Top Things to Do in Broken Bow & Beavers Bend

Nestled in the foothills of Oklahoma’s Ouachita Mountains, Broken Bow and Beavers Bend are more than just scenic getaways—they’re Oklahoma’s crown jewels for nature lovers, adventurers, families, and romantic couples alike. Whether you’re visiting during the lush green of spring, the vivid foliage of fall, or the quiet calm of winter, the list of things to do in Broken Bow seems endless.

We’ve curated the Top Things to Do in Broken Bow & Beavers Bend in 2025 based on real experiences, local insights, and attractions that never go out of style.

Lake Boating Adventures

Boating is one of the most iconic ways to enjoy Broken Bow Lake. Spanning 14,000 acres with over 180 miles of forest-lined shoreline, this scenic reservoir offers ideal conditions for every kind of watercraft. Whether you’re piloting a pontoon, skimming across the surface on a jet ski, or paddling quietly in a kayak, Broken Bow Lake provides the freedom and beauty that only wide-open waters can deliver.

The lake is bordered by hills covered in pine trees, creating a serene and cinematic atmosphere reflected beautifully on the water. Small coves and hidden islands offer the perfect spots for swimming, anchoring, and sunbathing. Many of these areas feel completely private, making them great places to escape the crowds.

For those looking to add a bit of excitement, tubing and water skiing are popular activities. Families often spend full days out on the water, with kids jumping off the back of boats while parents relax with snacks and music. The lake is deep and clear, and its calm surface in the mornings is ideal for those who prefer slower-paced cruising.

Boating isn’t just about fun—it’s about connection. Connection to nature, to your travel companions, and to the quiet joy of being completely immersed in the outdoors. Whether you’re here for adventure or serenity, Broken Bow Boating delivers it all.

Scenic Hiking Trails Nearby

Hiking in Broken Bow is like stepping into a storybook forest. With trails carved through the Ouachita National Forest and Beavers Bend State Park, you’re invited to explore miles of lush, scenic beauty on foot. These trails wind past streams, under towering pine canopies, and up into the hills, where breathtaking views await.

Popular hikes include the Skyline Trail, a challenging but rewarding 11.6-mile trek that leads hikers through varied terrain and scenic overlooks. For a shorter and more accessible option, the Lookout Mountain Trail offers a 1.9-mile path with panoramic lake views.

One of the most magical times to hike in Broken Bow is during autumn. From late October through early November, the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette of crimson, gold, and amber. Wildlife is abundant year-round, with sightings of deer, turkeys, and even bald eagles common along the trails.

Whether you’re hiking to clear your head, stretch your legs, or capture that perfect Instagram shot, Broken Bow’s trails are among the most soul-soothing in the region.

Fishing in Broken Bow

Fishing in Broken Bow is more than a pastime—it’s a legacy. The region’s pristine waters offer some of the best fishing in the southern U.S., from calm lake shores to the rushing currents of Mountain Fork River.

The river is especially prized for its year-round trout fishing. Fly anglers are drawn to the 12 miles of designated trout waters below the Broken Bow Dam, where rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, clear flow. The setting is serene: tall pines line the riverbanks, and the only sounds are the rush of water and the occasional cast hitting the surface.

On Broken Bow Lake, anglers can cast for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake’s rocky bottom and deep waters provide excellent conditions for serious and casual fishers alike.

With a rod in your hand and the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains around you, Broken Bow fishing is a peaceful, rewarding experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Kayak & Canoe on the
Mountain Fork River

For those who prefer to travel by paddle rather than motor, Broken Bow offers exceptional kayaking and canoeing. The Mountain Fork River is the star of the show, providing Class I and II rapids perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

The river snakes through dense forests and along cliffs, with stretches of calm water perfect for taking in the scenery and spotting wildlife. Kayaking here is a full-body experience—you’ll feel the cool splash of water, hear the rush of the current, and smell the fresh scent of pine as you glide through nature.

For a more tranquil experience, Broken Bow Lake offers smooth, open water that is ideal for paddleboarding and gentle kayaking. Quiet inlets provide ideal conditions for spotting wildlife, including herons, turtles, and the occasional otter.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a quiet morning on the water, kayaking in Broken Bow offers a refreshing way to see the area from a new perspective.

Broken Bow Restaurants

Broken Bow’s dining scene is bursting with character and flavor. From casual eateries to upscale patios, there’s something for every palate just minutes from the cabins of Hochatown.

Favorites include:

Grateful Head Pizza: Known for its artisan pies and local brews.

The Blue Rooster: Southern comfort food done right—fried chicken, catfish, and hush puppies.

Abendigo’s Grill: A more refined experience with steaks, seafood, and a robust brunch menu.

Pressa Italia: Homemade pasta and wood-fired classics for a romantic evening out.

Steven’s Gap Restaurant: The place for breakfast, old-school pies, and hearty Oklahoma-style meals.

From morning coffee to evening cocktails, the food in Broken Bow is as memorable as the landscapes.

Broken Bow Wineries

Winding down with a glass of local wine is a must when visiting Broken Bow. The area is home to a handful of charming wineries offering tastings, live music, and cozy patios.

Popular spots include:

Girls Gone Wine: With vibrant décor, gift shops, and fun, fruity wines

Fish Tales Winery: Offering dry reds and sweet blends perfect for any taste

Knotted Rope Winery: A rustic experience with excellent pours

Most wineries allow you to buy by the bottle or case, making it easy to bring a taste of Broken Bow back to your cabin.

Broken Bow Breweries

Craft beer enthusiasts are in for a delightful experience. Broken Bow’s breweries serve up bold IPAs, smooth lagers, and seasonal specials—all brewed on-site.

Beavers Bend Brewery and Mountain Fork Brewery both offer taprooms with relaxed atmospheres, flights for sampling, and live music on weekends. Sit outside on a patio and enjoy a locally brewed cold one as you watch the sun dip behind the trees.

For something stronger, Hochatown Distilling Co. creates handcrafted spirits with Oklahoma-grown grains. Their bourbon, vodka, and gin have earned statewide acclaim.

Nightlife & Evening Entertainment

When the sun goes down, Broken Bow doesn’t sleep. There’s live music, dancing, and cozy nightcaps waiting.

Hochatown Saloon transforms into a lively dance hall with live music, a full bar, and ample space to two-step. If a quieter night is more your vibe, The Tasting Room offers craft cocktails and an impressive whiskey selection.

On weekends, several restaurants turn up the fun with live music on the patio and bonfires under the stars.

Broken Bow Horseback Riding

Exploring the Broken Bow wilderness on horseback is a timeless and unforgettable adventure. There’s something serene and grounding about riding through forest trails, hearing the soft rhythm of hooves over pine needles, and breathing in the earthy scent of the Ouachita Mountains.

Several riding stables around the area offer guided trail rides for all skill levels. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider, you can find a route suited to your comfort. The horses are well-trained, and the guides are friendly, often sharing interesting stories about the land, the wildlife, and the area’s logging history.

One of the most popular experiences includes trotting beside creeks and rivers, especially in the cooler morning air. Wildlife sightings—like deer, wild turkeys, and foxes—are common. The peaceful trails take you away from the noise and into a world that feels unchanged by time.

For families with kids, there are shorter rides with gentle horses and flat terrain. For couples, a sunset ride can be a romantic and bonding experience, complete with panoramic views over the rolling hills.

It’s not just horseback riding—it’s reconnecting with nature at a slower, more meaningful pace.

Zipline Through the Forest Canopy

Ziplining in Broken Bow is a high-flying adventure that blends adrenaline with jaw-dropping views. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor thrill and scenic immersion.

Most zipline tours in the area feature multiple runs through the treetops, allowing you to soar above canyons, creeks, and forests. The platforms are high, the rides are long, and the excitement is real. Heights can reach up to 60 feet, and speeds can exceed 30 mph—plenty fast to get the heart racing while still feeling safe.

Trained guides lead each session and provide full safety gear. After a short training session, you’ll be climbing up into the treetops and zipping from platform to platform. Each line offers different views—some of the lush forest canopy, others of Broken Bow Lake shimmering in the distance.

For anyone looking to break up their slower nature experiences with a rush of energy, ziplining is one of the most exciting things to do in Broken Bow.

Broken Bow Cabins

No trip to Broken Bow is complete without staying in a luxury cabin nestled deep in the woods. The region has hundreds of unique cabin rentals, many of which are far more than just places to sleep—they’re part of the experience.

Imagine waking up in a king bed with panoramic views of the forest outside your window. You make coffee in a gourmet kitchen, walk barefoot across heated floors, and then step onto your wraparound deck to listen to birdsong while the sun rises through the trees.

Cabins often come with amenities like outdoor fireplaces, soaking tubs, hot tubs, smart TVs, and even private trails. Whether you’re on a romantic retreat, a friends’ getaway, or a family vacation, there’s a cabin tailored to your needs.

At night, you can roast marshmallows by the fire pit, enjoy a movie night, or stargaze from the hot tub. The experience of staying in a Broken Bow cabin is cozy, calming, and truly luxurious.

Cruise the Lake with Broken Tiki Tours

Looking for something fun, quirky, and unforgettable? Step aboard a Broken Tiki Tour and enjoy Broken Bow Lake in a whole new way. These floating tiki bars combine boating with a laid-back party vibe, perfect for families and groups.

The tour begins with a festive, tiki-themed bus that transports you to the boat dock. Once aboard the pontoon, you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere complete with tropical music, friendly hosts, and stunning lake views.

You can sip on cocktails, lounge in the sun, or relax and enjoy the ride. The tours are family-friendly and offer fun for all ages—from playing yard games to soaking up the sun on the deck.

It’s light-hearted, social, and one of the most entertaining things to do in Broken Bow.

Gem Mining Fun for Families

Kids and kids-at-heart will love the interactive fun at the Broken Bow Mining Company. Inspired by the gold rush days, this attraction lets visitors pan for gemstones, fossils, shark teeth, and more in long sluice boxes that run with clear mountain water.

Beyond mining, the center also offers a Dino Dig experience, where children can excavate dinosaur bones and learn about the field of paleontology. There’s also a mini-golf course, a wax hands station, and a fun gift shop loaded with educational toys and souvenirs.

Educational, tactile, and exciting—this is a top spot for families looking to balance relaxation with learning and activity.

Broken Bow Casino

For something completely different, step into the new Choctaw Landing Casino in Hochatown. It features hundreds of slot machines, table games such as blackjack and roulette, and a stylish interior that seamlessly blends natural elements with modern luxury.

Even if you’re not into gambling, the complex offers upscale dining, an outdoor amphitheater, and a unique grocery-deli hybrid with artisan goods and craft beverages.

It’s a vibrant contrast to the forest trails and lake life—perfect for a change of pace or a night out without leaving the area.

Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo

The Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo is a heartwarming stop where you can meet, feed, and cuddle a wide range of animals. As both a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center and a petting zoo, it houses a diverse array of animals, including alpacas, goats, prairie dogs, fox squirrels, and even a bearded dragon.

Every animal has a name and a story, and guides walk you through the experience, sharing fascinating facts about the creatures and their origins.

This attraction is great for all ages and offers an up-close experience you won’t find at a standard zoo. It’s also a great reminder of the importance of animal rescue and responsible wildlife care.

Best Local ATV Trails

For adrenaline junkies, ATV riding in Broken Bow is hard to beat. The area features over 33 miles of old logging roads winding through thick forests, muddy trails, and rocky terrain. It’s pure off-road bliss.

Broken Bow ATV Rentals companies offer a range of options, from beginner-friendly ATVs to powerful side-by-sides designed for experienced riders. Many allow half-day or full-day rentals so that you can explore at your own pace.

You’ll navigate hills, cross shallow streams, and discover parts of the Ouachita Forest that aren’t accessible by foot or car. It’s dirty, thrilling, and worth the ride.

Beavers Bend Wildlife Safari

The Beavers Bend Safari Park is one of the most surprising and unique attractions in Broken Bow. Spread across 90 acres of forest and open pasture; this drive-thru wildlife park brings you face-to-face with exotic animals in their naturalistic environments.

As you cruise along the park’s winding roads, you’ll encounter majestic creatures like bison, zebras, ostriches, kudu, axis deer, and more. With towering pines and quiet streams all around, the experience feels more like a safari expedition than a roadside stop.

Visitors can drive their vehicles or ride along in guided tours. Kids love watching animals walk right up to the window, and the photo opportunities are endless. It’s a family-friendly adventure that blends fun with an appreciation for wildlife.

Broken Bow Helicopter Tours

There are few ways to see the sheer beauty of Broken Bow like from the air. Helicopter tours give you a bird’s-eye view of the mountains, forests, and lake in a way that ground-level exploration can’t match.

Tours range from 15-minute scenic loops over the lake to longer excursions that cover Beavers Bend State Park and beyond. From up high, you can see the glistening surface of the lake, the winding paths of the Mountain Fork River, and the thick green blanket of the Ouachita National Forest.

Pilots often provide commentary, pointing out landmarks and sharing local history. The ride is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. For special occasions or just something out of the ordinary, a helicopter tour is among the most elevated things to do in Broken Bow.

Relaxing Spa Experiences Nearby

After hiking, boating, or ATVing through the forest, nothing feels better than a rejuvenating spa session. Broken Bow has several options for relaxing and healing your body in tranquil surroundings.

One standout is a sensory therapeutic massage where guests are pampered for over 90 minutes in a deeply immersive setting. It includes soothing music, aromatic oils, and expert hands that work away stress and fatigue.

For those who prefer not to leave the cabin, in-room massage therapists are available. They bring everything needed—massage table, oils, and ambiance—right to your rental. It’s personal, professional, and perfectly tailored to your needs.

This experience is not just indulgent but restorative. Whether you’re with a partner or flying solo, treating yourself to a spa day in Broken Bow is the ultimate act of vacation self-care.

Escape Rooms & Mazes for All Ages

The Maze of Hochatown is one of the most fun and challenging attractions in the area. Spanning over 29,000 square feet, this wooden labyrinth invites you to get lost, find towers, solve clues, and race to the exit. It’s fun for both kids and adults and makes for a fantastic group competition.

Just next door, the escape room challenges are equally engaging. You’ll be locked in a themed room—like a creepy cabin or a crime scene—and must solve puzzles using clues hidden around you. It’s a race against the clock and a test of teamwork.

These attractions are ideal for families, friend groups, and even couples looking to do something interactive and mentally stimulating. Rainy day? No problem—these indoor adventures are just as memorable as the outdoor ones.

Family Mini Golf Fun

Mini golf in Broken Bow isn’t just a game—it’s an experience that mixes creativity, family bonding, and laid-back fun into a must-do activity for all ages.

Chili Dippers sets the bar high with its 18-hole layout that feels more like a resort course than a simple putting green. With manicured fairways, clever obstacles, and the option to play under the stars, thanks to night lighting, it’s a perfect stop for evening entertainment.

For a more whimsical and imaginative round, Old West Town Mini Golf transports players to a frontier village. Each hole winds through a themed backdrop—past a saloon, blacksmith shop, church, and even a jailhouse. The course design sparks kids’ imaginations and provides parents with lots of photo-worthy moments.

Adding even more depth to Broken Bow’s growing mini golf scene is Pines ‘N Putt at Pine Lake. This newer addition combines modern course aesthetics with beautiful landscaping and a welcoming lodge-like setting.

For travelers who want to mix up the pace, Pickle, Putt, Pour offers a unique experience that includes not just mini golf but also pickleball courts and beverage service.

And if you want to bring the fun to your cabin or party venue, Putt Putt Mobile brings a portable mini-golf setup directly to you. Ideal for birthdays, reunions, or just an evening of backyard fun, this service is one of the area’s most clever entertainment options.

High-Speed Go-Kart Tracks

If speed and family fun are on your agenda, go-kart racing in Broken Bow is an exciting way to mix things up.

Hochatown Amusements is one of the most well-rounded entertainment centers in the area. Located right across from Beavers Bend State Park’s main entrance, it’s a favorite spot for families looking for competitive fun. The go-kart track here is lively and approachable, making it perfect for both kids and casual racers. But the fun doesn’t stop at racing—this spot also includes mini golf and arcade-style games that can turn into full-blown family tournaments. It’s casual, friendly, and always buzzing with energy.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find BigFoot Speedway, a local favorite and a bit more thrilling in its layout. The track is over a mile long and features tight turns and long straightaways, making it ideal for those who like a little more challenge behind the wheel. Riders under a certain height can pair up in a double kart, making it safe for younger visitors to join in the fun.

But BigFoot isn’t just about racing. The on-site BigFoot VR experience offers a 3D motion-simulated roller coaster ride with a vast selection of films, ranging from outer space adventures to jungle explorations. For something a bit more immersive, BigFoot 360 surrounds you with dynamic visuals for a sensory-packed thrill ride that feels like you’re there.

Both locations are great for a casual stop or a planned outing. Whether you’re revving up your engine or racking up arcade tickets, go-karting in Broken Bow adds a playful pulse to your outdoor-focused itinerary.

Where to Shop Locally

From artisan goods to Hochatime-branded hoodies, Broken Bow offers a shopping experience that’s anything but ordinary. Unique boutiques and locally owned stores line the main drag in Hochatown, giving visitors the chance to pick up souvenirs that truly mean something.

Stores like Vintage Mall and other offers a wide range of products, including home décor, gourmet snacks, handcrafted jewelry, and outdoor gear. Specialty stores also sell local wine, wood-carved gifts, and charming Broken Bow merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.

Don’t miss the fudge shops, candy counters, and country-style general stores. They’re as much a part of the area’s charm as the forests and trails.

Drive the Talimena Scenic Byway

The Talimena National Scenic Byway is less than an hour from Broken Bow and worth the drive. This 54-mile mountain route offers stunning panoramic views, particularly during the spring blooms and fall foliage seasons.

The road winds through the Ouachita Mountains, rising and dipping across ridges that reveal one incredible vista after another. Stop at scenic pullouts, enjoy a tailgate picnic, and take plenty of photos along the way.

For road-trippers and nature lovers, this scenic byway is one of the best-kept secrets in Oklahoma. It’s peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable.

Things to Do in Broken Bow & Beavers Bend