Broken Bow Lake is a reservoir in southeast Oklahoma, located on Mountain Fork River and north of the town of Broken Bow. It is one of the largest lakes within the state of Oklahoma, and a popular tourist destination for locals and visitors from neighboring Texas.

The lake stretches 22 miles (35 km) back into the Ouachita Mountain country where its unusual beauty and scenic appeal beckons all sorts of nature enthusiasts. The mountain terrain is densely forested and there are many species of birds native to the area for birdwatchers to enjoy.

[edit]History

Points of historical interest located on or near Broken Bow Lake are old Hochatown, inundated by the lake, which was settled by the Choctaw Indians in the early 1830s. Broken Bow, center of the state's timber production, was named by the Dierks brothers, pioneer lumbermen, for their original home of Broken Bow, Nebraska. The Broken Bow post office was established in 1911. Idabel, seat of McCurtain County was first named Pernell, then renamed for the daughters, Ida and Belle, of a Choctaw citizen on whose land the town was built. Built on the site of an old Choctaw settlement, Beavers Bend Resort Park was named after John T. Beavers, a Choctaw intermarried citizen.

[edit]Development

Broken Bow Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1958 (approved July 3, 1958 (HD 170, 85th Congress, lst Session)) and another Flood Control Act (approved October 23, 1967 (SD 137, 87th Congress, 2nd Session)). The project was designed and built under the supervision of the Department of the Army Tulsa District Corps of Engineers.

Construction began in October 1961, impoundment began in October 1968, and the conservation pool was filled in April 1970. The first power unit was put on line in January 1970, and the second unit in June 1970.

[edit]Recreation

Broken Bow Lake

Hikers may enjoy two available nature trails; the Big Oak Nature Trail and the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail. The Big Oak trail is about a quarter of a mile long and is suitable for use by senior citizens and small children. The rugged and beautiful Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is a two-way trail located near the River Bend area south of the dam and winds along a clear stream through a valley surrounded by pine-covered hills.

Numerous park areas located around the lake gives visitors an excellent opportunity for outdoor family fun and relaxation. Recreational facilities include boat launching ramps, camping, picnic sites, beaches, water and sanitary facilities. There are two Oklahoma state parks nearby Broken Bow Lake; Beavers Bend Resort Park andHochatown State Park.

Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend is another attraction close to the lake, and is easily one of the most scenic golf courses in the state.

The climate at Broken Bow Lake offers outdoor sportsmen excellent opportunities for year-round angling, with various species of trout and bass available.

Hunting on project lands are equally good for hunting enthusiasts, and with the exception of developed areas and certain Game Preserves, all project lands are open to the public for hunting. Deer are the most important big game species found in the area, though turkey and other sport can be found in this area.

[edit]External links

• Broken Bow Lake on Army Corps of Engineers site
• Broken Bow Lake information and photos on TravelOK.com Official Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department website
• Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park
• Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend State Park
• Broken Bow Lake information - Recreational and lodging information guide, including information on fishing, hiking and water sports.