Top photo: Ignacio Moreira on Unsplash
Getting 20 or more people to Broken Bow is the hard part. Once everyone's there, a reunion mostly runs itself, as long as a few things are sorted before you leave. This is the checklist we'd hand a friend organizing their first family reunion or big group trip to the area.
3 to 6 months out: pick dates and a cabin
- Pick dates first, then the cabin. Large cabins are the first to book up, especially for summer, Thanksgiving and the holidays. Our guide to the best time to visit Broken Bow covers what each season is like.
- Count beds, not just "sleeps." Make sure the bedroom setup works for your group: how many couples need their own room, how many kids can share a bunk room, and whether anyone needs a ground-floor room.
- Look for shared spaces. A reunion is about time together. A big dining table, a game room and outdoor space matter as much as bedrooms.
The Nomi Lodge sleeps 28 with five king suites, two bunk rooms, a game loft, and seating for 22 at once between two dining tables and the bar. Moonshine Flats sleeps 23, with four en suite bedrooms, a nine-bed bunk room and a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course.
1 to 2 months out: money and meals
- Decide how to split costs. The most common approach is splitting the cabin by family or by bedroom. Settle it before anyone books flights or takes time off.
- Assign one dinner per family. Each family plans, shops for and cooks one dinner. It spreads the work, saves money, and turns dinners into a highlight.
- Plan one or two meals out. Hochatown's popular restaurants get busy, so call ahead about large tables.
My whole family had tons of fun and enough rooms to where I could run away from 3 sets of my in-laws and the kids (lol).
Norris, stayed at Moonshine Flats
A few weeks out: book activities
Book anything with limited spots, especially for summer and holiday weekends:
- Boat rentals on Broken Bow Lake. See our lake and river guide.
- Horseback rides and the train at Beavers Bend Depot. See our Beavers Bend guide.
- Zip lines and escape rooms in Hochatown. See Hochatown with kids.
- Tee times at Cedar Creek Golf Course.
The week before: pack and plan the first night
- Coffee. Both cabins have coffee makers, but bring your own coffee.
- Streaming logins for the smart TVs.
- Water shoes and a dry bag for the river.
- Groceries for the first night, so nobody has to make a store run after a long drive.
- Special requests. We can arrange firewood and s'mores deliveries. Just ask.
During the trip: one shared outing a day
The best reunions mix one shared outing a day with plenty of free time:
- Morning: everyone does their own thing. Early risers hike, others sleep in.
- Afternoon: one group activity, like a lake day, a river float or a winery visit.
- Evening: dinner at the cabin, then the hot tub, the fire pit and the game room.
Plan one special moment, like a group photo at golden hour or a family talent show, and leave the rest loose. That's what people remember.
Bringing a boat or trailer?
Both of our Broken Bow cabins have drive-through driveways with room for boats, ATVs and trailers, so you can bring the toys.
Frequently asked questions
How big a cabin do we need for a family reunion in Broken Bow?
Count bedrooms by family and plan for a bunk room for kids. For 20 to 28 people, look for five or more bedrooms, a bunk room, and a dining area that seats most of the group at once.
How far ahead should we book a reunion in Broken Bow?
For summer weekends and holidays, book 3 to 6 months ahead. Large cabins are the first to go.
What's the easiest way to handle meals for 20 people?
Assign one dinner to each family, keep breakfasts and lunches simple, and plan one or two meals out with a reservation or an early start.
Ready to plan?
Our Broken Bow area guide has everything in one place. When you've picked your dates, book directly with us to skip the booking-site service fees.

