Grand Lake O’the Cherokees, Oklahoma, USA

Also known as:  Grand Lake Over the Cherokees

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees stands out as a sapphire jewel tucked into the northeastern Oklahoma landscape. Created in 1940, the reservoir stretches for 46,500 acres and offers explorers more than 1,300 miles of shoreline to investigate. Known for its incredible scenery and wealth of recreation activities, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a favorite destination for thousands of annual visitors. When the Pensacola Dam was completed,…
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    • All About Grand Lake O'the Cherokees, OK

    Lake Locations: USA - US Southwest Region - Oklahoma - Green Country, OK -

    Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees stands out as a sapphire jewel tucked into the northeastern Oklahoma landscape. Created in 1940, the reservoir stretches for 46,500 acres and offers explorers more than 1,300 miles of shoreline to investigate. Known for its incredible scenery and wealth of recreation activities, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a favorite destination for thousands of annual visitors.

    When the Pensacola Dam was completed, impounding the Grand River (sometimes called Neosho River), Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees began to fill. In 1947, the Grand River Dam Authority developed its first rules and regulations over the lake’s waters, and served to protect the public and the lake. Built for hydropower generation and flood control, the lake helps to control flooding along the Arkansas River watershed. Today, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a popular tourist destination.

    Fishing is a favorite way to start a visit to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, and the reservoir is known as one of the best angling lakes in the state. Hosting several bass tournaments each year, this Oklahoma gem boasts a constant stream of tournament catches and record holders, giving anglers plenty to dream about. If you drop a line in, prepare for a catch of mainly largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass, with the occasional black bass, crappie, paddlefish, and spoonbill catfish thrown into the mix. Please keep in mind that an Oklahoma fishing license is required to fish at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.

    While at the lake, you owe it to yourself to get out on the water and take a spin in a boat. Many local marinas rent everything from high-speed motor boats to leisurely canoes and kayaks, so take your pick and prepare for a sunny day on the lake. Since Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is so large, it’s best to pick a place to explore, even if in a speed boat. Slowing down to drink in the natural beauty, especially the towering Ozarks in the background, is worth the extra minutes you’ll spend.

    As your internal temperature goes up, the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees water will look more and more inviting. Don’t hesitate, jump in! Cool, refreshing waters await, promising hours of relaxing floating or adrenaline-pumping waterskiing. Dropping anchor for a boat picnic is another lake favorite, and as you watch the birds swoop through the skies and other boats drift by, you’ll feel yourself start to unwind. As then tension drains, you’ll know that vacation has truly begun.

    Five state parks line the shores of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees: Bernice State Park, Cherokee State Park, Disney/Little Blue State Park, Honey Creek State Park, and Twin Bridges State Park. They offer campsites and hiking trails to help you get back to nature. Explore hiking trails that wind through forests, introducing you to the magnificent Ozarks, and give you a front row pass to the best of Oklahoma flora and fauna.

    For a little off-water fun, a visit to area wineries promises wonderful food and drink. Go on a wine tasting tour at and stay for a romantic overnight if the urge hits. And if you’re a history buff, the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees area offers several museums, including Har-Ber Village, which is home to one of the largest antique museums in the nation.

    Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a beautiful aquatic gem cut into the heart of Oklahoma and the Ozarks. Offering myriad water activities and many more land activities, the lake and its neighboring communities welcome visitors with open arms, beckoning you to come back soon.

    Things to Do at Grand Lake O’the Cherokees

    These are some activities in the Grand Lake O’the Cherokees, OK area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • Museum
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Grand Lake O’the Cherokees?

    Grand Lake O’the Cherokees has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Paddlefish
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Spotted Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Grand Lake O’the Cherokees

    If you’re considering a Grand Lake O’the Cherokees lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Grand Lake O’the Cherokees Vacation

    Our interactive Grand Lake O’the Cherokees lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Grand Lake O’the Cherokees Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Grand River Dam Authority

    Surface Area: 46,500 acres

    Shoreline Length: 1,300 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 745 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 730 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 755 feet

    Average Depth: 36 feet

    Maximum Depth: 164 feet

    Water Volume: 1,672,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1940

    Lake Area-Population: 5,000

    Drainage Area: 10,298 sq. miles

    Grand Lake O’the Cherokees Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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