By Brad Devereaux

Horseshoe Bend has been a hub of activity in recent years since water has been at a significant elevation in Big Horn Lake, and there are a few exciting changes to what’s being offered at the recreation area this summer.

The Horseshoe Bend Marina is under new management for the summer, with Brenda Cothran taking the reins and steering the facility into new waters. Cothran was an employee of the marina in the past, but when previous managers decided not to run the marina this year, Cothran stepped in and secured a lease from the National Park Service.

Cothran received the keys to the building on June 3 and was open for business the following day, she said.

The marina will continue to offer drinks, snacks, ice, boating and fishing supplies and other beach gear for sale, Cothran said. She also serves burgers, brats, nachos and sandwiches at the marina, with plans to expand the menu later in the summer with dinner items and breakfast service on weekends.

The marina also offers rentals for those who want to enjoy the water from atop a canoe or inner tube. Rentals include two sit-on-top kayaks, a three-person canoe, a paddleboat and inner tubes. Cothran said she is trying to keep rental fees affordable and prices range from $3 a day for inner tubes to $15 per hour for the paddleboat.

Customers must be 18 or older to rent items and children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult while on the watercraft (excluding tubes).

The marina also offers dock slips for rent, she said, with prices ranging from $15 per day up to $600 for the season.

Cothran said she wants the area to be family-friendly and fun for anyone who comes out to Horseshoe Bend. With other amenities right next to the building including a playground, boat docks and launch ramp, swim beach and campground, Cothran said she hopes to add more excitement to what’s already available at Horseshoe Bend.

Friday is Kids Day at the Lake, with half priced rentals, discounted hot dogs and pop and craft projects for kids (of all ages) to work on.

Cothran runs a “one woman show” at the marina, she said, but she loves her job and the views of Horseshoe Bend out the back door of the marina.

“I love it out here,” she said.

The marina does not stock beer, alcohol, cigarettes, gasoline or fishing licenses currently, she said.

Finding hidden treasures

Mark Garrison is back on the water at Horseshoe Bend this summer, offering boat tours of Big Horn Lake. Garrison has a fleet of two boats and is running a daily tour schedule through Labor Day weekend.

Tours run Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will have tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. All standard tours last about two hours and take passengers north near Barry’s Landing.

Garrison’s biggest boat can carry up to 52 passengers, and his smaller boat carries up to 31. A second captain has joined Hidden Treasure Charters this year, he said. Garrison asks that customers arrive at least 15 minutes early for any tour.

A boat tour with Garrison as a guide will help observers see things they might not have caught by themselves, such as hidden Big Horn Sheep on the cliffs or caves high above the water that may have been used by Crow Native Americans in the past. He encourages sightseers to bring their cameras to capture the astonishing views and wildlife of the canyon.

For those who want a relaxing boat ride with less learning, Garrison will begin a Raising Kane sunset cruise on Saturday nights in early August, he said. Sunset cruises will depart from the marina at 7 p.m. and riders are welcome to bring their own beverages for the ride. Hors De Vours will be provided and music will play as the boat floats through the south narrows, pausing at Crooked Creek Bay for the sunset.

The Raising Kane tour will be less than two hours long, he said, and cost will be $49 per couple.

Boats are also available at special times upon request and discounts are available for large groups, Garrison said. He also offers fishing charters at Big Horn Lake.

While the tour business has been sporadic so far, Garrison said there have been a lot of locals including some recent family reunions taking trips on the lake.

Contact Garrison for details or to book a cruise at (307) 899-1401 or visit www.hiddentreasurecharters.com.