Beavers Bend State Park Attractions
Forest Heritage Center & Museum, Visitor Information Desk & Gift Shop
Visitors to the Center’s museum will find historical documents, antique forestry tools, wood art, homestead memorabilia, and a research library filled with books, periodicals and other materials pertaining to forestry.
Each year some 60 million cubic feet of lumber is harvested in McCurtain County, home of Beavers Bend State Park; the forest industry is without a doubt the area’s largest business concern. For those wishing to learn more about the forest or the forest industry, the staff at the Forest Heritage Center and Museum can arrange educational programs or tours for any age group by appointment. There are specific programs tailored for school classes. Park Office – 580-494-6300
Beavers Bend Nature Center
A well-stocked nature center make a program lineup possible that includes campfire programs on the banks of the Mountain Fork River, nature hikes, arts and crafts classes, water sports, bingo, sunset hikes, nature films, and astronomy outings. 580-494-6556
Broken Bow Dam
Sunset on Broken Bow Lake – it just doesn’t get any better than this!
The Dam was completed in 1970. Numerous park areas located around the lake give the visitor an unmatched opportunity for outdoor family fun and relaxation.
The climate at Broken Bow Lake offers outdoor sportsmen excellent opportunities for year-round angling.
Amphitheater Area & River Bend Area
(located behind Nature Center)
Stroll through the amphitheater and take in the breathtaking view of the Mountain Fork River and sheer cliff face. Enjoy a picnic lunch or just relax in the shade.
Beavers Bend Depot:
(follow train signs inside Beavers Bend State Park)
* Riding Stables
* Hay Rides
* Train Rides
Tame horseback riding is available at Beavers Bend.
The train is a 1/3 size replica of the C.P. Huntington S.P. train that was built in 1863. The ride takes visitors through the beautiful Game Reserve.
Hayrides are scheduled two times per week for general public. Private hay rides for families and groups may be scheduled anytime – call for reservations.
580-494-6613
https://www.facebook.com/trainandstables/
Beavers Bend Resort Park Land & Water
Paddle boats, mini golf, bumper boats, canoes, swim beach
580-494-6512
Beavers Bend River Floats
Canoe Rental & Float Trips
580-494-6070
Nature/Hiking in Beavers Bend Resort Park
The mountains, forests, lakes and rivers of McCurtain County Oklahoma create a wonderland of nature hiking. We offer a wide variety of trails from short and easy interpretive hikes to more challenging mountain trails. Trail maps are available through your cabin host or at the Forest Heritage Center inside the park. The hiking trails are marked with white tree blazes; and the nature trails are marked with blue on white blazes.
You can pick up trail maps at the park’s nature center. There are seven trails you have to choose from, one for every skill level – from serious stroller to avid trekker.
Trail #1: Take-it-easy route. The South Park trail - 1 mile. For those who want to stay on level ground.
Trail #2: The Easy-Does-It Hike. The Junction with South Park - 1 mile. Also a good choice for those who want a less intensive hike.
Trail #3: Beyond Beginner. Beaver Creek Crossing - 1.5 miles. A bit more challenging with several steep climbs.
Trail #4: Beyond beginner but not intermediate. Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff - about 2 miles. Some climbs, but not extremely steep.
Trail #5: Walk on the wild side. Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail - 6 miles. Lots of steep grades, designed for the more serious hiker.
Trail #6: Born to hike. Skyline - 6 miles. Steep terrain. Experienced hikers only. If you don’t have time to take the longest route (see below), the Skyline is the next best option. More challenging to some than the Cedar Bluff, you’ll need to be able to withstand elevation hiking. The views you’ll see will be well worth the climb.
Trail #7: The extreme challenge. The David Boren Hiking Trail, named after the U.S. senator and former governor of Oklahoma. The David Boren Trail offers 16 miles of hiking Trails with 4 miles of multi-purpose (mountain bike) trails that wander along ridge tops and over creek bottoms. The 12 mile Boren hiking trail runs from south to north and starts at the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, full of steep grades. The trail is well defined and is a narrow, one-person trail – which means no bicyclists to watch out for.
Resort Park Playground/Fireflies & Rocks
We’re amazed at the number of young children who gather rocks, pinecones, sweetgum balls, crickets, fireflies, turtles, butterflies, and other items found on the forest floor and in the woods. There are three playgrounds in the park areas. A large playground is located in the resort park near the nature center and there are also playgrounds located in the Carson Creek and Stevens Gap Areas of Broken Bow Lake.
Bicycling
Plenty of challenging hills for road bikes. The best time is winter and mid-week when there is less traffic. Roads have no shoulders and you have to share with RV drivers.
Mountain Biking
NEW off-road dirt trails in Beavers Bend. McCurtain County offers hundreds of miles of forest roads for the off-road enthusiast. Riders enjoy the rugged beauty of McCurtain County, far from the city and away from crowds.