Broken Bow Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broken Bow Lake |
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The spillway on the southern edge
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 Broken Bow Lake
Location in Oklahoma
Broken Bow Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | McCurtain County, Oklahoma |
| Coordinates | 34°10′49″N 94°41′21″W / 34.18028°N 94.68917°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Mountain Fork River |
| Primary outflows | Mountain Fork River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 22 mi (35 km) |
| Surface area | 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) |
| Average depth | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Max. depth | 185 ft (56 m) |
| Water volume | 918,070 acre⋅ft (1.13242×109 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 180 mi (290 km) |
| Surface elevation | 627 ft (191 m) |
| Settlements | Broken Bow, Oklahoma |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Broken Bow Lake is a large man-made lake in southeastern Oklahoma. It is located about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of the town of Broken Bow in McCurtain County. The lake was created on the Mountain Fork River.
Broken Bow Lake is one of Oklahoma's biggest freshwater lakes. It is a very popular spot for tourists and people who live nearby. Many visitors come from Texas and Arkansas.
The lake stretches about 22 miles (35 km) into the Ouachita Mountains. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and thick forests. It is a great place for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
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History of Broken Bow Lake Area
The area around Broken Bow Lake has a rich history. Before the lake was built, there was an old town called Hochatown. Choctaw Indians settled this town in the early 1830s.
The town of Broken Bow is important for timber production in Oklahoma. It was named by the Dierks brothers, who were early lumbermen. They named it after their hometown of Broken Bow, Nebraska. The Broken Bow post office opened in 1911.
How Broken Bow Lake Was Built
Broken Bow Lake was approved by the government to help control floods. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built the lake. Construction started in October 1961.
The lake began filling with water in October 1968. It was completely full by April 1970. The lake covers about 14,000 acres (57 km²) and has a shoreline of 180 miles (290 km). The water surface is about 627 feet (191 m) above sea level.
Fun Things to Do at Broken Bow Lake
Broken Bow Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. There are many ways to have fun and relax with family and friends.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Hikers can explore two nature trails. The Big Oak Nature Trail is short, about a quarter-mile long. It is easy for younger kids and older adults to walk.
The Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is longer and more rugged. It follows a clear stream through a valley. This valley is surrounded by hills covered in pine trees.
Parks and Facilities
There are many park areas around the lake. These parks offer places for camping and picnics. You can also find boat ramps, beaches, and restrooms.
Two Oklahoma state parks are close to Broken Bow Lake. These are Beavers Bend Resort Park and Hochatown State Park. The Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend is also a popular attraction nearby.
Fishing and Hunting
Broken Bow Lake is a great spot for fishing all year round. You can catch different kinds of trout and bass here.
Hunting is also popular on the land around the lake. Most of the project lands are open to the public for hunting. Deer are a common animal to hunt. You can also find wild turkey and other game in the area.
