Leave 818 Grove St, Abilene early to maximize daylight in Broken Bow; expect roughly a 4–4.5 hour drive depending on stops and traffic. Plan one short bathroom/gas stop en route and bring water and dog supplies for the car.
Grab a quick, hearty breakfast at Whataburger (open early) or pack a cabin-friendly breakfast to eat on the way; practical for a pet-friendly start. This gives energy and flexibility for arrival time.
Arrive in Hochatown/Broken Bow and stretch legs with a short walk near the lake or through the Hochatown shops; this orients you to where outfitters and restaurants are. Most shops open mid-morning; confirm specific hours.
Casual, popular pizza spot with outdoor seating that is often dog-friendly; good for a relaxed lunch after the drive. Typical hours start at 11:00am but check current hours and expect pizza/salad options.
Easy to moderate trail along creeks and forest; dogs on leash are generally allowed on state park trails, making this a great first hike to stretch your pup and enjoy oak-pine scenery. Beavers Bend State Park is open 24/7 but trailheads are most accessible in daylight.
Check into your pet-friendly cabin — many hosts list typical check-in at 4:00pm, so if you arrive earlier ask about early check-in or park and leave luggage; confirm check-in/check-out with the host prior to arrival.
Short lakeside stroll to enjoy the late afternoon light and let your dog sniff and play; Broken Bow Lake areas are open during daylight and many boat ramps/docks are accessible for quick explores.
Popular local spot with a varied menu and a laid-back vibe; expect dinner entrees and potentially live music on some nights — call ahead for reservations and dog-friendly patio availability. Typical dinner service begins in the late afternoon/early evening.
Return to the cabin for a relaxed evening: light campfire (if allowed), s'mores, and dog playtime in the yard. Many cabins provide outdoor seating/fires; double-check fire rules and bring a leash for night walks.
Make a simple cabin breakfast (eggs/toast/coffee) for flexibility before the morning paddle, or swing by a local coffee shop for takeaway if you prefer not to cook. Preparing at the cabin saves time and is dog-friendly.
Book a guided or self-guided float with a local outfitter (many start runs around 9–10:00am); the Mountain Fork River float is scenic and dog-friendly (confirm with outfitter if dogs are allowed on rentals). Outfitters typically operate 8:00am–5:00pm, and floats last 2–3 hours depending on the route.
Refuel with a casual lunch; Grateful Head is a reliable go-to for pizza and salads and often has outdoor seating for dogs. Most lunch spots open by 11:00am; check current hours and peak times.
Visit the Forest Heritage Center museum and short interpretive trails (museum hours commonly 9:00am–5:00pm); it's a good low-effort educational stop about regional forestry and natural history. Confirm seasonal hours before you go.
Head back to the cabin for downtime: rinse off dogs after the river, play in the yard, or take a short lakeside swim; perfect for relaxing before dinner. Many cabins provide outdoor furniture and a grill for easy evenings.
Enjoy a more relaxed dinner — Abendigo's has a strong dinner menu and atmosphere; reservations are recommended for weekend evenings. Confirm opening hours (often 5:00pm+ for dinner service) and patio availability if dining with your dog.
Take a short after-dinner walk near the cabin or lake and enjoy dark-sky stargazing; Broken Bow area has low light pollution and is excellent for star views. Keep your dog leashed and bring a flashlight for trail returns.
Grab coffee and a light breakfast at a local coffee spot or make something quick at the cabin before a morning hike; local shops commonly open by 7:00–8:00am but confirm times for Labor Day / holiday schedules.
Choose a 1.5–3 mile loop such as parts of the David Boren Trail for a morning walk that’s scenic and dog-friendly on leash; morning hours are ideal to avoid midday heat. Trails are accessible during daylight; no timed entry required.
Return to cabin to shower, pack, and complete check-out—most vacation rentals request a roughly 11:00am checkout, so plan accordingly and confirm the exact time with your host.
Grab a quick lunch to go or enjoy a picnic by the lake before the drive home; a relaxed midday lunch lets you leave around 12:30–1:00pm with good daylight for the drive.
Head back southwest to Abilene; expect ~4–4.5 hours of driving depending on traffic and stops. Plan one or two rest stops for your dog along the route.
Stop for dinner en route (Wichita Falls or other convenient town) or head straight home and dine locally in Abilene; chain options like Whataburger are available 24/7 for a quick meal, while local spots may require reservations.