Tucked between the Ouachita Mountains and the Kiamichi Mountains, the City of Broken Bow is undeniably one of Oklahoma’s hidden gems. From the beautiful views to the abundance of activities, Broken Bow is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream location. Spend your days hiking or kayaking, and then head home to a charming vacation rental that lets you admire the city’s beauty from your front door.
There are so many ways to experience this breathtaking place, and it all starts right here in Downtown Broken Bow. Plan your trip with this guide on when to book your vacation rental, where to dine, and what to do!
Best Time to Visit Broken Bow
There are plenty of things to do in Broken Bow all year round, but if there are certain activities that you find yourself drawn to, you might lean towards one season versus another.
For example, while the summer months see warmer weather, this is a great time to partake in water-based activities like boating and kayaking.
During the winter months, highs average about 55° with lows in the 30s. This isn’t the best time to hang on the water, but it’s a great place for people looking to escape colder winter temperatures back home! You can spend your days exploring the shops of Downtown Broken Bow and cozying up in your adorable rustic vacation cabin.
Luckily, both spring and fall offer perfect temperatures ranging from about 70° to 80°, so if you are looking to make the most of your outdoor adventures, this is the sweet spot in Broken Bow!
Seasonal Packing List
Summer
- Bug Spray
- Bathing Suit
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Fall
- Hiking boots
- Layers
- Shorts and tanks (For those hot days)
- Camera (For fall colors!)
Winter
- Jacket
- Beanie and gloves
- Cozy attire
- Layers
Spring
- Rain Coat
- Bug Spray
- Layers
- Hiking Boots (That you don’t mind getting muddy)
Where to Stay in Broken Bow
One of the hardest parts about planning a weekend getaway is deciding where you will rest your head at night but it doesn’t have to be. Pick a place that makes you feel at home. A place that you look forward to coming back to at the end of the day.
At Bear Cabins, there is a home for everyone. Relax in your private hot tub after a day of adventure or start your day with a cup of coffee and a breathtaking view from your back patio. From fireplaces to waterfront views, each property at The Bear Cabins is unique but equally inviting.
Where to Eat in Broken Bow
1. Rogue Local
- Address: 107 N Main St, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: facebook.com/roguelocal580
When in Broken Bow, do as the locals do and go to Rogue Local! Besides, who wouldn’t want to devour a delicious steak or a bourbon Dallas BBQ gator skewer after a fun-filled day on the water? Sporting a unique meat and seafood menu, Rogue Local is the place you go if you want to discover a new favorite. Just don’t miss out on the dessert!
2. Brick and Bread
- Address: 201 N Main St Suite 3, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: brickandbread.com
If you are looking for the perfect lunch spot in Downtown Broken Bow, look no further than Brick and Bread. With a variety of soups, salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches made from scratch, this fan-favorite restaurant prides itself on providing the freshest meal possible and you can taste it with every bite. Enjoy a meal here and be ready to back on the trails in no time!
3. Papa Poblanos Broken Bow
- Address: 304 N Park Dr, Broken Bow, OK
- Website: papapoblanosbrokenbow.com
After a day of adventure, nothing will cure your hunger like one of the massive servings from Papa Poblanos! Offering up some of the best Mexican food in the state, Papa Poblanos doesn’t mess around with your food. With quick service, countless options, and servings that are guaranteed to end with a to-go box, Papa Poblanos is never a bad choice.
Top Things to Do in Broken Bow
1. Shop ‘Till You Drop
Nothing screams small-town charm like a historic main street, and Downtown Broken Bow hits the mark! Flooded with local boutiques and family-owned restaurants, a stroll down Main Street is a must during every visit to this cozy city. As you browse the shops, the friendly locals will make you feel right at home. Just don’t be surprised if you walk away with a couple of candles from Shabby Shack and a vintage find from Broknbo Vintage Market.
2. Enjoy All Things Outdoors
After you have gotten your shopping fix, it’s time to take a short drive to Beavers Bend State Park! This gem of a park has something for everyone from hiking trails to watersport opportunities to even a golf course! Spend your day on or around Broken Bow Lake as you enjoy all that this outdoor mecca has to offer. You’ll notice that this is a place where all types of outdoor enthusiasts come together. From bird watchers to boaters, Beavers Bend is a haven for all!
Looking for something a bit more adventurous? Rent a kayak and head out on your own (or with a guide) for an exhilarating afternoon on the Lower Mountain Fork River!
3. Museum Hop
There is no better way to learn about a town’s history than by exploring its museums and the Broken Bow area has a few to choose from! Visit the Gardner Mansion and Museum to learn about local history. This was once the home of the Chief of the Choctaws and provides insight into the lives of Native Americans after the Trail of Tears. Then, head to Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum to learn about the many native animals that once called this place home.
Want a deeper dive? Head to the nearby town of Idabel to visit the Museum of the Red River, where you can dive into the regional archaeology it has featured since 1975.
4. Explore Nightlife Scene
While the nightlife scene might not be what Broken Bow is known for, the neighboring town of Hochatown is a different story. Home to the Hochatown Saloon, this lively bar and nightclub is the place to be for partygoers.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the saloon clears out of all its tables and transforms into a dancefloor. Buy your tickets online or at the door, but expect to be a part of a true hoedown! You’ll see plenty of cowboys and cowgirls hitting the dancefloor so there is no shame in bringing your cowboy boots and hat to this event. In fact, it’s encouraged!
While in Hochatown, be sure to check out some of the town’s other highlights like the famed Hochatime gift shop and the delicious Grateful Head Pizza.
Seasonal Events in Broken Bow
Downtown Broken Bow always has something exciting happening! Check out the Chamber of Commerce for the most up to date indormaion about upcoming events.
One of the most popular events is the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show, which features a variety of vendors, music, and animals every November!
Another nearby gem in the town of Idabel is the Dogwood Days Festival. This spring festival feels like multiple events in one, with a beauty pageant, live music, food trucks, a car show, a crawfish boil, a chicken cook-off, a street dance, and more!
Stay in Broken Bown
Located amongst the mountains in Southeastern Oklahoma, the Broken Bow area is a gift that keeps on giving! With countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, a variety of shops and restaurants, plenty of cozy vacation rentals, and an overall small-town feel, a getaway to Broken Bow is sure to have you feeling rejuvenated! The only thing left to do is book your trip!
