Weather conditions can affect play

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Golf tournaments

  • Annual golfing events

13. Hochatown Escape Games

Short Description:
Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Hochatown Escape Games. Choose from a variety of themed escape rooms, where you and your group must work together to solve puzzles and escape within a set time limit.

Pros:

  • Fun and engaging for groups and families

  • Encourages teamwork and problem-solving

  • Multiple themed rooms to choose from

Cons:

  • Can be stressful for those who dislike time limits

  • Requires group coordination

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Escape room challenges

  • Themed rooms for different difficulty levels

14. Visit Girls Gone Wine

Short Description:
Girls Gone Wine offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere for wine lovers. Enjoy tastings of local wines and indulge in a variety of wine-related activities.

Pros:

  • Great wine-tasting experience

  • Fun for groups and bachelorette parties

  • Cozy, inviting atmosphere

Cons:

  • Only available to those of legal drinking age

  • Limited menu items

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Wine tastings

  • Seasonal wine events

15. Helicopter Tours with Sky Tours

Short Description:
Experience the beauty of Hochatown from the sky with a helicopter tour. Sky Tours offers breathtaking aerial views of the town, Beavers Bend State Park, and Broken Bow Lake.

Pros:

  • Unique perspective of the area from above

  • Perfect for photography enthusiasts

  • Thrilling and memorable experience

Cons:

  • Not ideal for individuals with a fear of heights

  • Can be pricey

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Aerial tours of Broken Bow Lake

  • Special seasonal flight packages

Best Time to Visit Hochatown, Oklahoma

The best time to visit Hochatown depends on what kind of experience you're seeking. Below is a helpful table that breaks down the seasons, weather, and activities.

Month Weather Best For
Spring (Mar-May) Mild, Pleasant Hiking, Wildflowers
Summer (Jun-Aug) Hot, Humid Water Sports, Lake Activities
Fall (Sep-Nov) Cool, Crisp Fall Foliage, Scenic Drives
Winter (Dec-Feb) Cold, Snowy Winter Sports, Cabin Stays

Spring and fall are particularly popular for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. Summer offers great weather for lake activities, while winter provides a quieter, cozier experience perfect for cabin stays.

Unique Gems in Hochatown, Oklahoma

Beavers Bend State Park

Located just a stone's throw from the town, Beavers Bend State Park is one of the top attractions in Hochatown. The park offers diverse trails for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Hochatown Distillery

For those interested in local spirits, a visit to the Hochatown Distillery is a must. This distillery produces craft whiskey and offers tours and tastings that provide insight into the process of making small-batch spirits.

Broken Bow Lake

Broken Bow Lake is a popular spot for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax by the water or enjoy an afternoon on a boat.

Cedar Creek Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic and challenging layout of Cedar Creek Golf Course, which features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Local Art Galleries and Quaint Shops

Hochatown has a thriving art scene, with local galleries displaying work from talented artists. You can also explore the town's unique shops, which sell everything from handmade jewelry to locally crafted pottery.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking Trails

Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Park are home to several hidden hiking trails that offer quiet and serene experiences for those looking to escape the crowds.

Fishing Hotspots

Hochatown and its nearby lakes offer some of the best fishing spots in Oklahoma. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, you’ll find an abundance of fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish.

Day Itinerary for Hochatown, Oklahoma

Morning:

  • Nature Hike at Beavers Bend State Park: Start your day with a peaceful hike through the park’s lush trails, taking in the vibrant wildflowers and wildlife.

  • Visit Hochatown Distillery: After your hike, enjoy a distillery tour and tasting session to learn about the art of crafting spirits.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at a Local Café: Treat yourself to a Southern-style lunch at one of the charming local cafés, featuring everything from barbecue to fresh fish dishes.

  • Broken Bow Lake: Spend your afternoon enjoying water activities on Broken Bow Lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax by the water.

Evening:

  • Sunset at Scenic Overlook: End your day with a breathtaking sunset from one of the park’s scenic overlooks.

  • Dinner and Cozy Evening: Have dinner at a local eatery and unwind with a cozy evening around a campfire or in a rented cabin.

How to Reach Hochatown, Oklahoma

By Car:

Hochatown is easily accessible from major cities in Oklahoma and Texas. If you're coming from:

  • Dallas, TX: About 3 hours (150 miles)

  • Oklahoma City, OK: About 3.5 hours (180 miles)

  • Tulsa, OK: About 2.5 hours (120 miles)

Nearest Airports:

  • Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), Oklahoma City – 3.5 hours away

  • Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK), Texas – 1 hour away

Best Modes of Transportation:

The most convenient way to reach Hochatown is by car. However, rental cars are available at nearby airports for those flying into the area.

Conclusion

Hochatown, Oklahoma, is a hidden gem that offers an ideal combination of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. Whether you're exploring Beavers Bend State Park, relaxing by Broken Bow Lake, or savoring local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundant activities, Hochatown is a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking an escape from everyday life.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Hochatown, Oklahoma?

The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

Are there pet-friendly accommodations in Hochatown?

Yes, many cabins and lodges in the area are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along.

Can I visit Hochatown on a budget?

Yes, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities in Hochatown, such as hiking, fishing, and visiting parks. There are also affordable cabin rentals and local eateries.

What are the best outdoor activities in Hochatown?

Some of the best activities include hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring Beavers Bend State Park.

How far is Hochatown from Oklahoma City or Dallas?

Hochatown is about a 3.5-hour drive from Oklahoma City and a 3-hour drive from Dallas.

What are some must-try foods in Hochatown?

Be sure to try the local catfish, barbecue, and fresh vegetables sourced from local farms.

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