Where Family Meets Adventure: Discover Hochatown, Oklahoma

This small Oklahoma town has become one of the state’s most popular escapes thanks to its outdoor recreation, cozy cabins, and unique local attractions.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• 🥾 Spend a day exploring Beavers Bend State Park

• 🦓 Experience wildlife encounters at Beavers Bend Safari Park

• 🎩 Catch a live show at Hester’s Theatre of Magic

• 💎 Take the family to Beavers Bend Mining Company for gemstone panning

• 🚂 Ride the train at Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides

  
  

🌲 The Heart of Hochatown

With towering pines, gorgeous waters, and miles of forest trails, Hochatown, Oklahoma has quickly become one of the state’s most popular getaway destinations. Just north of Broken Bow, this small town in the Ouachita Mountains offers a blend of outdoor adventure, cozy cabins, and family-friendly attractions that draw visitors from across the region.

🪶 History & Heritage

Originally part of Choctaw Nation land, Hochatown has a long history of community resilience. The original settlement was relocated in the 1960s when Broken Bow Lake was created, submerging Old Hochatown beneath its waters.

Today, it thrives as a tourism hub, attracting travelers with its natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and unique mix of attractions.

🛶 Lodging in Hochatown

Unlike more traditional park destinations, Hochatown pairs its rugged outdoor appeal with modern, cabin-based lodging—many with hot tubs, firepits, and game rooms—making it ideal for both adventure seekers and those wanting a slower, more comfortable escape.

“Hochatown is special because it’s where you can have both a mountain retreat and a lake vacation at the same time,” says a local cabin manager. “One minute you’re kayaking through quiet coves, the next you’re at a brewery or catching live entertainment in town. It’s got something for everyone.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Hochatown.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• 🌸 Spring – Mild days for hiking and exploring Beavers Bend State Park.

• ☀️ Summer – Families flock to Broken Bow Lake for boating, swimming, and kayaking.

• 🍁 Fall – Crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy cabin evenings.

• ❄️ Winter – Fireside cabins, holiday lights, and indoor attractions like craft breweries and live theatre.

“Fall is my favorite time of year here,” says a local guide. “The colors in the Ouachita Mountains are phenomenal.”

Hochatown stretches along U.S. Highway 259 and has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with luxury cabins, boutique shops, restaurants, and attractions continuing to pop up. Unlike many rural destinations, lodging here is dominated by privately owned cabins rather than hotels—ranging from rustic one-bedroom retreats to expansive lodges designed for large groups.

Because of the town’s popularity, traffic on Highway 259 can get congested during peak times. Northbound traffic on Fridays often brings in weekend visitors from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, while southbound lanes on Sundays see the heaviest flow as guests head home.

Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park remain the heart of the area, open year-round with activities like fishing, hiking, boating, and camping available in every season.

Best Time to Visit

In terms of weather, Hochatown shines in every season, with each bringing its own reasons to visit. Spring offers mild days perfect for hiking in Beavers Bend State Park, while summer draws families to the clear waters of Broken Bow Lake for boating, swimming, and kayaking.

“Fall is my favorite time of year here,” says a local guide. “The colors in the Ouachita Mountains are just phenomenal, and the trails are some of the best you’ll find in the region.” Crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy cabin evenings make autumn especially memorable.

But winter has its charms, too—think fireside cabins, holiday lights, and a slower pace that makes the town feel like a secluded retreat. It’s also the season when visitors discover more of Hochatown’s indoor attractions, from craft breweries and escape rooms to live entertainment at Hester’s Theatre of Magic.

And no matter when you come, chances are good something is happening in town. The Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show each November draws artisans and musicians from across the region, while spring and summer bring fishing tournaments and family events at Beavers Bend State Park. Around the holidays, visitors return for Christmas markets and festive light trails that turn the pine forest into a winter wonderland.

Simply put, there’s no wrong time to plan a trip to Hochatown.

How to Get There

Hochatown is located in southeastern Oklahoma, about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The closest major airports are Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Little Rock National Airport (LIT), each roughly a three-hour drive away. Travelers from Oklahoma City can also reach Hochatown by car in about four hours.

Because there are no commercial airports in Hochatown itself, most visitors drive in, and having a car is essential for exploring the area’s cabins, lake, and state park. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not widely available here, so plan on renting a car if you’re flying in.

Best Things to Do

Beavers Bend State Park 🌲

Explore Beavers Bend State Park. The crown jewel of Hochatown is Beavers Bend State Park, where visitors can hike forest trails, rent kayaks or canoes, and fish for trout in the Mountain Fork River. The Forest Heritage Center Museum inside the park offers a fascinating look at the region’s history through dioramas, art, and exhibits. Families can also enjoy horseback riding, scenic train rides, and guided nature programs. https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/beavers-bend-state-park

Broken Bow Lake 🌊

Spend time on Broken Bow Lake. Known for its deep, clear waters, Broken Bow Lake is a year-round favorite for boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent a pontoon for a lazy day on the water, explore hidden coves, or simply relax on the shoreline. In the cooler months, the lake is a peaceful backdrop for birdwatching and photography.

Beavers Bend Safari Park 🦓

Visit Beavers Bend Safari Park. This 90-acre drive-through safari lets you get up close to animals like zebras, camels, bison, and even a rhino. The walk-through area adds another dimension, with otters, lemurs, and pygmy hippos offering plenty of family photo opportunities. https://beaversbendsafaripark.com/

Hester’s Theatre of Magic 🎩

Catch a show at Hester’s Theatre of Magic. For an evening indoors, head to Hester’s Theatre of Magic, a family-owned venue that brings sleight of hand, mind-reading, and interactive illusions to the heart of Hochatown. With just 60 seats, the experience feels personal and immersive—an unexpected highlight after a day of outdoor adventures. Hochatown's newest attraction: https://www.hestermagic.com/

Beavers Bend Mining Company 💎

Try gemstone panning at Beavers Bend Mining Company. A family favorite, this attraction lets kids (and adults) pan for gemstones and fossils in a hands-on mining experience. There’s also indoor mini-golf, making it a fun stop on rainy days. https://beaversbendminingcompany.com/

Maze of Hochatown 🌀

Challenge yourself at the Maze of Hochatown. Covering nearly 30,000 square feet, this wooden maze is big enough to get lost in—and fun enough to want to. Visitors can race friends and family to the four corner towers, then celebrate with a round at the adjoining Chili Dippers Golf Club. https://themazeofhochatown.com/

Best Hikes

David Boren Hiking Trail (DBHT)The heart of Beavers Bend hiking, this 12-mile network links several of the park’s most popular trails into one system. Hikers can mix and match shorter sections or tackle longer stretches, depending on time and skill level. Along the way you’ll encounter creeks, pine forests, and quiet overlooks that show off the Ouachita Mountains at their best.

DBHT Trails:

Cedar Bluff Nature Trail. A short loop (about 0.9 mile) that’s part of the DBHT, Cedar Bluff offers stunning views of Broken Bow Lake from rocky overlooks. It’s family-friendly and one of the easiest ways to experience the area’s natural beauty without a big time commitment.

Skyline Trail. Also a section of the DBHT, Skyline is a more challenging route in Beavers Bend. At roughly 5 to 7 miles depending on where you start, it’s a rugged trek with elevation changes, stream crossings, and some of the park’s most secluded scenery. Recommended for experienced hikers.

Lookout Mountain Loop. Another DBHT highlight, this 1.9-mile loop connects with Cedar Bluff and gives hikers sweeping lake and forest views. It’s a rewarding moderate hike that doesn’t take all day.

Best Places to Stay

The signature Hochatown experience is booking a private cabin tucked among the pines. Options range from cozy one-bedroom retreats with hot tubs to sprawling lodges that sleep 20 or more. Many come with firepits, game rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest. It’s the perfect way to combine comfort with the feeling of being away from it all.

Beavers Bend State Park Cabins.

For a more rustic stay, the state park maintains a selection of cabins close to hiking trails, the river, and Broken Bow Lake. They’re simple, affordable, and put you right in the heart of the park’s natural setting.

Choctaw Landing

Opened in 2024, this upscale resort and casino brings a new level of amenities to Hochatown. With stylish guest rooms, on-site dining, a heated luxury pool, and entertainment options, it’s a polished alternative for travelers who want more of a full-service hotel experience without giving up proximity to Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake.

Campgrounds & RV Sites

For those bringing their own setup, Hochatown has plenty of options. Beavers Bend State Park operates several riverside campgrounds with tent sites and full RV hookups, popular year-round and bookable six months in advance. Closer to town, Hochatown Adventures RV Park offers easy access to local restaurants and attractions—making it a favorite base camp for families and road trippers.

🍴 Where to Eat & Drink

Mountain Fork Brewery. Craft beer lovers will want to stop at Mountain Fork Brewery, where house-made brews are paired with burgers, wings, and hearty pub fare. But the sleeper hit here is the pizza—often called the best in town and a perfect companion to a cold pint. The relaxed, family-friendly setting makes it a great place to gather after a day outdoors.

Lake Bums. Often described as Hochatown’s best-kept secret, Lake Bums blends hearty comfort food with an eclectic atmosphere that feels both playful and welcoming. From creative daily specials to quirky décor, it’s the kind of hidden gem that locals rave about and visitors remember.

Tuklo Grill at Choctaw Landing. Located inside the new Choctaw Landing resort, Tuklo Grill offers a polished dining experience with Southern-inspired flavors and modern twists. It’s a top choice for those who want something more refined without leaving town.

Fishtales Winery & Bistro. Considered the best winery in Hochatown, Fishtales pairs its local wines with a bistro menu of sandwiches, salads, and seasonal specials. The outdoor seating is a favorite feature, offering a relaxed place to enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by Hochatown’s pine-filled landscape.

Papas by Papa Poblanos (Opening Soon). A much-anticipated addition to Hochatown’s dining scene, Papas by Papa Poblanos will bring Tex-Mex favorites and bold flavors from a beloved regional restaurant family. Expect hearty portions, festive energy, and another go-to option for group dining.