Heavener is a small, rural destination in the mountains of Oklahoma
Heavener is a small community on the eastern edge of Oklahoma. This LeFlore County destination of about 3,000 is 12 miles from Poteau, the county seat, and 40 miles from Fort Smith, Arkansas, the closest major city. Poultry processing plants anchor a manufacturing-based economy. The city also draws tourists to the Heavener Runestone, a featured community attraction believed to be a Viking artifact. Residents enjoy a laid-back setting with access to small-town amenities that include parks, schools, shopping and dining. “Heavener is a real rural town, but it’s beautiful,” says Don Johnston of Team Town and Country Realty in Fort Smith, who lives in Poteau. “It’s at the foothills of the Ouachita National Forest. It’s really pretty.”
Country living outside of town
Housing options range from older homes in a variety of shapes and sizes to midcentury designs on more spacious lots. Prices range from around $50,000 to about $300,000. Ranch-style homes mingle with the older homes, which include bungalows, and they are prominent in smaller subdivision settings on the outskirts of the community. Streets are not designed to be walkable and get hillier heading out of town, where acreage homes are a popular option. “Homes on a couple of acres outside the city limits, they sell really well. Basically country living,” Johnston says. Residents can expect hot, humid summers and moderate to cold winters. Snow is possible, but not common. Oklahoma is known for its tornadic activity, but the area hasn’t been affected by a major hurricane since 2013, and that one hit Moore, about 200 miles away.
Runestone Park features a community attraction, hosts Viking Festival
The runestone, estimated to date between 800 and 600 A.D., is the centerpiece of a 55-acre park. In addition to what is believed to be a Viking boundary maker, the park offers several camping and picnicking sites, and visitors can enjoy picturesque attractions such as hiking trails, a scenic overlook and a waterfall. Other amenities include an amphitheater, playground, event center and gift shop. The Viking Festival, a two-day signature event, is held at the park each October. Heavener Blues Park is a traditional community gathering space that offers children’s playscapes and athletic fields for organized youth activities. Lake Wister State Park is a nearby destination that anchors a sprawling recreational area. “There’s a waterfowl refuge there, and good fishing, good boating,” Johnston says. The Poteau River just outside the community offers additional rural recreation.
Community bonds over school sports
The community has its own school district. Heavener Public Schools is rated C-plus by Niche. Heavener Elementary is a C-rated school that serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Heavener High School is rated C-plus. The schools are adjacent to each other. Like many small towns in the South, the community bonds over school sports, and Heavener loves its Wolves. A preseason high school football scrimmage is the highlight of a community pep rally. “The schools are probably holding the town together,” Johnston says. Oklahoma offers the opportunity to transfer out of district, but acceptance is dependent upon the receiving district and can be affected by several factors, including enrollment limits.
Southern Belle Restaurant is a train-themed attraction
Grocery stores and businesses that offer a variety of goods and services are concentrated along a commercial corridor that runs through the heart of town. Southern Belle Restaurant, housed in a 1905 train car, is a featured dining destination. “It’s really good food,” Johnston says. Mexican eateries and fast-food chains are other options. More shopping and dining options can be found in Poteau.
Easy access to Poteau, nearby hospital
U.S. Route 59 provides travel to larger destinations north of the community, including a direct route to Poteau, home to Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center. Fort Smith, the region’s economic and cultural hub, is about 40 miles away. Fort Smith Regional Airport is the closest commercial facility. Residents can connect to Interstate 40 and the I-540 bypass in Fort Smith.
Written By
Matt Pallister
