Sawyer OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sawyer, Oklahoma.
1. The Endangered Ark Foundation
ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER
The Endangered Ark Foundation is a conservation center dedicated to preserving Asian elephants in a sanctuary setting near Sawyer. Visitors can participate in interactive elephant experiences and learn about conservation efforts for this endangered species. The foundation provides a unique opportunity to see retired circus elephants up close in a humane environment.
2. Raymond Gary State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Raymond Gary State Park offers beautiful lakeside recreation with fishing, boating, and camping facilities near Sawyer. The park features scenic views of Lake Raymond Gary with accessible shorelines and picnic areas for day visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy water activities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
3. Showman's Rest and Bull Rider's Reprieve
HISTORIC CIRCUS CEMETERY
Showman's Rest and Bull Rider's Reprieve is a unique cemetery section dedicated to circus performers and rodeo professionals. The cemetery features elaborate headstones and monuments that tell the story of America's traveling circus history. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about the fascinating lives of the performers interred there.
4. Choctaw County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Choctaw County Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region through exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum showcases the area's Native American history, pioneer settlement, and development through the years. Visitors can explore exhibitions that highlight local industries, notable residents, and significant historical events.
5. Hugo Lake State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Hugo Lake State Park encompasses over 16,000 acres of land and water, offering extensive recreational opportunities. The park features camping facilities, boat ramps, fishing piers, and hiking trails for nature lovers. Visitors can spot diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and bald eagles throughout the seasons.
6. Fort Towson Historic Site
19TH CENTURY MILITARY POST
Fort Towson Historic Site preserves the remains of a frontier military post established in 1824. The site includes reconstructed buildings, archaeological remnants, and interpretive displays about military life on the frontier. Visitors can explore the grounds and museum to learn about the fort's role in American westward expansion and relations with Native American tribes.
7. Sawyer's Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Sawyer's Restaurant serves hearty, homestyle meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in traditional American cuisine with Southern influences and locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors appreciate the generous portions, friendly service, and authentic small-town dining experience.
8. Kiamichi Mountains
SCENIC NATURAL BEAUTY
The Kiamichi Mountains offer stunning vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities near Sawyer. The mountain range features diverse ecosystems with hardwood forests, clear streams, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and photography throughout these picturesque highlands.
9. Museum of the Red River
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
The Museum of the Red River houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts and fine art from around the world. The museum is known for its impressive displays of Native American art and cultural items from the surrounding region. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions, participate in educational programs, and view a reconstructed Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur skeleton.
10. Beavers Bend State Park
MOUNTAIN FOREST RETREAT
Beavers Bend State Park offers breathtaking scenery with mountainous terrain, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests. The park provides numerous recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Visitors can enjoy the nature center, restaurant, and various lodging options from cabins to RV sites.
11. Choctaw Casino Resort
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Choctaw Casino Resort provides gaming excitement, live entertainment, and dining options near Sawyer. The resort features slot machines, table games, and a poker room for gaming enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy multiple restaurants, bars, and regular performances by regional and national entertainment acts.
12. Little River National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND CONSERVATION AREA
Little River National Wildlife Refuge preserves over 15,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and wetland habitat. The refuge protects important ecosystems for migratory birds, white-tailed deer, and numerous other wildlife species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife observation areas throughout the protected lands.
13. Hochatown State Park
FAMILY RECREATION DESTINATION
Hochatown State Park offers family-friendly recreation on the shores of Broken Bow Lake. The park features swimming areas, boat rentals, picnic facilities, and hiking trails through scenic woodlands. Visitors can explore nearby attractions including miniature golf, zip lines, and specialty shops in the growing tourism community.
14. Gardner Mansion & Museum
HISTORIC CHOCTAW RESIDENCE
The Gardner Mansion & Museum preserves the historic home of Choctaw Chief Jefferson Gardner built in the late 19th century. The museum houses artifacts and exhibits relating to Choctaw history, culture, and governance in the Indian Territory period. Visitors can tour the restored rooms and learn about the Choctaw Nation's political and cultural heritage.
15. Clayton Lake State Park
FISHING AND CAMPING HAVEN
Clayton Lake State Park offers peaceful surroundings for fishing, camping, and nature appreciation. The park centers around a 80-acre lake known for excellent bass, crappie, and catfish fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails through the pine-covered hills surrounding the lake.