Best Deals For Family Reunions

They say the family that plays together staysplay on jet skis or wave runners, parasail, or snorkel in
together. Why not gather your extended family andthe crystalline waters of Broken Bow Lake. Because
head to McCurtain County, Oklahoma for a fun-filledthe lake is surrounded by forest-covered mountains,
family reunion. One of the best deals for familythe water is extremely clear, making it a wonderful
reunions, the area around Broken Bow Lake andspot for scuba diving. Those who want a more
Beavers Bend State Park has something to offerrelaxing experience can try their hand at fishing for
everyone, from those who love the great outdoors tocrappie, trout, largemouth bass, or channel catfish. Of
those who prefer shopping and fine dining.course, McCurtain County offers the best rainbow and
Located in the breathtaking Kiamichi Mountains ofbrown trout fishing in the the the south-central US.
southeastern Oklahoma, and only a short drive fromIf water's not your thing, don't worry. There are plenty
Dallas/Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, andof other things to do. You can take advantage of the
Shreveport, McCurtain County offers the familydeep, surrounding forests, complete with 100-foot tall
reunion adventure of a lifetime.ancient pines. It's the perfect place to have a
Be sure to invite all your relatives, because there isscavenger hunt as one of your family reunion activities.
plenty of space for everyone. Beavers BendWildlife abounds, and if you go hiking on one of the
Lakeview Lodge has 40 rooms each with amany trails, you might see eagles, deer, squirrels,
million-dollar view, sits high above Broken Bow Lake.raccoons, and perhaps even a black bear. If you don't
Beavers Bend Resort Park has 47 cabins located inlike to hike, climb into a saddle and see the forest from
wood groves overlooking the Mountain Fork River.horseback. Several outfitters in the area offer trail
The cabins can sleep from two to six people andrides for every kind of rider, from the beginner to the
come equipped with kitchen/dining utensils, stove,advanced. . If you would like to bring your own horse,
refrigerator, linens, and central heat and air. Most cabinssome cabins have equine facilities, so you can pack a
have fireplaces. None have telephones or televisions.picnic lunch in your saddlebags and ride to your heart's
PETS ARE WELCOME. The area offers many typescontent.
of lodging, from rustic cabins to elegantly appointed logGolfers can try nearby Cedar Creek Golf Course,
homes and affordable cabins nestled in the pines.chosen by Golf Digest as the Best Municipal Golf
Some of the larger ones sleep up to 20 people,Course in the state of Oklahoma. With its small green,
making for a family-sized slumber party, shared chatsthe 16th hole, surrounded almost entirely by water, is
over breakfast, or for telling family stories in front ofconsidered one of the most difficult in Oklahoma.
the fireplace. The cabins have a range of amenities,For those who do not enjoy the outdoors, there are
including covered porches for watching the wildlife, hotplenty of other things to do. Gift shops and antique
tubs, barbecue grills, fire pits, satellite television, DVDstores in the nearby towns of Broken Bow and
players, and stocked fish ponds. Some allow pets, butHochatown carry handmade quilts, beaded Indian
it is always best to call ahead to verify your pets'jewelry, primitive crafts, and more. Many area
welcome.restaurants offer fine dining.
Beavers Bend State Park's pavilion is a great place forHistory buffs can check out the Museum of the Red
large families to gather, cook out and share photos, aRiver, which houses one of the most comprehensive
luncheon, genealogy notes, or just spend time catchingNative American collections found anywhere. While
up. For groups of up to 50 people, the nearby Heritagethere, see the interpretive exhibits exploring prehistoric,
Center has indoor meeting rooms available.historic, and contemporary native cultures of North and
For those who enjoy the outdoors, a plethora ofSouth America and a gigantic, 90-million-year-old
activities awaits. Swim, fish, canoe, kayak, paddleboat,dinosaur skeleton.