Tourism is up 40% in Southeast Oklahoma, primarily because North Texans are staying closer to home due to high gas prices. Instead of traveling to Colorado or New Mexico, many North Texans are making the short drive to McCurtain County -- the Beavers Bend State Park area -- for weekend getaways and weeklong vacations and doing it on one tank of gas.

Charity O'Donnell, Executive Director, McCurtain County Tourism Authority said, "We have had a great spring and lodging operators are reporting increased bookings for the summer months thanks of our North Texas friends."

She continues, "Southeast Oklahoma -- Broken Bow, OK is the place to go if you and your family want to experience nature at its majestic best. Located in the heart of the Kiamichi Mountains, McCurtain County is home to Broken Bow Lake, Pine Creek Lake, the Mountain Fork, Eagle Fork and Glover Rivers and Beavers Bend State Park -- which is admissions FREE."

"We have kayaking, rafting, canoeing, trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking in pristine forests ... and just kicking back and enjoying a fantastic cabin in the cool mountain pines. There are museums, nature centers, golf, antique shopping ... there is fun, entertainment and wonderful dining for the entire family," concluded Ms. O'Donnell.

In McCurtain County, your weekend getaway can include almost any kind of lodging -- from a rustic cottage to elegantly appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines, as well as unique bed and breakfasts, modern motels and luxury resorts. And it is all less than a 3-hour drive -- one tank of gas -- from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

LIFE Magazine named McCurtain County's Beavers Bend as one of the "100 Places To See In Your Lifetime" and The Dallas Observer voted McCurtain County the "Best Getaway from Dallas."