While the Broken Bow/Hochatown area is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, there are indoor attractions that stand out as well. About thirty minutes south in Idabel, Oklahoma, sits one of the region’s most underrated attractions: the Museum of the Red River. Whether you are traveling with curious kids, history buffs, or anyone who enjoys a change of pace between outdoor adventures, this museum makes for a memorable stop on your next getaway to Southeastern Oklahoma.
A Little Bit of Everything at the Museum of the Red River
What makes the Museum of the Red River special is just how much ground it covers under one roof. Established in 1974, the museum has spent decades building one of the largest cultural collections within a 150-mile radius, and it shows. You will find more than 30,000 objects spanning prehistoric to contemporary times, with a strong focus on Native American contributions to art and culture.
Plains Indian garments, Southwestern Pueblo ceramics, and a deep collection of Precolumbian Middle and South American artifacts sit alongside rotating exhibits and pieces from Africa, East Asia, and the South Pacific. It is a genuinely global experience tucked into a small Oklahoma town, and there is enough variety that every member of the family tends to find something that catches their interest.
Home to Oklahoma’s State Dinosaur
Of all the museum’s holdings, one exhibit tends to steal the show. The Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, the official state dinosaur of Oklahoma, is on display as a full-size cast nearly fourteen feet tall and 40 feet long. This 110 million-year-old fossil was discovered less than ten miles from the museum, and the towering display is a favorite photo spot for families.
Planning Your Visit
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. One of the best things about the Museum of the Red River is that admission is always free. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts special events, including the dinosaur-themed Acrofest each spring, so it is worth checking their calendar before you go.
Stay Close With Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins
A day trip to the Museum of the Red River pairs perfectly with a relaxing stay back at your cabin. At Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins, our rentals in Broken Bow/Hochatown put you close to the area’s best attractions while giving you amazing amenities, like private hot tubs, full kitchens, firepits, and plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you are planning a family trip, a weekend with friends, or a quiet couples retreat, we have a cabin ready to be your home base.
Browse our collection of cabin rentals and book your stay online, or give us a call at 580-494-3400 to start planning your Broken Bow/Hochatown adventure today.
