A Traveler’s Guide to Fall in Broken Bow

Broken Bow, Oklahoma, attracts travelers craving a breath of fresh air and tranquility to break up life’s hustle and bustle. This small town has a population of just over 4,000, yet it’s become a coveted tourist destination for its wildlife, fishing, gorgeous forests, and nature.

Here at The Bear Cabins, we welcome guests to our Broken Bow luxury cabins any time of the year. But one of the best times to visit Broken Bow has to be fall.

Close your eyes and imagine indulgent shades of crimson-orange trees, warm, delectable scents of pecan pie, and never-ending nature adventures without the scorching sun of the Southern summer heat.

It’s fall in Broken Bow — let’s make sure you make the most of it with this guide.

Fall Weather in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Photo Credit: Matthew Holdridge

Who says summer’s the only time to soak up some sun? That’s definitely not the case here in Broken Bow, where the fall brings out the stunning natural beauty of our landscapes.

September

September average temperatures still reach highs of 87°F, which means you can get your tan going on one of our properties’ expansive decks or yards! Crack open a brew and spread out on one of our Muskoka chairs on the pond shoreline, which sleeps up to 19! Nighttime gets a touch chillier, hitting a low of 64°F in September.

October

October cools down quite a bit with daily highs of 77°F and lows of 52°F. You’ll definitely need layers for those twilight strolls or nights out on the town.

November

And if you travel in November? Daytime highs of 66° F offer refreshing breezes and sweater weather, but you’ll need to bundle up at night, as daily lows can dip as low as 42°F.

Things to Do During Fall in Broken Bow

Wondering how to pass the time on your fall vacation? From Oklahoma fall foliage to country music and southern cooking, you’ll have no shortage of things to do on your getaway.

We’ve been around the area for years — here are our favorite fall activities in Broken Bow!

1. Relish Sights of Fall Foliage

Photo Credit: Kit Leong

A fall getaway to Southeastern Oklahoma treats you to gorgeous vistas of colorful flora. Around October, the rich green forests transform into warm shades of vermilion and apricot. Those aren’t peaches and fruits; they’re just the leaves signaling Mother Nature’s transition to fall.

The good news? You have a ton of clear lookout spots to catch the best views of Broken Bow’s fall foliage, like:

  • Beavers Bend State Park: Bring a picnic basket or even some meat for a BBQ at this 3,000-acre slice of nature’s paradise. A nice bonus? Admission is completely free!
  • Broken Bow Lake: Nothing feels quite as tranquil as floating along a calm, serene body of water. Rent a canoe or kayak and take in the gorgeous fall views from the middle of Broken Bow Lake.
  • Talimena National Scenic Byway: Sometimes, you just feel like going for a scenic drive. The Talimena Byway is the perfect 54-mile stretch for it if you crave calm roads and picturesque, orange views of the area’s forests.
  • The Bear Cabins BB: We have a number of Broken Bow properties, all equipped with decks, porches, and balconies with ample furniture space to sit down, spread out, and take in views of the forest foliage.

2. Go Horseback Riding in Beavers Bend State Park

Photo Credit: Sergii Kumer

A stroll through a fall forest is one thing — but a trot on horseback? Now, that’s an intimate experience with the region’s flora and fauna! You can find Beaver Depot & Train Rides within Beavers Bend State Park, where they’ll offer you solo horseback trail rides or ‘doubles’ where you can take your child with you at an extra cost.

But if you prefer a less active experience, you might take the scenic train ride instead, with completely open space in place of windows so you don’t miss a beat. Catch glimpses of eagles, deer, and colorful birds along the way!

Pro Tip: If horses aren’t your thing, there is also excellent fly fishing on the Lower Mountain Fork River inside the park.

3. Enjoy a Cold One at the Mountain Fork Brewery

Photo Credit: Scott Heaney
  • Website: mtforkbrewery.com
  • Address: 89 N Lukfata Trl Rd, Broken Bow, OK
  • What to order: Brick-oven pizza and seasonal beer

Fancy an imperial brown brew? How about a Belgian ale? You’ll find both, plus abundant additional options at the Mountain Fork Brewery.

While we swear by this joint for refreshing and uniquely flavored beers, the whole family will find something they enjoy here. Take the kiddos to the Taproom and treat them to a mouthwatering brick-oven-baked pizza. Weekends are also known for free, family-friendly live music shows from local country artists.

4. Dance at the Hochatown Saloon After a Day Out in Nature

Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
  • Website: hochatownsaloon.com
  • Address: 28 Old Hochatown Rd, Hochatown, OK
  • What to order: Prime Rib

Curious about other hotspots for a brew? We also love the Hochatown Saloon, just a ten-minute drive north of Broken Bow.

There, you’ll find Southern classics like fried okra and mac and cheese, along with a ton of delectable meat options like burgers and prime rib. They also host live music events on certain nights, so be sure to check out their calendar. After 10 pm on a Friday, you better start moving those cowboy boots to the dancefloor!

Fall Events in Broken Bow

Photo Credit: Serenethos

Broken Bow has seasonal events year-round, though fall is a bit slower for the event schedule. One can’t miss event? The Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show in Beavers Bend State Park happens each November. It is the perfect combination of local craftsmanship and the outdoors. This popular event has been running for over 25 years and hosts over 70 vendors.

Fall Packing List for Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Photo Credit: Netrun78

Fall weather in Broken Bow tends to range from swimsuit to sweater weather, depending on the month you visit and the time of day.

Whether you’re just at the tail end of summer in early September or intro to Winter in late November, this packing list will ensure you’re prepared for all weather for your fall getaway to Broken Bow:

  • Hat: Oklahoma is, after all, a southern state. So, even during the Fall season, you can expect long days of sunshine. Wear a visor or cap to protect your scalp and shield your eyes from the sun.
  • Sunscreen: Necessary and self-explanatory!
  • Layers: September afternoons can feel quite warm, but October and November evenings get real chilly if you don’t have the right apparel. Layers help you feel prepared for any shade of fall weather.
  • Shorts: You’ll want to stay cool during your daytime strolls through hiking trails and shorelines, so a pair of shorts is a must.
  • Bug spray: Mosquitos come out at night, especially near bodies of water — keep ‘em away with a little repellent spray.
  • Backpack: Hikers, listen up! Beavers Bend State Park spans over 3,000 acres, so you’ll want to bring a few essentials in a backpack to stay hydrated and healthy. We recommend carrying a snack bar, water, and a camera for vacation photos!

As for towels, bedding, and kitchen utensils? Don’t worry about any of that. The Bear Cabins here in Broken Bow have you covered with endless amenities, including BBQ, fire pits, coffee machines, high-speed internet access, first aid kits, and more.

Where to Stay on a Fall Getaway to Broken Bow

Broken Bow is a mesmerizing experience of forests, water, and good Southern food that burst with character and beauty in the Fall season. You can avoid the summer crowds and steaming-hot sun of the high season and instead relish a breath of fresh air and tranquility in the fall.

Take in gorgeous sights of the fall foliage on horseback, or sit back and enjoy Mother Nature from the comfort and privacy of our luxury cabin rentals.

Ready for a fall getaway you’ll never forget? Book your Broken Bow cabin today!