Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Broken Bow, OK

  • Published 2022/05/02

Broken Bow is Oklahoma’s water paradise.

The destination is set against the backdrop of the heavenly Ouachita Mountains, drawing many tourists to its heart.

Broken Bow can be one of the best places to check out for a weekend destination.

There are so many things to enjoy here that you will never feel even a little bit bored.

From fishing and hiking to kayaking and zip lining, this city offers visitors the best opportunities to fully enjoy what nature has to offer.

Broken Bow also boasts fascinating museums, mouth-watering cuisine, and a buzzing nightlife that you’ll be missing by the end of your trip.

Ready to start planning your adventure?

Here are the best things to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma:

Visit the Gorgeous Broken Bow Lake

Scenic view of Broken Bow Lake

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Broken Bow Lake is the city’s prime attraction—it’s the reason why tourists flock to Broken Bow.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Ouachita Mountains, Broken Bow Lake is an immensely beautiful work of art.

Encompassing a vast 14,000 acres, the lake is also blessed with some gorgeous lush green forests on its banks.

The shoreline of Broken Bow Lake

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Broken Bow Lake is suitable for all kinds of water-related activities, so do take advantage of those.

Many tourists particularly enjoy fishing here.

It’s a slice of paradise for all fishing enthusiasts, as it houses a tremendous amount of largemouth bass.

Go Hiking in Beavers Bend State Park

Rapids of Beavers Bend State Park waters

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This particular attraction in Broken Bow is ideal for adventurers looking for a much-needed adrenaline rush.

Beavers Bend State Park is located within Ouachita National Forest, beside the majestic Broken Bow Lake.

Welcome sign of Beavers Bend State Park

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There are a lot of hiking trails for you to choose from, and the best one happens to be almost 12 miles long.

Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket along with you—it’s the perfect way to catch a break in the middle of the dense forest.

A cliff at Beavers Bend State Park

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Try Your Luck at Fishing in Mountain Fork River

The waters of Mountain Fork River

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Don’t ever forget to bring your fishing equipment when you are heading for the iconic Mountain Fork River, or you will miss out on a lot of good stuff.

The trout of Broken Bow is a staple when you come to this city.

A man fishing at Mountain Fork River

Ogletree Photography / Shutterstock.com

At Mountain Fork River, you have the perfect chance to grab hold of a trout for yourself.

Do try your luck and go fishing here!

A man fishing for trout at Mountain Fork River

Ogletree Photography / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Your Pick of Water-Related Activities

Kayaks in Broken Bow

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With so many water bodies around the area, Broken Bow is a slice of paradise for those who genuinely love the water.

Apart from boating and fishing in the lake or river before, there are many other activities that you can check out, too.

People kayaking on a river

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The water is crystal clear and blue, making kayaking an excellent option.

Mountain Fork River is known for its swift waters that make floating in them quite an adventure.

Broken Bow Lake’s calm waters should be enjoyed on a paddle boat, too.

Boats and yachts docked at Broken Bow's marina

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Sample Broken Bow’s Excellent Wine and Beer

Broken Bow is known for its luxurious selection of wine.

If you are looking for excellent local wines to try out, there will not be a shortage of them.

Whether you’re after a cabernet or a moscato, every variety is available in this small town.

Did you know the beer here is famous, too?

If the idea of sampling local spirits tickles your fancy, you may want to book a wine or beer tasting tour.

There are plenty of companies who provide this tour on the weekends.

Enjoy the Best of the City’s Local Cuisine

In a city filled with tourists who are there to spend a weekend and have a good time, there are bound to be restaurants that serve delicious dishes.

This holds true in the case of Broken Bow.

The city’s best dishes include their mouth-watering, freshly baked pizzas that are especially perfect for digging into after a long day of sightseeing.

Broken Bow is home to some excellent steakhouses that you won’t want to miss out on if you want something fancy.

Craving for some BBQ?

There are great options here for that, too.

Go on a Scenic Hike in Beavers Bend Resort Park

A short drive away from the city center, Beavers Bend Resort Park boasts some of Broken Bow’s most stunning nature scenes.

The vast state park is filled with fun activities for visitors to enjoy.

There are mini trains inside the park, which tourists are welcome to ride.

There are several good hiking trails for you to check out.

The trails are ideal for both beginner and expert hikers.

Other seasonal activities include swimming, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and ATV adventures.

Experience Broken Bow’s Buzzing Nightlife

Broken Bow has some of the best nightlife in Oklahoma.

Go dancing with your loved one or check out a club with your friends.

After dinner, some places remain open until the wee hours of the morning.

Some of the city’s cocktail and pizza places serve the best late-night cravings for you to enjoy after grabbing a couple of drinks!

Explore Broken Bow’s Natural Scenes on Horseback

Two main river trails provide this offer of riding a horse.

Imagine feeling like a royal tourist while sightseeing on horseback!

You can mainly explore the Beavers Bend State Park Game Reserve.

It takes around 45 minutes, and you will be provided with a guide as well as a horse who will show you around efficiently.

Check Out the Forest Heritage Center Museum

The Forest Heritage Center Museum is one of the best places you can check out if you want to know all the secret facts about Broken Bow.

There was once a time when Broken Bow earned a lot from its forests’ wood and timber.

You can find out all about those periods in this very museum.

Everything about Broken Bow is displayed in the Forest Heritage Center Museum, from industry news to different photographs and historical documents.

You can find out a lot about the city in the library inside the museum.

Get your hands on all the books about the history of this place.

Hunt for Treasure at Beavers Bend Mining Company

Beavers Bend Mining Company offers you the best experience, especially if you haven’t tried your hand mining before.

The place was created to replicate gold mines.

You can dig up and find a lot of tiny pieces of treasure like gems, jewels, and even fossils.

The kids especially love this bit.

You even get to wash the treasures you give up and learn more about them.

Overall, it is a very exciting thing to try out in Broken Bow.

Interact with Animals at Hochatown Petting Zoo

Hochatown Petting Zoo is a haven for animal lovers.

The main reason behind this is that you get to interact with all of them.

All the animals at Hochatown Petting Zoo have been rescued and are in need of love.

Though there are some dangerous international wild animals at this zoo, most of them are the cute, lovable animals you’ll want to cuddle.

Embark on a Scenic Train Ride along Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State Park boasts some of the most exciting activities you can enjoy in Broken Bow.

Beavers Bend Depot and Trail Rides features a trail built specifically for tourists to ride.

The train is a replica of a historic train called the C.P. Huntington.

A ride aboard the train lasts about 20 minutes and will take you up to Wahoo Hill.

If you are lucky, you might see wild animals roaming around.

Play with Your Kids at Old West Town Miniature Golf

There are 18 holes of miniature golf on display at Old West Town Miniature Golf.

If you’re traveling with children, Old West Town Miniature Golf is a great place to take them for a memorable day.

It’s appropriate for all ages and offers a variety of Old West-themed characters.

The Old West Town Miniature Golf is a fun place to spend a day with your friends or family.

For example, you may choose to play on a course themed after anything from an ancient cathedral to a bar or even a dentist’s office or a blacksmith’s shop.

Place Your Bets at Choctaw Casino Broken Bow

Exterior and parking lot of Choctaw Casino Broken Bow

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Choctaw Casino Broken Bow is a bustling gambling establishment with more than 100 slot machines, live music, and mouthwatering cuisine.

No matter how much you miss slot machines, there is always the chance to gamble.

Spend the day at the Choctaw Casino Broken Bow to avoid the weather.

Visit our world-class casino when the weather is terrible and keep yourself and your friends occupied.

Make a day of it by spending the day with your friends or lover in a casino, playing different slot machines.

Playing blackjack or three-card poker is also possible at these tables.

You may even watch live shows while placing your bets on special occasions.

Go Zip Lining with Rugaru Adventures

One of the top tour companies in Broken Bow is Rugaru Adventures, often known as Rugaru Zipline Tours.

Take a trip with Rugaru Adventures if you’re looking for things to do in Broken Bow, Okla.

If you and your traveling companions are looking for an adrenaline rush, there are at least six zip lines, each with its own unique lengths and heights.

Taking an exciting trip with Rugaru Adventures will let you soar up to 60 feet!

As you race through the skies, you’ll be able to take in the most breathtaking vistas of the environment.

The trips take around two hours and are a great way to bond with your group.

Cap Off Your Day at the Hochatown Saloon

A popular restaurant and nightclub in one, the Hochatown Saloon transforms into a wild party spot after dark.

Have you and your pals or significant other decided on a fantastic getaway?

Visit the Hochatown Saloon if you’re in the neighborhood.

Come here to sample delectable food and delectable libations, all freshly prepared.

Stop into Hochatown Saloon for a bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing and adventure.

There are various delicious options to satisfy your appetite, including juicy burgers, flavorful steak, and grilled chicken.

It’s one of the best things to do in Broken Bow at night to stop by Hochatown Saloon and have a good time dancing and taking in one of the many fantastic live performances.

Various alcoholic drinks, such as beer and cocktails, may also be enjoyed.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Book a Stay at a Rustic Cabin in Ouachita National Forest

Aerial view of Ouachita National Forest

Sari ONeal / Shutterstock.com

Does spending a night in the middle of the woods on a starry night sound romantic to you?

Bring this fantasy to life on your trip to Broken Bow.

There are many forest cabins in the vicinity of Ouachita National Forest.

Book a stay and enjoy a night or two in a remote romantic location.

The forest is truly beautiful, with dense trees around.

It’s especially lovely at sunset, when the last rays of sunshine fall on the leaves and paint them in different colors.

Drive along Talimena National Scenic Byway

Trees framing the Talimena National Scenic Byway

MS7503 / Shutterstock.com

Venture to Talimena National Scenic Byway for one of the best drives you can enjoy when visiting Broken Bow.

The byway boasts some of the most panoramic scenes of the Ouachita Mountain range.

Aerial view of Talimena National Scenic Byway

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

The route goes on for 56 miles and has a breathtaking backdrop.

Do try to take on this scenic drive and prepare to be dazzled.

The road of Talimena National Scenic Byway

Sari ONeal / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Broken Bow may be a little city, but it has many exciting and interesting options for you and your traveling buddies to enjoy.

Make the most of your time in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, by trying the activities this list of the best things to do.

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