Spring Break is one of the prime times to visit Broken Bow and Hochatown, and with good reason, the weather is usually beautiful, and the foliage is just starting to shift back into a lush green oasis. Because most cabins are in Hochatown, traffic will be particularly heavy during check-in (4 pm) and check-out (11 am) daily. Our cabins are South of Hochatown, so you can avoid the traffic jams with some planning.
This blog post certainly doesn't cover everything you can do (check out the guidebook you were emailed), but it contains some helpful tips for busy weeks like Spring Break. These tips will help you navigate the higher crowds and have a fantastic trip to Broken Bow! If you have any questions and are staying at one of our properties - feel free to reach out for specific recommendations.
Dining
Take advantage of some of the great dining establishments in Broken Bow.
- The Mountain Fork Brewery in Hochatown recently opened the Mountain Fork Cantina & Grill in Broken Bow. It's so new that many people don't know about it yet. Call ahead to check wait times.
- Hachi Hachi recently opened a food truck in Broken Bow, serving hibachi-style meals. Grab it to go and take it back to the cabin for dinner. You can even call ahead to place your order.
- Enjoy a quick breakfast from Doughnut Theory before heading out on an early morning hike.
- Papa Poblanos is one of our favorite greasy Tex-Mex places, and the margaritas are pretty tasty. It's a no-frills, locals dine here kind of place, and we rarely have to wait.
If you have your heart set on a restaurant in Hochatown (such as Grateful Head Pizza or The Eat Out) we recommend calling in the food to go and sending one adult to retrieve the order. Wrangling hungry kids is never fun, and waiting for a place to sit can be extended. Both websites say they have online ordering, but it's never available to order.
Groceries
- Plan to bring your groceries from home, or go ahead and schedule a grocery delivery from Pruett's now.
- Order grazing boards from Graze by Bluebirds (we work with her often, and she can even deliver before you arrive, simply give her the cabin name) to pack for a picnic-style lunch at Beavers Bend State Park.
Make Reservations Now
- Abendigos is the only restaurant in Hochatown that accepts reservations.
- If Gutter Chaos is on your must-do list, call them at (580) 494-2695 to make a lane reservation. You'll pay a premium, but they only have six lanes, so the wait gets long fast.
- Hochatown Escape Games and Bigfoot Axe Throwing accept advanced reservations online.
- If you plan to visit Girls Gone Wine, consider booking a tasting with a reserved spot on the patio.
- Riverman Trail Rides is a popular horseback riding tour just 9 miles west of Broken Bow off Highway 3, and reservations are required.
Beavers Bend State Park
If a peaceful hike is something you desire, get an early start.
- Kid-friendly trails like the Tree Trail and the Friends Trail will get busy. Parking for the Friends Trail can also become hard to find as the day progresses.
- Finish hiking and get to the Beavers Bend Train Depot 30 minutes before opening. Call 580-494-6613 the day before to confirm the opening time.
- Pack a picnic lunch. With Foggy Bottoms's closing, there are currently no dining options inside the state park. [see below for updates on this!]
- Rugaru Adventures is filling fast for the Swin Car Adventures and their Zipline tours. If these are on your must-do list, get them booked.
Here is a schedule of events just released by the state park for Spring Break:
Consider a day trip to Idabel (20 minutes)
Far away from Hochatown, Idabel is likely to be a much quieter scene. It's a no-frills city, but don't let that scare you; there is plenty to do.
- Enjoy BBQ from an HGTV-featured Chef at Phatt Tabbs. Get there early because when it's gone, it's gone.
- The Museum of the Red River is free, with exhibits featuring Native American art and pottery. They even have a dinosaur fossil for the dino lover in your life.
- Tomahawks Axe Throwing used to reside in Hochatown but relocated to Idabel due to rising rent. Call ahead to reserve a bay.
Things to [possibly] Avoid
- While usually on my must-do list, The Maze of Hochatown has been closed for improvements, and it's unclear if they will reopen in time for Spring Break. Be sure you check their social media before heading that way. 3/8/2023 UPDATE - The Maze posted they will re-open on 3/10/2023
- If it has been raining within 1-2 weeks of your visit (feel free to ask us), we recommend avoiding the Hochatown Petting Zoo. You and your shoes will thank me later.
- The original Hochatime store. It's a fan favorite, but the parking could be better with the construction of their new storage facility. Instead, visit the second location inside Beavers Bend State Park, the Hochatime Hideaway.
Photo Credit to Randy Sander, Hochatown Nature Photographer