Discover Pushmataha County

The Kiamichi Fish Weir Site is a stone fish weir dating from the Late Archaic period. It offers an initial glimpse into the area’s long history. At the same time, natural areas, waterways, and sites connected to Choctaw history shape the travel experience in Pushmataha County. You can tailor your time to different interests: landscapes and wildlife, water activities, or historic sites.

Forests, Wildlife, and Waterways

Pushmataha County lies largely within the physiographic region of the Ouachita Mountains. The rivers that drain the county include the Kiamichi River. The Honobia Creek WMA covers 78,997.94 acres across Pushmataha, LeFlore, and McCurtain counties in southeastern Oklahoma. Pine and hardwood forests alternate there. Fishing is available in the Little River and in ponds within the area.

The Pushmataha WMA covers 19,247 acres in the northern part of the county. It includes a walk-in turkey hunting area of more than 6,000 acres.

Nanih Waiya has two boat ramps, fishing piers, and primitive camping facilities. Fish species found there include alligator gar and bowfin. Check the condition of the facilities mentioned before your trip. Water activities are also a focus at Sardis Lake, where water skiing and boating are available. The lake covers 14,360 acres and has 117 miles of shoreline. In addition, 8,435 acres there are designated as public hunting and wildlife propagation areas.

Clayton Lake State Park is located in the Kiamichi Mountains. It has two boat ramps and an accessible fishing pier; check their condition before your visit.

Choctaw History and Local Museums

The Tvshkahomma Capitol Museum is located in the historic Choctaw Capitol Building, originally built in 1884. Inside, educational exhibits showcase several eras in the history of the Choctaw Nation. The grounds also feature sculptures, outdoor exhibits, and trails with educational displays. If you are planning a visit, check the visiting options in advance.

The Wildlife Heritage Center Museum is housed in a log cabin in Antlers. It serves as a visitor information and wildlife education center. White-tailed deer live in adjacent enclosures, where visitors can feed them. Check visiting arrangements in advance. The Pushmataha County Historical Society Museum is housed in the historic Frisco Depot. Its collection includes a large wall map from the early 20th century, marking villages, schools, and railway stations that have since disappeared.

Architecture is also part of the local history: Clayton High School Auditorium is a single-story natural-stone building with Art Deco design elements. Together with the stone fish weir and the Choctaw Capitol Building, it shows the variety of historic landmarks in the region.

Routes, Activities, and Events

The Kiamichi Trace is a scenic stretch of U.S. Highway 271 north of Antlers. The route continues near Honobia to Clayton Lake State Park. Rattan is also home to Pine Mountain Park & Trails, a privately operated ATV area covering more than 1,500 acres, with over 60 miles of trails. It offers a different kind of outdoor experience from fishing or water sports.

The Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival has been held for many years over Labor Day weekend on the grounds of the Choctaw Capitol. For specific travel plans, check the event dates. In Antlers, the Deer Festival & Outdoor Show is a wildlife-themed festival that includes a chili competition. Since event programs can change, check dates and program details in advance.

When choosing accommodations, it may help to first consider the experiences that interest you most: forest and wildlife areas, waterways, historic sites, or events. Pushmataha County offers a range of themes to explore, and you can search for a hotel to suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Antlers, Kiowa County, Grady County, Latimer County, Okfuskee County, Pawnee County, Tulsa, Kay County

For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.