Oklahoma City Lakes

The Oklahoma City lakes prove Oklahoma City entertainment options aren't all brick and mortar. The three major reservoirs of the city, Lake Hefner, Lake Draper and Lake Overholser, offer opportunities for many outdoor activities and provide drinking water to the city.

Built in 1947, the 2,500 acre Lake Hefner in northwest Oklahoma City, with an average depth of 29 feet and maximum depth of approximately 94 feet, provides sailing, picnicking, recreation and fishing options. The lake is known for the sailboat races held on weekends. On the banks of the lake are the Lake Hefner Golf Course, playgrounds, jogging and biking trails, and the Stars and Stripes Park that hosts team sports, biking, recreational events and the annual Turkey Trot Classic. Kite flying is also a popular recreational activity here.

Lake Stanley Draper in southeast Oklahoma is a 2,900 acre lake with an average depth of 34 feet and maximum depth of 98 feet, and the largest of Oklahoma City's lakes. It features boat ramps, covered fishing piers, tending docks, fish attractors, handicap facilities, covered wet slips and dry storage areas. While swimming is prohibited, activities including picnicking, fishing, jet skiing, boating, sailing, and skiing (allowed only in open waters) can be enjoyed. On the west side of the lake is the Crosstimbers ORV Park.

Lake Overholser is the oldest and smallest of the reservoirs, connected to Hefner Lake through a canal. This 1,500 acre lake has an average depth of 6 feet with maximum depth of 13 feet. The lake was built in 1919 in order to support a treatment plant. The Overholser Dam at the southeast corner of the lake was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Picnicking, fishing, sailing, boating and jet skiing are the activities permitted here, while swimming is prohibited.

If an escape from the urban is what you seek, the Oklahoma City lakes are the place to head to, and OKC hotels would be glad to offer shuttle services to these locations.