Grand Central itineraries are crafted to highlight noteworthy places and hidden gems. As the leaves turn burnished red and gold and the crowds thin out, it’s the perfect time for a getaway. And as autumn ushers in the holidays, these destinations continue to welcome groups.
Beavers Bend State Park in eastern Oklahoma shines when the air turns crisp and the rolling mountains put on their seasonal show. Autumn’s pageantry is also evident on a nostalgic journey aboard the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. And near Hugo, Oklahoma, groups can attend the first fall festival of the Endangered Ark Foundation, which works to preserve the future of Asian elephants.
For holiday treats, the Strawberry Hill Povitica Company in Kansas City gives groups a chance to see how an Eastern European bread is made and to sample its many variations. And holiday creativity flourishes at the Hallmark Visitor Center, which showcases the artistry that has fueled the nation’s largest social expression company for more than 100 years.
Beavers Bend State Park
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
As summer slips into autumn, the maple, sycamore and sweet gum trees of Beavers Bend State Park bring on their showy colors. It’s an excellent time for fly-fishing on the Lower Mountain Fork River, canoeing, paddleboating and kayaking. On land, choices include the challenging Cedar Creek golf course, hiking more than 15 miles of trails, miniature golf and horseback riding.
Hayrides take people through the river bend area and over the dam for views of Broken Bow Lake. Eagle watches are held November through February. During those months, a naturalist takes people down to the Mountain Fork River to view the eagles.
In November, the Forest Heritage Center Museum hosts one of Oklahoma’s most popular autumn events. The Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show highlights late-19th- and early-20th-century arts and crafts. Approximately 70 exhibitors and vendors feature skills like candle-making, wood turning, lye soap-making and quilting. Herbalists share their knowledge, instrument-makers exhibit their work, and quilters show their creations. Folk musicians entertain on an outdoor stage. Dulcimer workshops are offered each day in the courtyard.
“These are true craftsmen from Arkansas and the surrounding states,” said park manager Jim Miller. “Some even dress up in the era of the craft that they’re making.”
The park’s Forest Heritage Center Museum houses historical documents, antique forestry tools, chainsaw carvings and homestead memorabilia. Large dioramas painted by Harry Rossoll, who created Smokey Bear, illustrate prehistoric forests, the Caddo Indians, 1940s lumberjacking and more. A taped narration accompanies each diorama.
“The museum recounts the history of forestry in southeast Oklahoma,” said Miller. “It surprises many people that this area is all mountains and timber. It’s not what they think of Oklahoma.”
A short walk from the center, rustic Beavers Bend Restaurant offers outdoor dining overlooking the river. At the nearby Stephens Gap area of Beavers Bend State Park, Lakeview Lodge’s 40 rooms include private decks overlooking the water. In the main Beavers Bend area, numerous riverfront cabins offer gorgeous views and eagle-watching from their decks.
