A Cozy Family Christmas in Broken Bow
Our family celebrated a wonderful Christmas in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, just a three-hour drive from our homes in Texas. Nestled in the scenic Carter Mountain West, our modern cabin offered ridge views, easy access to local attractions, and delightful dining options. Horse riding adventures and savory tastings at local wineries made our holiday special.
Finding the Perfect Cabin
When searching for a cabin in Hochatown, Broken Bow Lake, or Beavers Bend State Park, several rental websites can help you find the ideal spot based on bed count and arrival dates. Look for attractions and book reservations before your check-in. Keep up with the attractions’ social media accounts, as many of them post their business updates. Consider browsing your cabin options on AirBnB.com, BrokenBowVacationCabins.com, Vacana.com, BeaversBendCabins4Rent.com.
Cabin Tips
Family Style Cooking
To manage food expenses for our large group, each family contributed by cooking a meal and bringing various groceries. Thankfully, our family boasts some talented cooks and grillers. Here are some meal ideas that worked well for us:
Breakfast:
• Breakfast tacos
• Pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs
Lunch:
• Sandwiches with chips, salsa, and dips
• Chili
Dinner:
• Oven-baked pizza
• Hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwursts
Snacks and Appetizers:
• Charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, olives, bacon ranch pinwheels, and smoked sausage
• Popcorn
Desserts:
• Banana pudding
• S’mores
• Reindeer chow
• Brownies
Exploring Local Wineries and Breweries
Knotted Rope Winery
• Location: 83 North Lukfata Trail Rd., Broken Bow, OK 74728
• Facebook: KnottedRopeWinery
• 17 different wines to choose from.
• Tasting Charge for 5 for $10.00
We savored tastings at Knotted Rope Winery, enjoyed a dry red called “I’m A Frayed Knot” with tobacco aromas, oak, vanilla, and spices. Their Cabernet Franc also stood out with flavors of black cherry, tart plum, and strawberry.
Beavers Bend Brewery
• Location: 46 COHO Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728
• Website: BeaversBendBrewery.com
Brad Reesing’s dream of opening a brewery came to life with Beavers Bend Brewery. In addition to distributing beer locally, the brewery offers a taproom where you can enjoy a refreshing brew. While I don’t typically enjoy beer, I found the Front Porch Peach to be quite delightful.
The Tasting Room in Hochatown
• Location: 37 N Lukfata Trl Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728
• Facebook: TheTastingRoomInHochatown
With a small-town pub vibe, The Tasting Room is perfect for cozy conversations, good cocktails, and listening to music. Though no food is served here, it’s a great stop for a relaxed evening.
Delicious Meals and Family Fun
For dinner, we indulged in steak and buttery lobster, along with baked potatoes loaded with trimmings. Our family enjoyed grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwursts, and gathering around a bonfire under the stars. The kids loved the jacuzzi hot tub and roasting s’mores with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Upstairs in the loft, they played air hockey and watched “Minions” before bedtime.
Local Adventures in Beavers Bend
We woke up early on Saturday to enjoy coffee, juice, and pancakes before heading to our 9:30 am trail ride at Beavers Bend Depot and Trail, located in Beavers Bend State Park. The scenic drive included spots perfect for fishing. Our guide, Chasen, provided riding instructions, and we embarked on a 2.5-mile trail through the beautiful forest. The kids loved meeting the ponies and spotting deer along the way.
After the trail ride, we took a ride on a replica C.P. Huntington train with conductor Loco Joe, who shared the history of John T. Beavers. He sprinkled corn feed for deer along the tracks, and we finished with a thrilling ride down Wahoo Hill.
Trail Ride Costs
- Reservations: Highly recommended during holidays.
- Single Rider: $50.00
- Double Ride (with child under 5): $60.00
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs maximum weight limit.
- Location: 290 Beavers Bend Loop, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- Phone: (580) 494-6613
- Facebook: Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides
Train Ride Costs
- Train Ride: $10 per person
- Location: 290 Beavers Bend Loop, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- Phone: (580) 494-6613
- Facebook: Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides
Local Fun and Shopping
After lunch, our children opened presents and Jason took all the children for ice cream at Northside Ice Cream. Right out front of this small parlor stands a giant cowboy with a golf club. We also explored Janet’s Treasure Chest, which offered a variety of unique gifts, décor, and souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Northside Ice Cream and Mini Golf
Location: 9123 N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Janet’s Treasure Chest
Location: 6261 N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Phone: (580) 494-6639
White Elephant Gift Exchange
If you’ve never participated in a white elephant gift exchange, they are so much fun! In our family, all the adults bring one, and during the play, we are allowed to “steal” gifts – that’s when the excitement really begins. Jason scored an apron and a new cooking pot.
Our Christmas in Broken Bow was filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished family time. There are still more things we would like to see and do, like ziplining over Broken Bow Lake or trying some water adventures. Also, check out Beavers Bend Cabin Country website for their latest Travel Tool map which lists activities, dining, shopping, and essential services!
For more travel ideas and family vacation inspiration, check out our previous article on A Getaway to Beavers Bend.