Oklahomans – and visitors from around the world – flock to the Broken Bow area for a day, weekend or longer stay, drawn by the stunning Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park and a variety of nearby attractions. This region is a fantastic family destination, too, with plenty of options for cabin rentals, outdoor adventures, spas and shopping.
The Hochatown Petting Zoo lets visitors interact with animals under the guidance of licensed wildlife rehabilitation experts. Guests can enjoy time with familiar barnyard friends, birds, reptiles and even some exotic species.
For adults, Girls Gone Wine offers a winery, tasting room and gift shop. Dining highlights include Beavers Bend Brewery, Fish Tales Winery and Bistro, Mountain Fork Brewery and Hochatown Distilling Co., which specializes in whiskey. The Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum features interactive animal exhibits, local history and wildlife dioramas.
Karen Brooks, owner of Beavers Bend Mining Co. in Hochatown, describes her spot as more than just a business.
“According to Google, we’re a ‘small amusement park,’ but to me, we’re a mom-and-pop stop with our mining activities and fun for families and singles,” she says. “When you do the mining, you choose a pre-seeded bag with fossils and gem stones, and we show you how to pan in the old way. You’ll walk away with something like a chunk of amethyst, an arrow, shark teeth – it’s all genuine. We’re adding mini golf, pirate scenes and an excavator ride to move some dirt. There’s a lot to pick and choose from, and a two-story gift shop.”
Darcee Shankles, owner of The Maze at Hochatown, runs a massive, multi-level, tower-filled attraction spanning 25,000 square feet.
“People from as far away as Australia and Ireland have tried it out,” Shankles says. “It’s big enough that large amounts of people can go at once so there’s never a wait. There’s always employees in the middle to give you hints or show you the emergency exits.”
Shankles also operates one of the area’s largest draws: Rugaru Adventures in Beavers Bend State Park, offering zipline outdoor adventures for participants weighing between 70 to 250 pounds.
Nestled in the mountainous southeast Oklahoma region along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend State Park spans 3,482 acres of scenic pine and hardwood forests and breathtaking views. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, fish, water ski, join nature center programs, take river float trips, canoe and ride horseback. Trout streams are stocked year-round, with two catch-and-release trophy areas. Mountain Fork River flows from Broken Bow Lake through the park, offering boating, scuba and fishing.
The Broken Bow area boasts a plethora of cabins and cottages for rental and in the park itself, accommodations include 47 cabins, two yurts: “Happy Hearth” and “Bear Tracks” – right by the river, and more than 400 campsites (many with RV hookups) and tent sites.
The Beavers Bend Lodge overlooks Broken Bow Lake, with rooms featuring water views. Additional fun includes an 18-hole round at Cedar Creek Golf Course, exploring the 26-mile David Boren hiking trail, tennis, volleyball, mini-golf, picnic areas, an amphitheater, gift shop, grocery, restaurant, and the Forest Heritage Center.
Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping ziplines, peaceful nature trails or family-friendly mining and mazes, the Broken Bow and Beavers Bend area delivers unforgettable experiences amid Oklahoma’s natural beauty.
