Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees was created in 1940 with the Grand River Dam Authority’s completion of the Pensacola Dam, the longest multiple-arch dam in the world. Grand Lake is one of the premiere lakes in the Midwest and the crown jewel of a chain of lakes in the northeastern Oklahoma region.
Located alongside I-44 midway between Tulsa, Oklahoma and Joplin, Missouri, its 46,500 surface acres of water are ideal for yachting, boating, parasailing, skiing, wake boarding, fishing, swimming and sailing. In fact, the lake, which lies in a southwest to northeast direction, is popular with sailboat enthusiasts wishing to take advantage of the prevailing wind. Normal surface elevation is 742 feet above sea level. With more than twenty commercial marinas, two yacht clubs, over 4,000 private docks and many waterfront clubs and restaurants accessible by boat, Grand Lake has earned its reputation as “Oklahoma’s Playground.”
With 1,300 miles of shoreline meandering through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, everything from bustling lakeside communities to quiet secluded coves and lakeside resorts can be found along its shore. Personal watercraft rentals, boat rentals, yacht charters and parasailing are available at Shangri-La Marina.
Grand is consistently ranked among the top lakes for bass fishing in the region, hosting the Super Bowl of all fishing tournaments, the Bassmaster Classic in February 2013. It is also a haven for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife.
The golf season at Grand Lake is as long as some of the fairways. The area boasts six courses that are open to the public including the prestigious Shangri-La Golf Club.
For the more adventuresome, there is also plenty of gaming action nearby. Within a 45-mile radius near Grand Lake, there are numerous Vegas-style casinos with more than 8,200 slots, 120 gaming tables and two casinos also offering off-track betting.
It is no small wonder tourists are given advance warning about their visits to exciting Grand Lake: “Come to Play. Plan to Stay!” For complete information on entertainment options around the Grand Lake area, visit www.grandlakefun.com.
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