Choctaw Country Destinations
By Christian ToewsFrom the Oct. 2021 Biskinik
Southeastern Oklahoma is a great place to visit all year long, but Oklahoma’s fall has a unique appeal. With mild temperatures, changing leaves and outdoor adventures, there are more reasons to visit Choctaw Country during this season than you can count. Let’s look at some activities and places to see this fall.
One of the most exciting places to visit is Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, Oklahoma. This state park has a lot to offer, from hiking, camping, fishing and rock climbing to storied history. The state park gets its name from the outlaws who used the cave and surrounding area as hideouts.
One of the best ways to experience what it was like during that time is a horseback ride through the park. Fall is the perfect time to take a ride with Robbers Cave Stables. This guided horseback riding business is located inside the state park and offers an experience for everyone.
You can find the perfect experience to enjoy this park on horseback, from day rides to overnight camping trips. Codyjames Cook is the stable’s manager and son of the founder, who started the business ten years ago. According to Cook, they offer an experience for everyone, and it’s a great way to get away from the busyness of life. “You can really disconnect from everything out here. There are a lot of hiking trails and a lot of places that you can get to where the view is incredible,” he said.
Robbers Cave Stables offer many lengths of day rides. According to Cook, from a short 15-minute ride to hours exploring the landscape, there is a ride for every age group or time limit. If you want an even more immersive experience of cowboy life, you can book an overnight camping trip.
“We provide camping trips for outdoor lovers who want to sleep under the stars like a real cowboy,” their website explains. “This is a lovely escape from the big city for your family, which helps lower stress and become more social with each other. Whether you want to challenge yourself with a new experience or enhance your typical camping trip, our ranch is the place to do it.”
According to their website, you can “Ride through the historic trails that the outlaws of the past once rode. Here, you’ll sleep in an old, covered wagon while eating a cowboy steak dinner. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that bring us the most joy, and that’s what we are all about here at Robbers Cave Stables.” For more information and for booking a ride, visit robberscavestables.com.
Southeast of Robber Cave State Park, you’ll find another breathtaking Oklahoma State Park.
Beavers Bend State Park offers a unique beauty only found in the eastern part of Oklahoma. There are many things to do, like fly fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing or kayaking, ATV riding and so much more. For many, a horseback ride is a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon.
You can see many types of wildlife and experience one of the most beautiful parts of Oklahoma.
Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides is conveniently located inside Beavers Bend State Park and offers many rides a day.
According to their Facebook page, “Guided trail rides are offered starting at the top of each hour. The ride will take you through 2 1/2 miles of scenic Beavers Bend State Park Game Reserve. Expect to see some of the native wildlife such as white tail deer, squirrel, fox, etc. The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes, but please allow at least an hour to complete the ride.” If you want more information on these rides, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/trainandstables.
Platter Flats Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of activities for every age to enjoy this fall.
If horseback riding isn’t your thing, there are many other options for fall activities in Choctaw Country. Maybe you are looking to celebrate fall by carving a pumpkin, going on a hayride or taking some fall family photos. If so, Platter Flats Pumpkin Patch is the place for you. Located just a few miles southwest of Durant, Oklahoma, this pumpkin patch offers more than just pumpkins. Brandi Burkhalter and her husband, Guy, opened the pumpkin patch last year.
“There are a lot of activities for the kids. We have a bounce pillow, hayride, hay slide, hay tower, a corn bin, duck races, a petting zoo, a barrel train ride, a corn maze and more. We have a food trailer this year where we will be serving food. We have several areas for adults to relax and enjoy the fall weather. It’s really a fun place for the whole family,” Brandi explained. According to Brandi, they have many people who come and take fall family photos on their property as well. “We set up several photo areas with decorations, or some photographers will go out into our sunflower field and use that,” she said.
Perhaps you are staying at the newly opened Choctaw Casino & Resort’s Sky Tower and want to add a fun family activity to your weekend. Maybe you want to spend an evening with your family enjoying the fall weather. Platter Flats Pumpkin Patch is the perfect place to celebrate the fall season. You can find more information and see upcoming activities by visiting Platter Flats Pumpkin Patch on Facebook.
There are so many ways to enjoy the fall season in Choctaw Country. No matter what your interest is, Southeastern Oklahoma will not disappoint you.