To learn how and why to visit Broken Bow, Oklahoma, in the spring, plus what to do when you arrive, read on for a traveler’s guide to spring in Broken Bow. No matter what kind of activities you prefer, you’ll have more than enough entertainment to fill those longer spring days.
As you plan your next getaway, make sure to book your stay with the Bear Cabins in Broken Bow. After spending a night or two in one of our comfortable cabins, you might just want to stick around all spring long.
About Broken Bow as a Spring Destination
Located in southeastern Oklahoma at the foot of the Kiamichi Mountains, Broken Bow is a small city with big character. Home to restaurants, museums, and even a handful of nightlife hangouts, Broken Bow has dozens of different things to do and see within city limits.
That being said, it’s best known as the gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, a popular location for boating, fishing, and simply relaxing that’s just 20 minutes away from town. Surrounded by dense forests and gorgeous Oklahoma scenery, Beavers Bend provides excellent opportunities for R&R all year round. But there are few better times to visit than spring when rainfall has swelled the streams, temperatures are beginning to warm, and new foliage has started to appear.
Getting There and Around
Let’s start with the basics: how to reach your Broken Bow cabin rental. The nearest major airports to Broken Bow are the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and the Little Rock Airport, both just over three hours from Broken Bow. You can also fly into Shreveport or Texarkana, which are slightly closer but receive fewer commercial flights and can be more expensive.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll need to pick up a rental car as soon as you arrive. Public transportation is limited to nonexistent in this part of the country, and even when you reach Broken Bow, almost all destinations will be too spread out to reach on foot or bicycle. Having your own car guarantees you reliable transportation both to and around Broken Bow.
Spring Weather in Broken Bow
Summers in Broken Bow can be very hot and dry, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winters can see temps drop into the 30s and 40s. But between the spring months of March and May, you can visit without worrying about being too hot or too cold.
Though the weather can shift rapidly, temperatures generally range between lows in the 40s and 50s and highs in the 60s and 80s. On warmer spring days, you can even spend time on Broken Bow Lake without all the summertime crowds.
Late spring marks the rainy season for Broken Bow, so if you’re planning to visit during April or May, pack a coat for unexpected showers and thunderstorms. These can strike at any moment during this time of year, though they typically don’t last very long.
If you plan to hike or explore the outdoors, bring a pair of good shoes with mud-worthy traction. And, finally, anyone who hopes to spend some time on the water should throw a bathing suit, sunscreen, and water shoes in their suitcase, just in case you decide to take a dip in Broken Bow Lake.
What to Do in Broken Bow in the Spring
You’ll find countless things to do in Broken Bow in the spring. Early in the season, it may be a bit too chilly to float the rivers and swim in the lakes, but temperatures will warm rapidly. Take a look at the Broken Bow weather forecast before you depart so you can plan your activities accordingly, though you should be aware that the weather at this time of year can change frequently.
Soak Up Nature
As for sights, you’ll be able to spot leafy foliage emerging earlier in the season, as well as an assortment of beautiful wildflowers. Plus, spring is a great time for potential wildlife viewing in Broken Bow. Animals like white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional black bear are often out and about, enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures just like you are.
Go Fly Fishing
Surrounded by trout and bass-filled waterways, Broken Bow is a paradise for fly fishing. You can cast a line on the Lower Mountain Fork River or out on Broken Bow Lake, but there are several other creeks and streams nearby where you stand a good chance of getting a bite.
If you’d prefer to leave the trip planning to the professionals, book a guided fly fishing tour or go with experienced local fishing guides. They’ll have all the necessary equipment and expertise to start hooking and reeling ‘em in.
Take a Hike
Beavers Bend State Park is filled with hiking trails that range from short, relaxed strolls to lengthy treks. For a quick jaunt, hikers love the popular Friends Trail Loop or the natural beauty of the Tree Trail, both of which clock in at just over a mile in total length.
If you’d like to spend a bit more time out on the trails, you can catch stunning views and a rigorous workout along the 8.6-mile-long Skyline Trail. You may want to skip this one if you’re visiting after a heavy rainfall, though, since the hike requires multiple water crossings that could become hazardous.
Raise a Glass at Local Wineries and Breweries
If you want to toast your visit to Broken Bow, you can pull up a barstool (or comfy armchair, as the case may be) at several wineries and breweries in the area.
Located in Broken Bow and neighboring Hochatown, Fish Tales Winery, Knotted Rope Winery, Girls Gone Wine, and Wild Horse all pour a variety of local wines. Some even sell bottles that you can bring back to your rental cabin.
Beer aficionados, meanwhile, can sip a pint or two at Hochatown’s Beavers Bend Brewery or in Broken Bow at the Mountain Fork Brewery. All of these ‘drinkeries’ are especially good choices for cool spring evenings when you’re looking to warm up indoors or on a heated patio.
Hop on a Horse
Want a unique way to explore the Broken Bow area? Take a scenic horseback ride with Riverman Trail Rides, located a short drive outside the town proper.
Experienced trail guides will show you the ropes on either one- or two-hour-long horseback rides so you can take in the fresh air and views of the River Valley without breaking a sweat. If you’re visiting Broken Bow with that special someone, consider booking a Sweetheart Ride, which includes some private time around a campfire with wine and cheese.
Fly Down a Zipline
If you’re seeking a little more excitement during your trip to Broken Bow, there is no more quintessential outdoor activity in Broken Bow than a zipline tour from Rugaru Adventures will deliver one heck of an adrenaline rush.
Over the course of six ziplines and more than half a mile in the air, you’ll soar through the forest canopy and get to see just a bit of what makes this part of the country so special.
Certified, trained guides will be on hand to guarantee your safety and security. Rugaru Adventures offers zipline tours year-round, but if you visit during spring, you’ll get to fly past fresh greenery and soak up some cool mountain breezes along the way.
Plan Your Springtime Visit to Broken Bow
If you’re ready to organize your spring break trip or family vacation, look no further than Broken Bow. You can put the finishing touches on those travel plans by booking a stay with the Bear Cabins in Broken Bow. Our fully updated, charming luxury cabins are just a few minutes drive away from all of that springtime fun.