Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest, Hochatown, Oklahoma, is a hidden gem that offers the ultimate cabin getaway. This charming town, located just north of Broken Bow, is surrounded by the lush wooded forests of Beavers Bend State Park and sparkling Broken Bow Lake – making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in a cabin amongst the pines or want to explore this little town to the fullest extent, our luxury cabin rentals will put you in the middle of Hochatown’s activities. Here is everything you need to know to plan your next getaway to Hochatown!
About Hochatown
This charming little town has a rich history. From 1833 to 1900, Hochatown was owned by the Choctaw Tribe. During the 1920s, white settlers moved into the area. During prohibition, Hochatown earned the notorious nickname “Moonshine Capital of Oklahoma.” It’s estimated that a staggering 80% of the town was involved in the moonshine business!
Today, Hochatown is a popular nature escape. Surrounded by lovely woods and the lake, it’s not difficult to see why! Hochatown also has a mix of other fun activities, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
The best way to get around is to drive, so we recommend having a car to explore Hochatown.
Things to Do in Hochatown
Explore Beavers Bend State Park
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr CC2.0
Beavers Bend State Park is an unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored. The lakeside park has fantastic hiking trails (also great for trail rides), a golf course, picnic tables, and excellent access to the Mountain Fork River.
Visitors relish in the excellent network of hiking trails that vary in difficulty but all offer excellent vistas. The park is also great for fly fishing, kayaking, and spotting wildlife. Take an easy hike of the Friends Loop Trail and then head for a bit to eat at the Beavers Bend Lookout Kitchen!
Get Out on the Water at Beaver Bend State Park
The Hochatown side of the Beavers Bend State Park has a full-service marina and is your one-stop shop for boat slips, sea-doo rentals, and boat rentals. Wild Goose Canoe and Kayaks will have you on the water in no time! The marina also has a store and a food truck if you get hungry.
Go On a Scenic Drive
Hochatown is the perfect base to do the scenic Loop Drive. The drive loops through Beavers Bend Park, and it’s the perfect thing to do if you don’t have a ton of time to explore the park fully, but still want to see it.
You’ll pass by swimming areas, mountain streams, Broken Bow Lake, and the mountains and enjoy some of the most majestic views in Oklahoma. The drive is pretty narrow and windy, so be sure to drive with caution.
Pick up Souvenirs or a Cold One at the Hochatime Store
Photo Credit: beaversbendcabincountry
Looking for the perfect souvenir for your trip? You’ll want to check out the Hochatime Store. This little country store/ gift shop boasts its own line of stylish Hochatown merchandise, including mountain- and lake-themed shirts, hats, sweaters, and more.
The store even has its own beer line, the “Livin’ on Hochatime,” which includes a Blonde Ale, Summer Wheat Beer, and a Lime Lager- the perfect brews for a day on the lake.
Go Zip Lining
Photo Credit: Jesse Edwards
Looking for a little rush of adrenaline on your trip to Hochatown? If so, you’ll want to pay a visit to Rugaru Adventures.
Rugaru Adventures is an adventure park with zip lines and swincar (ATV) tours. The park has a total of 6 different ziplines so you can zip a full half mile! From the ziplines, you’ll get gorgeous views of the surrounding woods. The tour lasts 2 hours in total.
The Swincar tour includes a two hour off-roading exploration of Big Bend State Park. You’ll ride through two total miles of offroading trails in the park, including some moderately difficult terrain.
Float the Beavers Bend River
Photo Credit: RaksyBH
If you’re in Hochatown and seeking a blend of fun and tranquility, embarking on a river float could be just the thing for you. Beavers Bend River Floats offers an enchanting 2.5-mile journey down the serene waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River. You can choose to paddle your way in a kayak or canoe.
As you leisurely navigate the gentle currents, you’ll be surrounded by the epitome of Hochatown, the lush beauty of nature, with the opportunity to spot majestic bald eagles, elusive minks, and graceful deer in their natural habitat!
Visit the Hochatown Petting Zoo and Rescue Center
Photo Credit: Leslie Remy
Another one of the best things to do in Hochatown is to pay a visit to the Hochatown Petting Zoo and Rescue Center. The animals at the center have either been injured, orphaned, or rescued. Camels, alpacas, baby raccoons, skunks, deer, lizards, and pigs are just some of the animals living at the center.
The center does amazing rescue and rehabilitation work for animals, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to support them, help animals, and get to pet some adorable little critters while you’re at it.
Seasonal Highlights in Hochatown
Hochatown is fantastic to visit year-round, although summer does reign supreme when it comes to enjoying lakeside activities. Fall foliage is also incredible in Hochatown. The best time to come and see peak foliage is typically from the end of October until the beginning of November.
If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy escape, winter is wonderful in the area. There’s nothing like curling up next to the fireplace with a cup of cocoa and a good book after a fun day of exploring, and spring is excellent for fewer crowds, good weather, and wildflowers.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hochatown
Hochatown, Oklahoma, offers a diverse and delectable food scene that caters to various tastes. It’s a destination where Southern cuisine meets comfort food, and local eateries serve up hearty meals in rustic, welcoming environments.
Hochatown Distillery
- Address: 41 N Lukfata Trail Rd, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: hochatowndistilling.com
- Price Point: $$
Hochatown Distillery distills small batch bourbons and vodka and offers tastings on the weekends inside their 1930s hideout-style Speakeasy.
The Hochatown Saloon
- Address: 28 Old Hochatown Rd, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: hochatownsaloon.com
- Price Point: $$
The Hochatown Saloon is a family-friendly restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Hochatown. They also have live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights after 9 pm.
Shuck Me Hochatown
- Address: 83 N Lukfata Trail Rd, Hochatown, OK
- Website: shuckme.net
- Price Point: $$
Shuck Me Hochatown is a fun, casual seafood restaurant. Their mahi mahi, oysters, and catfish are some of their must-try plates.
The Blue Rooster Restaurant
- Address: 10235 N US Hwy 259, Hochatown, OK
- Website: blueroosterok.com
- Price Point: $$
The Blue Rooster Restaurant is a Southern Restaurant with a lovely outdoor seating area. They’re best known for their fried catfish, shrimp, chicken, and good people!
Abendigo’s
- Address: 10050 N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: abendigos.com
- Price Point: $$$
Abendigo’s is an excellent southern steakhouse with wonderful hand crafted cuisine, an elegant interior, and a lovely open-air patio. They have live music a few nights a week, along with delicious drinks and coffee.
Grateful Head Pizza Oven
- Address: 10251 N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: gratefulheadpizza.com
- Price Point: $$
This groovy and rustic pizza parlor has delicious pies, hot wings, side salads, and cheese styx.
Hocharritos Breakfast Burritos by the Lake
- Address: 10075 N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: hocharritos.com
- Price Point: $$
This tasty breakfast burrito truck slings Mexican-style burritos, tacos, french toast, and a few lunch sandwiches.
Staying in Hochatown
Hochatown is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic Southern experience- with a true taste of the outdoors!
Our cozy cabins are more than just a place to rest; they are your personal sanctuary after a day of exploration. They serve as the perfect launchpad for your adventures in Hochatown, providing a harmonious blend of nature’s tranquility and modern amenities!
