Delaware OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Delaware, Oklahoma.
1. Bowling Ball Yard Art
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Bowling Ball Yard Art is a unique outdoor attraction in Delaware featuring creative sculptures made from repurposed bowling balls. Visitors can explore this quirky roadside display that has become a popular point of interest and landmark in the area. The colorful and whimsical installations showcase the owner's creativity and have earned a 4.6 rating from delighted tourists.
2. Delaware County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Delaware County Historical Museum houses artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history of Delaware and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the Native American heritage, early settlement, and development of Delaware County through informative displays and preserved items. The museum offers a glimpse into Oklahoma's past and helps preserve the cultural legacy of the region.
3. Flint Creek Water Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Flint Creek Water Park offers visitors a refreshing outdoor experience with swimming, fishing, and picnicking opportunities along the scenic creek. The park features natural beauty with clear waters flowing over limestone formations, creating an ideal setting for family outings and nature appreciation. Visitors often spend the day enjoying water activities, hiking the surrounding trails, and relaxing in this peaceful natural environment.
4. Grand Lake O' The Cherokees
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Grand Lake O' The Cherokees is a massive reservoir near Delaware that offers premier boating, fishing, and water recreation opportunities. The lake encompasses over 46,000 acres of water and features numerous marinas, beaches, and scenic coves that attract visitors throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from world-class bass fishing to wakeboarding, or simply relaxing on the shoreline taking in the beautiful Oklahoma landscape.
5. Har-Ber Village Museum
PIONEER VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Har-Ber Village Museum is an outdoor pioneer-era village and museum complex with authentic buildings and thousands of artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can explore over 100 exhibits representing various aspects of pioneer life, including a schoolhouse, doctor's office, and general store. The living history museum provides an immersive educational experience about early American life in the region.
6. Lendonwood Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Lendonwood Gardens is a stunning eight-acre botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections, including one of the largest rhododendron gardens in the region. Visitors can stroll through themed areas such as the Japanese Garden, English Terrace, and American Backyard while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and seasonal blooms. The garden also houses an impressive collection of azaleas, dogwoods, and over 500 varieties of daylilies that create a colorful display throughout the growing season.
7. Natural Falls State Park
STUNNING WATERFALL WONDER
Natural Falls State Park features a spectacular 77-foot waterfall that cascades through a picturesque rock formation in a lush valley. Visitors can hike the trails that lead to observation platforms offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding Ozark Highlands ecosystem. The park served as a filming location for the 1974 movie "Where the Red Fern Grows" and continues to captivate nature enthusiasts with its pristine beauty.
8. Pensacola Dam
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
Pensacola Dam is the world's longest multiple-arch dam, stretching over a mile across Grand Lake O' The Cherokees and standing as an impressive feat of depression-era engineering. Visitors can take guided tours of this historic structure, which was completed in 1940 and features 51 arches along its main section. The dam not only serves as a hydroelectric power generator but also offers spectacular views of the lake from its pedestrian walkway.
9. Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
The Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with its state-of-the-art fishing dock and boat ramp facilities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching in this scenic area that provides easy access to Grand Lake. The park features modern amenities including RV hookups, a nature center, and hiking trails that make it a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of northeastern Oklahoma.
10. Cherokee Queen Riverboat
SCENIC LAKE CRUISES
The Cherokee Queen Riverboat offers narrated sightseeing cruises on Grand Lake, providing passengers with stunning views and interesting information about the area's history and landmarks. The authentic paddlewheel boat has been operating for decades and has become an iconic attraction for visitors to the Grand Lake region. Guests can choose from various cruise options, including sunset tours and private charters that allow them to experience the beauty of the lake from a unique perspective.
11. Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts featuring extensive shoreline access, boat ramps, and swimming areas. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities ranging from primitive tent sites to RV hookups with modern conveniences in a beautiful lakeside setting. The park's diverse ecosystem supports excellent fishing, birdwatching, and hiking opportunities that attract nature lovers throughout the year.
12. Monkey Island
LAKE RESORT COMMUNITY
Monkey Island is a peninsula extending into Grand Lake that offers upscale resorts, golf courses, and marinas in a beautiful lakeside setting. Visitors can enjoy water sports, dining at waterfront restaurants, or playing a round at the championship golf course designed by renowned architects. The area got its unusual name during the construction of Pensacola Dam when workers noticed the peninsula's shape resembled a monkey's head.
13. Buffalo Ranch
AMERICAN BISON EXPERIENCE
Buffalo Ranch allows visitors to observe magnificent American bison in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts to preserve this iconic species. Guests can take guided tours of the ranch to see the buffalo up close and understand their historical significance to Native American cultures and the American West. The ranch also features a gift shop offering unique buffalo-related products, including meat, hides, and handcrafted souvenirs.
14. Twin Bridges State Park
ANGLERS' PARADISE GETAWAY
Twin Bridges State Park is situated at the junction of the Spring and Neosho Rivers, creating a premier fishing destination known for excellent catches of paddlefish, catfish, and crappie. The park offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and camping facilities that provide anglers with convenient access to some of Oklahoma's best fishing waters. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, wildlife watching, and relaxing in the peaceful riverside environment surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
15. Paddlefish Research Center
UNIQUE FISHING EDUCATION
The Paddlefish Research Center offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the biology and conservation of paddlefish, one of North America's most unique freshwater species. During the spring spawning season, anglers can bring their legally caught paddlefish to the center where staff will clean the fish for free while collecting valuable scientific data. The center features educational displays explaining paddlefish biology, management practices, and the importance of this prehistoric species in Oklahoma's aquatic ecosystems.