Southeastern Oklahoma is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. That's why LIFE magazine rated the area one of the "100 Places to See in Your Lifetime." It is in many ways a well-kept secret, given its close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth area (one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the country). It is a wonder that southeastern Oklahoma is not overrun with more tourists in a way that would spoil its natural beauty. To the contrary, the area remains one of the most appealing outdoor destinations for individuals, couples, and families alike.

And one of the jewels in the crown of southeastern Oklahoma is the Beavers Bend Resort Park. The sheer scenic beauty of the area alone - during any season of the year - makes it a must-see destination. When you add in all of the activities available to visitors to the area, it is a destination that is hard to pass up if you are a Dallas/Fort Worth resident hankering for a family vacation.

Who says the days of the classic family vacation are over? Sometimes, the best kind of fun is the kind involving a scenic drive together, breathtaking views, and the kinds of outdoor activities that have pleased generations of Americans. Leave the iPods and cell phones at home and set out for Beavers Bend for your next family vacation.

The trip from Dallas is just three hours: about the time it takes to do a local shopping trip or see a movie in town. But, when you arrive, you will not believe your eyes. Even though it is actually quite close to Dallas, the Beavers Bend Resort Park feels like a world away. That's why the area was voted by the Dallas Observer as the ?Best Getaway from Dallas.?

Beavers Bend Resort Park is located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, home to a host of other nearby outdoor attractions such as Broken Bow Lake, Pine Creek Lake, Mountain Fork River, Glover River and various city parks. For example, nearby Broken Bow Lake features over 180 miles of shoreline ideal for camping, picnics, and hiking. And, the water sports are phenomenal, with boating, waterskiing, fishing, and wakeboarding, and fishing.

Some of the features and attractions of Beavers Bend itself include:

1. The Forest Heritage Center Museum

2. Nature center

3. Riding stables

4. Train depot

5. Lakeview Lodge

6. Beavers Bend Marina

7. Beavers Bend Restaurant

8. Amphitheater

9. Cedar Creek Golf Course

You can make it a wonderful family day trip, but why not make a weekend (or more) out of it? There are myriad opportunities for cabin rentals in the area. Imagine going shopping as a family, then taking the groceries back to your cabin and cooking up your own meals together and then enjoying them out on the deck surrounded by trees! Cabins in the area range from small, private accommodations to romantic bungalows with Jacuzzis to large family-style structures.

Beavers Bend Resort Park is located just 6 miles north of Broken Bow on Hwy 259A.