Smooth Sailing
Make waves cruising on open waters or enjoy summer scenery along the shoreline – possibilities for refreshing outdoor recreation are overflowing. Dip a toe into some of Oklahoma’s best places to stay cool.
TURNER FALLS
I-35 and Highway 77 • Davis
Hike your way to the perfect spot to cool off in naturally flowing springs or soak up the sun on a sandy beach with cascading water from Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall. Turner Falls Park has 1,500 acres of Arbuckle Mountain wilderness to explore.
NEARBY: 777 Zip, River Bottom Campground & Tubing, Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, Washita River, YMCA Camp Classen, Treasure Valley Casino & Hotel
LAKE MURRAY
13528 Scenic Highway 77 • Ardmore
Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park excites water lovers of all ages with endless activities across 5,728 acres of blue waters. Explore Lake Murray on a jetski, sailboat, party barge, kayak paddle boat or enjoy areas for fishing, swimming, trampolines and slides.
NEARBY: Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini Golf, Sunset Beach, Tucker Tower, Murray Harbor, Fireside Dining
OKC BOATHOUSE DISTRICT
725 S Lincoln Blvd • Oklahoma City
This bustling area of the Oklahoma River offers plenty of space for daily kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddle boards and more with a host of signature events. Plus, thrill-seekers can tempt their adventurous side with RIVERSPORT’s whitewater rafting and indoor surfing.
NEARBY: Oklahoma River Cruises, Regatta Park, Summit (Oklahoma City), Bricktown Canal, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK
11500 Park Office Rd • Kingston
Millions of adventurers visit Texomaland’s massive reservoir for fun-filled summer days boating, hiking, horseback riding and most famously, striper fishing. While on the water, be sure to explore each marina’s unique view and offerings.
NEARBY: Texoma Casino, Fort Washita Historic Site, Island View Park, Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, Tanglewood Resort
BLUE RIVER
3400 S Hutchins Lane • Tishomingo
Take the winding roads along Oklahoma’s last naturally flowing stream to find campsites perfectly nestled into the shoreline and tranquil areas perfect for wading, jumping rocks or taking a dip on a hot day. This area is a hotspot for flyfishing and family camping trips.
NEARBY: Old Silo Winery, Spa 211, Tishomingo Golf Course, Chickasaw National Capitol Building
CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
901 W 1st St • Sulphur
From Little Niagara to the Lake of the Arbuckles, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area has something for all water enthusiasts to explore. Journey through the beautiful natural scenery to locate Buffalo Springs and you’ll likely encounter deer and other wildlife.
NEARBY: The Artesian Hotel, Arbuckle Swimming Point, Fat Bully’s, Veterans Lake, Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center
SWEET SWIRLZ
6 W Muskogee Ave • Sulphur
Cool down after some fun in the sun with a frozen yogurt or sweet treat from Sweet Swirlz, located in the Shops at The Artesian in downtown Sulphur. Just a few steps away from a variety of shops and outdoor recreation, this is a great spot for an afternoon pick-me-up.
NEARBY: Springs at The Artesian, Bromide Mountain Co., Oka’ Chokmasi, Rusty Nail Winery, Delizi Pizzeria, ARTesian Gallery and Studios
Dive Right In
The water’s just right for your next summer getaway.
Water Destinations
Lake Texoma State Park is home to one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. Famous for its striped bass, Texoma has been dubbed the Striper Capital of the World. Kingston, Oklahoma, even celebrates the popularity of striper fishing with the Kingston Striper Festival held each June.
Beautiful Lake Murray is known for the clarity and color of its waters and its seemingly endless list of recreational opportunities. Framed by the thick forest of Murray State Park, this 100-foot-deep, spring-fed lake also houses a wide variety of birds, including the rare wintering bald eagle. Lake Murray is a popular destination for a variety of activities, including camping, swimming, hiking, golf, tennis, horseback riding, fishing, boating, sailing, riding ATVs and more.
The Blue River winds its way throughout the southern region of Oklahoma, inviting guests to enjoy leisurely activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting. It is one of the bodies of water in the state in which trout can be found in the winter, and fly fishing for smallmouth bass is another popular pastime.
Traveling to Sulphur? Satisfy your sugar craving at Sweet Swirlz, located in the Shops at The Artesian Hotel. Featuring Dippin’ Dots, fresh frozen yogurt and more candy varieties than you can imagine, Sweet Swirlz is sure to hit the spot!
Journey through Oklahoma's oldest national park, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which has served as a haven for outdoors enthusiasts since 1902. Water in all forms, from springs and streams to lakes and more, is the area's main attraction.
Cascading 77 feet from the top of the Arbuckle Mountains, the park's Turner Falls is known as the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma. With sandy beaches, natural caves, swimming areas, a rock castle and cabins, Turner Falls Park is a perfect family destination.
Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District stands apart as one of the most unique attractions in the region. Here, you can get out on the water on a kayak, canoe, dragon boat, stand-up paddle board and more, plus quick lessons on the dock mean you’re sure to have fun.
