If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or quick weekend retreat, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is a great choice! Broken Bow is just under 3 hours away from the Dallas, Texas, area and nestled in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest. I love finding a weekend to sneak away in January after the chaos of the holidays to take a step back and reset. Plus, Broken Bow is home to Beavers Bend State Park, which features the sparkling waters of the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake. The small town and beautiful scenery are a perfect blend of nature and laid-back charm.
Every moment of our trip was filled with tranquility and rejuvenation. Here’s what we did to make sure we were able to unwind and still have quality time together
Visit the Lake
Located along the Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow Lake is located about 8 miles north of the town of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The town nearest the lake is actually Hochatown which is supported by the influx of tourism in the area around the lake and its beautiful parks. At the lake you’ll find picturesque scenery to take in. We enjoyed sipping on an extra morning coffee and chatting while watching the water before popping over into Hochatown for lunch.
Hiking
With Broken Bow being in the heart of a national forest and state park, hiking is a must! We did the Friends Trail and visited Lookout Mountain. The park offers scenic hiking trails that lead through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along the banks of the Mountain Fork River. The trails also offer the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and a variety of bird species. The trails are well-maintained and marked, making it easy to navigate.
Meditation and Yoga
Doing yoga and meditation in nature was a powerful and rejuvenating experience. The natural environment helped focus my mind and bring a sense of calm, creating a serene environment. I wish I could practice yoga in the forest every day because it was seriously that enjoyable. I utilize yoga as a self-care tool to create a sense of well-being for myself, reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and doing so in this beautiful landscape just centered me and boosted my practice.
A Night by the Firepit
I LOVE the smell of a real (safe) fire! Especially when it’s a cool night and the air is crisp. I wish we had done this every night, but it was such a relaxing way to spend time together. No phones, no chaos, just sitting around the warm glow of the fire and roasting marshmallows. Talk about cozy!!
If you’re making your own firepit, please be safe and follow local fire regulations and safety precautions while doing so.
All in all, it was the best little winter getaway weekend! If you’ve been to Broken Bow and have recommendations, share them in the comments!! Or if you have a recommendation for a different weekend get away I’d love to hear that too.
