What is There to do in Atoka, OK?

Atoka, OK is centrally located to dozens of recreation destinations throughout southeast Oklahoma. Fishing, hunting, hiking, off-roading are popular outdoor activities. But indoor activities include museums, casinos, and shows.

Here is a list of recreation destinations close to Atoka, OK…

Inside Atoka

Downtown Atoka – Home to the most talked-about restaurant in Oklahoma, Reba’s Place, a combination steak house and concert venue, featuring local musicians and locally-raised beef. Even Reba McIntyre herself is known to make an appearance here. Walk through downtown and peruse the shops, and stop by at the Atoka Chamber of Commerce office to get a visitors guide.

Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery

• Address: 2902 North Highway 69, Atoka, OK 74525
• Description: This museum offers a deep dive into the history of Atoka County, including exhibits on the Civil War, Choctaw removal, and local heritage. The adjacent cemetery contains graves of Confederate soldiers who perished during the Civil War.

Atoka Lake – Atoka Lake, located just north of the town, is a 5,900-acre lake surrounded by forested shoreline. It offers facilities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping. This serene spot is ideal for a peaceful day out in nature or a family picnic.

State Parks

Beavers Bend State Park – One of the top state parks in Oklahoma, about two hours from Atoka, Beavers Bend State Park is a popular destination known for its natural beauty and recreational activities. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and cabin rentals. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend getaway to enjoy the outdoors. The nearby town of Hochatown offers great dining options and numerous Airbnb cabin rentals.

McGee Creek State Park – Located about 20 minutes from Atoka, McGee Creek State Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities amidst the scenic Ouachita Mountains. The 2,600-acre park features the McGee Creek Reservoir, perfect for water sports and relaxation in nature.

Robbers Cave State Park – About 90 minutes from Atoka, Robbers Cave State Park is famous for its historical outlaw hideouts and offers a variety of outdoor activities. The park features hiking, rappelling, fishing, and horseback riding. It’s a great destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Hugo Lake State Park – Approximately an hour and a half from Atoka, Hugo Lake State Park offers boating, fishing, and camping. The park’s serene environment and extensive lake shorelines make it an ideal location for water-based recreation and relaxation.

Ouachita National Forest

Talimena National Scenic Byway – A bit further afield, but still within a couple of hours’ drive, the Talimena Scenic Drive offers one of the most beautiful road trips in the region. This scenic byway runs through the Ouachita National Forest and provides stunning views, particularly during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. There are numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and campsites along the way.

Town of Talihina – Stop into the town of Talihina and visit antique shops and get a bite to eat at one of Oklahoma’s favorite restaurants, “Pam’s Diner”.

National Wildlife Refuges

Tishomingo NWR – One of the top destinations in the United States for wildlife photographers seeking to capture waterfowl native to the Southern Plains. There is a background camping here and numerous hiking trails. Completely free to enter, camp, and hike.

Choctaw Nation

Choctaw Casino & Resort – For those looking for some entertainment, the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is about an hour’s drive from Atoka. The resort offers gaming, concerts, dining, and a range of other entertainment options, making it a fun destination for adults.

Choctaw Nation Museum

• Address: Council House Rd, Tuskahoma, OK 74574
• Description: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of the Choctaw Nation. Visitors can explore artifacts, documents, and exhibits detailing the heritage and contributions of the Choctaw people.

Choctaw Cultural Center

• Address: 1919 Hina Hanta Way, Calera, OK 74730
• Description: Located in Calera, approximately 45 minutes from Atoka, the Choctaw Cultural Center is a premier destination dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture, history, and traditions of the Choctaw Nation. The center features interactive exhibits, cultural demonstrations, art galleries, and educational programs that highlight the rich heritage of the Choctaw people. Visitors can learn about the Choctaw language, traditional crafts, and historical events that shaped the Choctaw Nation.

Other Museums

Coal County Historical & Mining Museum

• Address: 118 S Broadway St, Coalgate, OK 74538
• Description: The Coal County Historical & Mining Museum, often referred to as the Coal Miners Museum, is located in Coalgate, about 30 minutes from Atoka. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of coal mining in the region. It houses a variety of mining tools, models, historic photographs, and area artifacts. One of the highlights is a replica coal mine that visitors can walk through, providing a hands-on experience of what it was like to work in the mines. The museum also includes exhibits on prominent citizens, military history, and a collection of historical documents and records.
• Exhibits: Visitors can explore a model working mine, mining tools, antique children’s items, military uniforms, and medical instruments from a pioneer doctor. The museum also offers a research room with access to old courthouse ledgers, WPA Census records, and other historical documents.

Indian Territory Museum

• Address: Buffalo St & W Main St, Caddo, OK 74729
• Description: Located in Caddo, about 30 minutes from Atoka, the Indian Territory Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area during the Indian Territory period before Oklahoma achieved statehood. The museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate the life and times of the people who lived in the region. Exhibits cover a range of topics, including Native American heritage, early settlers, and significant events that shaped the development of the Indian Territory.
• Highlights: The museum is located in a historic building and offers a glimpse into the past with its well-curated exhibits. Visitors can learn about the local history and the various cultural influences that have shaped the region.

Semple Family Museum of Native American Art

• Address: 425 University Blvd, Durant, OK 74701
• Description: Located on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, about 45 minutes from Atoka, the Semple Family Museum of Native American Art houses an extensive collection of Native American art. The museum represents 26 federally recognized tribes and features works from over 80 artists. It serves as a permanent home for the university’s Native American art collection and provides a meaningful place for inspiration and education about Native American culture and heritage.
• Highlights: The museum offers a wide variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts. It aims to educate visitors about the diverse cultures and histories of Native American tribes through its exhibits and programs.

Frisco Depot Museum

• Address: 307 N B St, Hugo, OK 74743
• Description: Located in Hugo, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Atoka, the Frisco Depot Museum is housed in a historic train depot and offers a fascinating look into the history of the railroad and its impact on the region. The museum features exhibits on the Frisco Railroad, local history, and the role of the railway in the development of southeastern Oklahoma. Visitors can explore historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate the rich heritage of Hugo and the surrounding area.
• Highlights: The museum includes a variety of exhibits related to the Frisco Railroad, local businesses, and notable historical figures from the area. The depot itself is a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture and serves as a historical landmark in Hugo.