An observation deck at Duck Roost Slough, a protected forest with state-record trees, and a nearly 40-foot-long dinosaur specimen each offer a different perspective on McCurtain County. Nature watching, outdoor activities and cultural history shape the choices available. You can plan outings around your interests, whether you’re drawn to birds, water or historical topics.
Forests, Wetlands and Birds
In the northern part of the county, the McCurtain County Wilderness Area covers about 14,000 acres. The Ouachita WMA – McCurtain & Tiak Unit covers 133,000 acres in the central and southern parts of the county. Red Slough WMA adds its own mix of habitats: its 5,280 acres in McCurtain County include mudflats, emergent marshes, hardwood bottomland forests, lowland and upland prairie, and permanent reservoirs.
More than 320 bird species have been documented at Red Slough WMA, which offers opportunities for birdwatching. At Little River National Wildlife Refuge, 191 bird species have been identified. At the Duck Roost Slough observation deck, you can watch and photograph wildlife. The refuge’s protected forest is also home to eleven state-record trees. The two areas offer different ways to enjoy nature: a designated birdwatching opportunity at Red Slough and a named observation deck at the refuge.
Fishing is also an option at Little River National Wildlife Refuge: at the two small lakes, Yanubbee Lake and Forked Lake, and along more than 17 miles of the Little River. The named lakes and stretch of river give the fishing opportunities a specific location.
Water and Adventure
Beavers Bend State Park is located on the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. Fishing, boating and scuba diving are available at Broken Bow Lake. The park also includes the 26-mile David Boren Hiking Trail. This gives you different options for enjoying the water or following a clearly identified hiking route.
At Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides, you can choose between a train ride and a horseback ride. The train ride takes place aboard a one-third-scale replica of the C.P. Huntington S.P. train built in 1863. The horseback ride lasts one hour and covers 2.5 miles through scenery where native wildlife can be spotted. The two offerings differ in both mode of travel and stated duration.
History in Exhibits and Buildings
The Museum of the Red River displays Oklahoma’s state dinosaur, Acrocanthosaurus atokensis. The specimen is nearly 40 feet long. At the Forest Heritage Center, dioramas explore other topics: prehistoric forests, the Caddo, papermaking in the South, the timber industry of the 1940s, and forest appreciation. The displays range from a single dinosaur specimen to different aspects of forests, history and work.
The Wheelock Academy dates back to around 1832 and was located in McCurtain County. From 1884 to 1955, it was a boarding school for Native American girls, primarily from the Choctaw community. Tours of the museum and grounds at the Wheelock Academy Historic Site are available by request. Arrange a tour before you arrive.
The Barnes-Stevenson House is a restored Victorian home furnished in period style from 1912. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1979. These details place the house in both an architectural and historical context.
Planning Your Visit
There are eight access roads to the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area along Highway 259 and ten more off Highway 3. Road conditions may vary, so check them before you drive. For a visit to Wheelock Academy, note that tours are available by request and should be arranged before you arrive.
Explore more destinations: Broken Bow, Idabel, Valliant, Carter County, Canadian County, Pontotoc, Kiowa County, Okmulgee County.
For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.
