Attractions
While thousands of visitors flock to Grand Lake annually to take part in recreational activities, it is also popular as a retirement destination or location for a vacation home. While boating, wakeboarding, skiing and personal watercraft dominate the Grand Lake experience, there are many more exciting and fun-filled attractions.
When it come to attractions, Grand Lake’s best kept secret is the very dam, completed in early 1940, which creates the over 60,000 acres of surface water enjoyed by thousands of visitors annually.
The Pensacola Dam is owned and operated by the Grand River Dam Authority. It contains a hydro-electric generating plant used to produce a significant amount of electrical power for use in and out of state each year. It the longest multiple arch dam in the world and spans over a mile. Informative tours are available in the summer months which include a history of the project and a first hand look at the hydro-operation housed inside this amazing structure.
Other attractions within easy driving distance of Grand Lake include casinos, museums, festivals, boat shows and more. For additional information and a complete listing click on the following link. Grand Lake Attractions
Grand Lake Area Attractions and Entertainment
Adventures to fill a weekend or entire summer abound in the Grand Lake area. From museums, attractions, events and festivals to exciting on and off the water activities, there is something for everyone. Combined with a friendly, small town feel, unique dining and fun shopping, a visit to Grand Lake makes for an unforgettable experience. Here are just a few things to enjoy…..
Cherokee Queen – Grove
An afternoon cruise aboard The Cherokee Queen will allow your entire family a chance to see and hear the abundant nature on Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees – while you sigh as you relax and enjoy simply being our guest. Choose between inside air conditioned seats or topside seats where you can catch the rays. Snacks and beverages are available. Dinner and dance cruises on the weekends make for a special evening with a special someone. Or charter The Cherokee Queen for your private event. We host weddings, family reunions, after-prom parties, and corporate outings with up to 300 guests, who can enjoy a catered dinner, bars and two dance floors. Docked at Sailboat Bridge 918-786-4272
Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame – Bernice
The National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum is located on Highway 85A an hour northeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 40,000 Sq. Ft. facility houses over 50 custom built exotic vehicles by world renowned custom car builder and designer Darryl Starbird as well as many other famous hot rod and custom car builders. 10am to 5pm each day - closed Tuesday. (March - October)Closed - (November - February) (Call for appointments on "Off Days" or during "Closed" months).
Grand Lake Casino – N. of Grove on Hwy 10
Grand Lake Casino offers 45,000 square-feet of gaming and live entertainment. Located approximately 8 miles north of Grove, Oklahoma, on Highway 10. Just one mile from the arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees makes Grand Lake Casino the number one choice for Grand Lake nightlife. Experience the 900 slot machines and table games that include: Blackjack, 3-Card Poker and Texas Hold’em. The EndZone Restaurant and Bar features Fine Dining in a Casual Atmosphere in addition to a full service bar. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Summerside Vineyards & Winery - Vinita
Two of life’s great pleasures are travel and wine. Historic Route 66 & the I-44 Vinita exit is the setting for the winery and tasting room. The sounds of music welcome you, and the gift shop offers wine accessories and gift baskets. Enjoy A delicious range of Oklahoma wines and grape juices, from dry reds and whites through sweeter styles are produced, blended and bottled. Like most Oklahoma wineries, visitors will enjoy a friendly tasting room atmosphere where we help make choices easy for the casual wine drinker. We especially welcome Historic Route 66 fans to the home of Route 66 Red Wine.
Lendonwood Gardens – Grove
Come stroll through Lendonwood Gardens, a six-acre botanical garden near Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. Grassy pathways meander through more than 1,200 different types of plants, including the largest collection of rhododendrons in the Southwest, 500 varieties of daylilies, and 25 varieties of dogwoods. Come see a constantly changing panorama of color and texture . . . at Lendonwood Gardens! Open daily during daylight hours.
Diamond Triple C Ranch - Near Afton
Diamond Triple C Ranch at Grand Lake is located in Afton, Oklahoma, in the Northeastern part of the state about halfway between Joplin and Tulsa, and a short drive from I-44. Our facilities are about seven years old and include five barns, over 200 acres of fenced pastureland, and a managers' residence, as well. Separate pastures and containment areas give us the opportunity to maintain a herd that is not only healthy - but very happy!
Our facilities at Grand Lake also include specified breeding facilities, as well as an air-conditioned stall that enables us to run a first-class operation year round. We also have a branch of our farm store, Echo Valley Fruit & Fiber, there for alpaca product purchases. Diamond Triple C Ranch at Grand Lake has about 136 acres of fertilized native Bermuda.
There are three large ponds totaling about 5 acres, which are stocked with many types of fish (including some bass up to 6 pounds). The ranch fronts Oklahoma Highway 85 for about a mile. We'd love to give you a tour! It's a lovely place to visit. Check out the information on local sites to visit ... you'll find there's a lot to do at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees!
Four Wheelin’ at the Dam - Pensacola Dam
For extreme 4 X 4 action the base of Pensacola Dam offers terrain for all vehicles. Check out sheer rock faces to rugged wooded trails. Drivers test their abilities at the “Rock Garden” and the “Nose Dive” throughout the year.
Har-Ber Village - Grove
One of the largest antique museums in the U.S., Har-Ber Village is a reconstructed turn-of-the-century village comprised of over 100 buildings and collections. Endless collections of china, glassware, dolls, brass, household equipment, furnishings and more are displayed in log cabins. The grounds are covered with displays of antique farm implements, a waterwheel and other treasures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Open Daily March 1- October 14: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sun - 12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October 15 - November 15: Monday- Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sun - 12:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Pensacola Dam - Between Disney & Langley
The state’s oldest hydroelectric facility, this massive structure was completed in 1940. It dams roughly 46,500 surface acres of water, creating Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. Its six generators have provided power to Oklahoma for over half a century. Free tours, Memorial through Labor Day.
Golf Courses - Grand Lake Area
There are numerous public and semi-public courses in the Grand Lake area. Our golfing page lists the courses and provides basic information about them. Contact the individual facilities for seasonal hours and reservations information.
Totem Pole - (W. of Adair on Hwy. 28)
The Totem Pole is the only remaining folk art in Oklahoma of this type. No one has ever disputed that it is the largest Totem Pole in the world. It has been written up in International books and many national and local publications. In 1999, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Oklahoma State Parks - Grand Lake Area
The Grand Lake area is home to eight State Parks. Some have group picnic shelters and cabins; most offer camping and boat ramps. Check the link above for details.
South Grand Lake Regional Airport - Ketchum
For many years the 1 K 8 airport was known as Craig County Airport or Ketchum Airport. A new airport authority was formed, the name of the airport changed, and a Master Plan developed to build a full service airport. The facility now boasts a 5,000' hard surface runway, fuel, rental hangers, hanger lease plots, FBO facilities, lots for service shops, and other amenities.
Picture In Scripture – Disney
Nestled in the hills surrounding Grand Lake, 3.5 miles east of Disney, Picture In Scripture Amphitheater is recognized as the area’s #1 summer attraction. Now in its 24th season, the amphitheater is known for their award winning original biblical dramas. This season ”The Man Who Ran”, the story of Jonah, Jesus and the great fish will be featured. A cast of 80, live exotic animals, exciting pyro-technics and state-of-the art surround sound brings this story to life in the 1000 seat amphitheater. To date over 200,000 representing all 50 states and 110 foreign countries have attended the shows.
A delightful evening at the amphitheater begins with dinner on the patio with your choice of charbroiled hamburgers, grilled chicken, barbeque or Grand Lake’s BEST CATFISH!
A gospel music preshow begins at 8p.m. At sunset the curtain rises on a most spectacular production under the “grand” Oklahoma stars!
Hwy 28 Disney, OK (918) 435-8207.
theelijahfactor@yahoo.com www.pictureinscripture.com
101 Things to do at Grand Lake
