Le Flore: Spiro Mounds, the Runestone, and Ouachita Forests

An archaeological center, a runestone, and wooded valleys give Le Flore a diverse range of travel experiences. Lakes, hiking trails, and historic sites add to the appeal. Plan your days around your interests to explore both cultural history and the landscape.

Archaeology and History

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center preserves a 150-acre site with nearly two miles of interpretive trails. From about 850 to 1450 AD, Spiro Mounds was an important religious and ceremonial center of the Caddoan Mississippian culture. Access to the trails is arranged through the visitor center. Advance reservations are required for guided tours, which are subject to staff availability.

A winter solstice program with guided walks is scheduled for December 19, 2026. It covers the different types of mounds, their functions, the significance of the solstices, and the solar alignments found there. Event dates may change, so check the current schedule before traveling.

Heavener Runestone Park is centered on a runestone inscribed in Swedish that was found in the 1920s. Three nature trails range from 200 yards to one mile long. The one-mile Cliffside Trail leads to the runestone and includes an overlook. The park also hosts the annual Heavener Runestone Viking Festival; check current event dates before making plans.

Other historical sites include the Peter Conser House and Fort Coffee. The two-story, L-shaped farmhouse was built in 1894 and is preserved as a memorial to Peter Conser and other tribal law enforcement officers. Fort Coffee was established by the 7th Infantry on June 16, 1834, on the south bank of the Arkansas River. In 1842, the Choctaw Council founded Fort Coffee Academy for boys.

The LeFlore County Museum displays historical artifacts from communities throughout LeFlore County. The Hotel Lowrey, built in the 1920s, has been restored and repurposed as a museum. The county’s name also reflects the region’s history: LeFlore County is named after the Le Flore family of the Choctaw tribe.

Lakes, Trails, and Wooded Landscapes

Cedar Lake is an 86-acre lake surrounded by hills covered with pine and oak trees. A three-mile trail loops around the lake in the Cedar Lake National Recreation Area. Motors over 7.5 horsepower are not allowed on the water. If this rule matters to your plans, check it locally before setting out.

Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp serves as a central starting point for more than 70 miles of riding trails. It offers more than 130 campsites for riders, including 48 sites with electricity and water hookups, and 80 non-electrified, undeveloped sites with centrally located water spigots. Billy Creek Recreation Area has 12 basic campsites with grills, tables, lantern poles, fire rings, and centrally located water spigots. It also provides access to the Choctaw Nations Trail and Billy Creek Trail.

For a different landscape, try the Horsethief Springs Trail. It runs along the north side of Winding Stair Mountain, passing through a variety of tree species and crossing several small streams. The Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway covers 22 miles along Oklahoma Highways 59 and 270 between Heavener and the Arkansas border. The route passes through the wooded valleys of the Ouachita Mountains and the 26,445-acre Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. The Talimena National Scenic Byway runs through the Ouachita National Forest in LeFlore County and offers remarkable views, especially during fall foliage.

Lake Wister is on the Poteau River in LeFlore County and has 115 miles of shoreline. You can fish there for northern sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, and largemouth bass; local conditions may vary. For a seasonal harvest experience, visit Maple Creek Berry Farm near Poteau, where visitors can pick blueberries in a hilly setting. The picking season usually runs from early June to mid-July, but may vary from year to year. Confirm availability before your visit.

Trail lengths also provide a useful comparison for planning: the three nature trails at Heavener Runestone Park range from 200 yards to one mile, while the loop at Cedar Lake is three miles long. The Cliffside Trail combines the shorter of the two maximum distances mentioned with a destination at the runestone and an overlook. This lets you choose hikes according to your preferred distance and interests.

Explore more destinations: Heavener, Poteau, Hodgen, Latimer County, Pawnee County, Washington County, Kay County, Kingfisher.

For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.