Newcomers Guide 2022 | Page 58

Fun In The Sun

Cherokee County and Northeast Oklahoma are perfect Green Country destinations for summertime fun , and the options are plentiful . Some of the top lakes in Oklahoma can be found in the area , and they cover hundreds of miles of scenic shoreline . Take a relaxing ride on a sailboat , cast a line or two during a day of fishing , cool off with a swim , take a float trip down the Illinois River , or stargaze during a night of camping . Tahlequah has proximity to three lakes that draw tens of thousands of tourists every year , along with the locals , who frequently look to enjoy some fun on the water . For those who love the great outdoors , Cherokee County has some of the top options available .

Lake Tenkiller
Referred to as Oklahoma ’ s clear-water paradise , construction on Lake Tenkiller began in 1947 on the Illinois River , about 13 miles upstream from its confluence with the Arkansas River .
Lake Tenkiller covers around 13,000 acres and has about 130 miles of shoreline with a dozen marinas and 20 launching ramps in various spots . Popular game fish include black bass , sand bass , striped bass , crappie and catfish . Rainbow trout are stocked in the river below the dam . For sports enthusiasts , the lake often plays host to fishing tournaments . Many places around the lake also offer boating rentals , cabins , restaurants , convenience stores and other amenities . To learn more about the lake and those who support it , visit www . laketenkiller . com , call 918-457-4403 , or search online for Greater Tenkiller Area Association .
State Parks
Those around the lake include Little Blue and Disney State Park , Cherokee State Park , Honey Creek State Park and Bernice State Park . North of U . S . Highway 60 at the Neosho-Spring river confluence is Twin Bridges State Park . Public boat ramps are available .
Fort Gibson Lake
Fort Gibson Lake is west of Tahlequah , with delightful sites for afternoon fishing , a shoreline picnic or an overnight camp-out . The lake has more than 20 park areas managed by the Corps of Engineers , and some state parks . The lake includes 225 miles of shoreline and spans 19,000 acres . There ’ s also the Three Forks Nature Center featuring three trails , live animals , and offers learning programs throughout the year . For more information on things to do , contact the Fort Gibson Lake Association at www . fortgibsonlakeassociation . org ; 918- 682-4314 ; info @ fortgibsonlakeassociation . org .
Sequoyah State Park
Folks traveling west of Tahlequah and Hulbert on State Highway 51 may want to drop off by the park , which features an 18-hole golf course and pro shop , nature center , marina and boat rentals , nature trails and more . There are a number of cabins , and Western Hills Guest Ranch . Call 918-772-2046 .
Illinois River
Miles of recreation await those who visit the scenic Illinois River , which flows north to south through Cherokee County , largely along State Highway 10 from Little Kansas to the north and stretching south to State Highway 51 , just east of Tahlequah ’ s city limits . Tens of thousands of visitors travel to the area to take part in one of many activities available on the river , which was pegged more than
200 years ago as the “ river des Illinois ” by an unknown Frenchman . While the river is best known for as a place to camp , fish , swim and canoe , it is also known for its beauty in the fall , when trees tower over the waters and reveal bright hues of red , yellow and orange . In the winter , it ’ s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of bald eagles , which settle near the river for easy access to food . Stay long enough , or travel down the right road , and you might just spot other wildlife , such as deer , elk , or even a bear . If you intend to head out on the river for a float trip , a number of outfitters are open to provide floatation devices , rafts , canoes , or other equipment . Most offer lodging options , and some have pools , convenience stores , and other amenities . Preserving and protecting the aesthetic , historic , scenic , archaeological and scientific features of the stream is the job of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission , with headquarters on State Highway 10 , north of State Highway 51 , or call 918-456-3251 for more information .
Public Access Points
If you ’ re looking for a place to get to the Illinois River , public access is provided at stops along State Highway 10 . Watch for names like Round Hollow , Stunkard , Peavine , Edmondson , No Head Hollow , Echota , and Riverside Park . For details about the use of public access points , stop by the office of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission on State Highway 10 , or call 918-456-3251 .
PAGE 58 COMPILED BY BYRON BEERS
58 - NEWCOMERS GUIDE 2022 TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS