Bucket List Lodge Lives Up to Its Name

Oklahoma cabin provides perfect nearby escape for Dallas family

It’s the combination of nature’s beauty, the break from modern pressures, and the physical and emotional benefits that made a forest retreat so appealing to Jeremy Giauque and his family.

Giauque’s interest in checking out Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was piqued when a friend told him about how the area’s landscape differed from North Texas.

“As a native of Colorado, I was intrigued by the rolling hills and pine filled forests that were the backdrop of my childhood,” Giauque said.

As an executive manager in a high stress job, Giauque views regular vacations as essential for the mind and body. 

Even a quick escape to spend quality time outdoors with little distraction, or at least the good kind of distraction — a fawn stepping through the underbrush of the forest ­— is important to him and his family. 

“Longer trips are always exciting, but sometimes a quick trip to a place like Broken Bow is just what the doctor ordered,” he said. 

Just a three-hour drive from Dallas, hidden behind the backdrop of the pine forest, Giauque found his perfect place of respite, the secluded retreat, Bucket List Lodge. 

The two-story log cabin features a wall of windows lined by treetops. 

“We acquired a separate 1.5-acre parcel between Bucket List and the adjacent cabin which enhances the privacy,” he said.

Seeking a distinctive true cabin feel with modern amenities, the rough sawn wooden floors and pine walls paired with rustic furniture create a cozy ambiance. The four-bedroom suites, hot tub, pool table, and modern amenities blend with the cabin’s natural features, creating a refined rustic feel, Giauque said.

The expansive front porch invites relaxation with two large rocking chairs. Inside, the cabin features saw cut log stairs, antler wall-mounted lights, and a pair of twin bears searching for honey near the stone fireplace. If you look closely, you might also discover a couple raccoon cut-outs searching for scraps in the kitchen.

“There are activities for all ages, and though I now have adult children — we generally take advantage of the cabin for several family trips each year. The cabin accommodates 14+ guests, so extended family including grandparents, small children, and even pets generally accompany [us] to our home away from home.”

The Ouachita National Forest surrounding the area offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with opportunities for wildlife viewing. 

Beavers Bend State Park also offers a picturesque train ride through the park. Boating, fishing, and swimming is enjoyed in the clear water that is a result of the rock-bottom structure that the lake sits on. A marina offers houseboat rentals and a place to launch a personal watercraft. Beavers Bend River and stream feed into the lake and visitors flock to the kayak adventures and fly-fishing opportunities available on the river that winds through the scenic canyons. For those who prefer fewer water-based activities, visits to a bowling alley, giant maze, ax throwing, zip-line, or a petting zoo are available.

“After a day of hiking the Friendship Trail in Beavers Bend State Park or boating and bass fishing at Broken Bow Lake, we usually top off the evenings playing pool or corn hole games,” said Giauque, adding that the hot tub and firepit are perfect places to relax and enjoy the serene location, but the remote cabin allows for a little rowdiness too. 

“We’ve been known to get competitive on the corn hole boards while my wife chuckles and roasts marshmallows over the fire pit. S’mores are an essential component of every trip,” he said.

Broken Bow also has charming eateries and breweries, offering regional cuisine and a taste of Oklahoma’s craft beer scene. Giauque said the Lodge is a short drive to favorites such as The Blue Rooster and Beavers Bend Brewery in Hochatown. Wineries and distilleries nearby offer tastings and tours. 

“Though we use the full kitchen for most meals, there are many restaurants to choose from. Among the closest and most liked is Grateful Head Pizzeria,” he said.

Giauque is ready for his next weekend in Broken Bow when he plans to take in the picturesque scenery along Ouachita National Forest’s trails on his UTV. 

“It’s a great destination for family vacations, with activities suitable for all ages. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just lounging in a cozy cabin, it’s a fantastic spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation,” Giauque said.