For the last few years, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has exploded as a vacation destination for Sooners and out-of-staters alike.

It's not hard to see why, with the nearby Beavers Bend State Park and its picturesque pine forests, Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River. And talk about rustic luxury with the cabins you can rent — plus, the state park offers some more casual lodging options.

Though its vacation popularity has brought an unprecedented amount of traffic and visitors to the area, Broken Bow and its northern neighbor Hochatown still sport that take-life-slow feeling many are attracted to when getting away from their busy lives.

So whether you're planning on visiting this fall or winter, or just planning ahead for next year, here's your complete guide to all there is to do, see and eat in Broken Bow.

Where to stay

Finding the best Broken Bow and Hochatown cabins

A quick search of Airbnb or VRBO brings up plenty of options, whether you're looking for a romantic cabin for two or a place for the whole family.

If you're flexible with the timing of your trip, you can look around to see what week gets you the lowest rates.

Or, if you prefer to go through the cabin owner, check out Broken Bow Vacation Cabins, Beavers Bend Adventures or Beavers Bend Creative Escapes. Some companies, like Broken Bow Cabin Lodging, offer "Economy Cabins" featuring a lower price point.

Staying in Beavers Bend State Park

Staying in Beavers Bend State Park is both more economical and more straightforward than staying elsewhere. You can choose from staying in the lodge, a cabin or reserving a campsite and pitching your own tent.

Try a themed stay like Harry Potter cabin in Broken Bow

An Airbnb in the Broken Bow, Hochatown went viral for its homage to the "Harry Potter" fandom. Called "King's Cross," visitors can rent the 5-bedroom cabin that sleeps 23 for about $400 a night. It's decorated with eclectic wizarding touches and modern features.

Unique Airbnb: From grain silos to a cozy caboose, see these unusual Airbnb rentals in Oklahoma

What to do

Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State Park is one of Oklahoma's most popular state parks, even as it sits in the very southeast corner of the state.

It's $10 per day for parking, or $25 for three days. A 20% discount exists for anyone with an Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal license plate. The state also offers other discounts and deals on parking, like for seniors, veterans and those purchasing an annual pass.

Visit the Forest Heritage Center to see unique wood art, historical documents, antique forestry tools, homestead memorabilia and a research library filled with books, periodicals and other materials pertaining to forestry. Head over to the Nature Center for programming like arts and crafts and nature hikes.

There's no shortage of other activities within the park. Keep scrolling to see information on kayaking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and hiking.

Kayaking in Beavers Bend State Park

With breathtaking views around each bend, it's easy to see why there are so many companies offering ways to float the Mountain Fork River, which winds its way through Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake.

Whatever your preference for being on the water, you've got options. There's kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and even stand-up paddle boards.

Here are just a few of the companies offering rentals to float the Mountain Fork River:

• Beavers Bend River Floats

• Beavers Bend Land & Water Park

• Tippa Canoe

• Cowboy's Kayak Rental

Horseback riding in Broken Bow

If you've got a hankering to explore the forested and mountainous beauty of Broken Bow from a horse's back, there are a couple options for you.

Inside the state park is the Beavers Bend Depot and Trail Rides, where you can choose between riding a 1/3 size replica of the C.P. Huntington S.P. train built in 1863 or a horse. Or, you can do both.

Horseback riding, according to Travel Oklahoma, is $45 per person. Children age 3 or 4 must ride with a paying adult, making the total $55. Train rides are $10 each.

A little off the beaten path is Riverman Trail Rides, which is just northwest of the town of Broken Bow itself and southwest of Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Park.

You'll traverse through fields, creeks and up a mountain bluff, depending on your selected ride. You'll pay $65 per person for the one-hour ride, or $95 per person for two hours. Riverman also offers a "sweetheart ride," complete with wine, cheese and a small campfire overlooking the River Valley, for $325 per couple.

Fishing in Broken Bow

The waters of Broken Bow Lake are perfect for year-round fishing, and are "the perfect depth for smallmouth bass fishing," according to Travel Oklahoma.

Other fish species include largemouth bass, white (sand) bass, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish and various species of sunfish. In the waters below the Broken Bow dam you'll find Brown and Rainbow Trout, perfect for fly fishing.

With a boat, which can be rented at Beavers Bend Marina, you can venture out to one of the lake's islands.

Trout fishing is also available year-round on a 12-mile portion of the Lower Mountain Fork River, five miles of which is within Beavers Bend State Park.

Hiking in Broken Bow

Hiking is popular in Broken Bow as the trails in Beavers Bend State Park offer some awe-inspiring views and scenery.

Here are a few of the nature and hiking trails offered in the state park:

• David Boren Hiking Trail: this 12-mile long trail consists of seven smaller trails of varying difficulty. The trail can be accessed by four major trailheads, and runs from the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend to the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail that runs from the hydro-electric dam to the spillway.

• Cedar Bluff Nature Trail: a 0.9-mile loop trail starting across from Dogwood Campground and is designed to be walked clockwise.

• Lookout Mountain Trail: a 1.9-mile trail, moderately challenging out-and-back trail that can be accessed from the Forest Heritage Tree Trail, Beaver Creek or South Park trails.

• Friends of Beavers Bend Trail: a 1.5-mile long loop trail leading to spillway creek and a small waterfall. Considered moderately challenging.

• Forest Heritage Tree Trail: a 1.1-mile looped trail that starts (and ends) at the Forest Heritage Center. Easy to walk with a couple of climbs.

• Pine Ridge Nature Trail: a 3/4 mile long looped trail great for bird and wildlife watching. The trail is fairly easy to walk and starts across from the tennis court.

What to eat

Restaurants in Broken Bow

The Oaks Steakhouse has classic American fare in a log cabin, while Papa Poblanos is serving up TexMex at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Find authentic Mexican cuisine at Mexico Lindo, and southern comfort food at Smiths Good Eats.

A full list of Broken Bow restaurants has been compiled by Visit Broken Bow.

Restaurants in Hochatown

Grateful Head Pizza Oven is an iconic favorite of Hochatown visitors, named for the owners love of the Grateful Dead band. For comfort food check out Steven's Gap or The Blue Rooster.

Head to Mountain Fork Brewery for beer brewed directly from the nearby river and the Hochatown Saloon for a restaurant, bar, nightclub and live music venue in one.

Visit what's known as the"Hochatown Original," Abendigo's Grill & Patio, a steakhouse also featuring live music. The Hochahut serves up state-fair-worthy, hand-dipped to-order corn dogs, while Tacohoma features Mexican favorites. Find yummy seafood at Shuck Me Hochatown, which just added brunch to its menu.

A full list of Hochatown restaurants has been compiled by Visit Broken Bow.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Broken Bow, Oklahoma: Your complete guide on what to do, see and eat