Nestled between the Ouachita and Kimichi Mountains, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is a nature lover’s paradise. With two state parks, several lakes, creeks, and a river, there is no shortage of outdoor adventure to be found here.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to hit the trails or a fun family vacation filled with excitement, Broken Bow offers the best of both worlds.
No matter what is on your vacation agenda, you’re sure to find it in Broken Bow. So get started planning your next epic adventure with this list of fun and exciting things to do in Brown Bow.
Rent the perfect cabin
There’s so much to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma; you’re going to want to get a cabin and settle in for a few days. Local cabins are stocked with amenities and provide all the comforts of home.
You’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty and wilderness of the area in your own backyard. Many cabins are available with private decks overlooking the forests; some even have fire pits that are perfect for roasting S’mores. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Explore the local state parks
You’ll find plenty of ways to explore the wilderness of Broken Bow in its surrounding state parks.
The Ouachita National Forest is located in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. It spans almost 1.8 million acres and is home to the majestic Ouachita Mountains.
The forests’ wild and undisturbed landscape is adorned with many scenic hiking trails. You’ll trek alongside crystal-clear streams and beneath a canopy of towering pines and oaks. This park is also home to several peaceful and picturesque waterfalls that are the perfect rest stop after a day on the trails.
Beavers Bend State Park is located in the foothills of the Kiamichi mountains. In the center of the park, you’ll find Broken Bow Lake, which draws many visitors daily. Additionally, you’ll discover numerous hiking trails winding through the forest, which allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
The park also includes several biking trails with a range of terrain and difficulty. Horseback riding is also available in the park.
Explore Broken Bow’s rivers and lakes
Broken Bow is the perfect retreat for those who enjoy water activities. You’ll find no shortage of aquatic adventures here, from water sports to fly fishing. Broken Bow Lake, Mountain Fork River, and Glover River all host a variety of water activities and tours.
Watersports Rentals
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If you want to get out on the water, you have tons of rental options. You’ll find places to rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. Many kayak rental outfitters offer guided tours. You’ll find some Class II rapids on the Lower Mountain Fork River, and some even say a trip can be reminiscent of a white water rafting experience when the water levels are right.
If you want to rent a larger boat, Bandits ATV and Boat Rentals offers pontoon boats and other boats more suitable for larger groups. They also rent ATVs if you want to enjoy some off-road adventures.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can rent a jet ski at Beavers Bend Marina. This area is also known for some of the best catfish fishing in the Broken Bow area.
Fishing
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If you’re looking to reel in some fish, you’ll want to check out the Glover River, which is home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in Oklahoma. You can also hire a fishing guide who specializes in trout fishing and can guide you to your greatest catch yet!
Party Boat Tours
If you’re traveling with a group and want to have an adult adventure on the water, be sure to check out Tiki Boat Tours. You’ll find options for party boats where you can enjoy an adult beverage while listening to live music or scenic, slower-paced rides where you can take in the sites and learn more about the area.
Plan the ultimate family fun day in Hochatown
Planning a day of family fun around nearby Hochatown (just 15 minutes north) is easy. You’ll find tons of adventures perfect for family members of all ages!
Beavers Bend Mining Company
Beavers Bend Mining Company is a unique excursion where you can pan for gold and gemstones. They offer several different mining options allowing you to choose your own adventure. In addition to gem mining, this spot also offers pirate adventures, mini golf, and even a dinosaur fossil dig.
Hochatown Petting Zoo
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Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to Hochatown Petting Zoo. This family-friendly attraction lets you interact with a wide variety of animals. While many of the animals you’ll find in the petting zoo are barnyard animals, you’ll also find exotic species, as this location also serves as a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Hochatown Escape Games
If you’re looking for an experience to stimulate your mind, you may want to pay a visit to Hochatown Escape Games. This local chain offers six differently themed escape rooms between their three locations. Hochatown Escape Games also offers a scavenger hunt open and even the opportunity to throw axes at their Stevens Gap Road location.
Maze of Hochatown
For an experience you won’t likely encounter anywhere else, pay a visit to the Maze of Hochatown. Built in 2019, this 29,000-square-foot wooden maze is full of twists and turns. You’ll climb stairways and towers, all the while searching for hidden stamps and attempting escape.
Test your luck
Traveling with adult family members? Be sure to check out Choctaw Casino in Broken Bow.
You can take a spin with one of their many slot games or try your hand at a table game. Live entertainment is occasionally offered at this location, and you’ll find no shortage of delicious food and drinks at the Reel em’ In Cafe!
Visit the local museums
If educational and cultural experiences are on the agenda, you’ll find plenty of museums to explore in the Broken Bend Area.
Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum
Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum is located just a few miles from Beavers Bend State Park. This museum offers immersive wildlife dioramas that feel like a walk in the forest where you encounter wild animals. Viewing the taxidermy room, you can also witness the process through which these scenes are brought to life.
Forest Heritage Center Museum
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The Forest Heritage Center Museum is a unique educational experience in Broken Bow. Located inside Beavers Bend State Park, this museum features large dioramas and displays painted by the same artist who was one of the creators of the infamous “Smokey Bear.” These educational exhibits primarily focus on forestry and the history of the area.
Museum of the Red River
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The Museum of the Red River is located just a short drive from Broken Bow. This fascinating museum is full of art and architecture exhibits. You’ll even see a real fossil of the Acrocanthosaurus atokensis. This giant skeleton was found in Oklahoma and later named the Oklahoma State Dinosaur. Best of all, admission to this unique museum is free!
Go horseback riding
Outdoor enthusiasts will have no shortage of adventure opportunities in Broken Bow. From horseback riding to flying through the forest on a zipline, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking to experience the Ouachita Mountains by horseback riding, be sure to check out Rivermen Trail Rides. You can ride along the banks of the Glover River, enjoying nature in its purest form.
For a unique experience, visit Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides for a scenic train ride through Beavers Bend game preserve. You’ll spot lots of native wildlife along the ride. Afterward, you can go horseback riding around Beavers Bend Loop.
Zipline through the forest canopy
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If soaring through the forests on a zipline is on your Broken Bow bucket list, be sure to plan a stop at Rugaru Adventures. Trained guides will take you over six lines covering half a mile of breathtaking terrain. They also offer another unique way to explore the forests, in a Swincar. These sporty vehicles are all-electric, all-terrain, and so much fun to drive!
Grab a go-kart
Looking for a driving adventure where your kids can take the wheel? Be sure to check out Bigfoot Speedway in nearby Hochatown. Kids as tall as 55” can drive their own go-kart. The Speedway also offers a Virtual Reality Roller Coaster experience as well as a 360-degree experience.
Grab a drink at a local brewery or winery
Broken Bow has no shortage of places to enjoy an adult beverage. Whether your choice of drink is a cold brew, a glass of Pinot, or a stiff drink, you’ll find it here.
Grab a drink at Beavers Bend Brewery and enjoy one of their seasonal brews in the tap room. Visitors can even purchase refillable bottles and growlers to take home and enjoy.
If wine is more your style, you’ll want to stop by Girls Gone Wine. Here you’ll find a tasting room full of a wide variety of delicious wines and a cute gift shop with lots of fun finds.
Mountain Fork Brewery is a local brewery that believes that good beer comes from good sources. All of the water in their beer comes from the Mountain Fork River. They have a variety of different ales and IPAs
Fish Tales Winery & Bistro offers a wide assortment of wines, including some delicious muscadine wine varieties. They grow their own grapes in the rich McCurtain County soil and create unique blends for visitors to enjoy. They also have a bistro on-site, offering some great dining options.
If hard liquor is your jam, stop by Hochatown Distilling Company. Their spirit selection includes a variety of Bourbon Whiskey and Vodka. You can schedule a tour of the distillery or enjoy a glass of your choice drink at their speakeasy.
Enjoy some local eats
If you’re hungry after a day of drinking, you’ll find no shortage of delicious food in Broken Bow.
Craving a slice of pizza? Be sure to hit up Grateful Head Pizza. They offer various piping hot hand-tossed pizza pies with an assortment of tasty toppings. You can choose one of their specialty creations or design your own. Either option is sure to be delicious!
You can enjoy live music on the patio while dining at Abendigo’s Grill and Patio. This restaurant is known for their savory southern cooking and laid back atmosphere. Visitors rave about their ribs and campfire brisket tacos. They also have an extensive bar menu to enjoy.
Steven’s Gap Restaurant is another favorite restaurant in the Broken Bow area. This spot offers some down-home southern style cooking and generous portions. Their catfish basket, stuffed with delicious fried catfish and fresh hot fries, is one of their most famous offerings.
If you’re craving something sweet, check out Northside Ice Cream Parlor and grab a couple of scoops of ice cream. Here you’ll find old fashioned hand dipped ice cream. They also have delicious shakes, sundaes, and banana splits.
Broken Bow is the ultimate vacation
Adventure awaits in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Whether you want to lose yourself in a giant maze or speed through the woods in a Swincar, you’ll find no shortage of exciting attractions in this town.
From towering mountains to trek to babbling brooks to fly fish in, the landscape in this southern city is wild and abundant. Don’t wait! Let The Bear Cabins take care of your luxe cabin rental in the woods and escape from the grind of daily life in the mountains of Broken Bow.
