The heavily forested Ozark Highlands ecoregion is one of the
Sooner State's most popular destinations, with the Grand Lake
O' The Cherokees serving as the jumping point for outdoor activities
of all types. You'll find 10 state parks around the lake, promising
ample opportunity for boating, swimming, fishing and more. Or
take a canoe trip down the Illinois River, where gentle rapids
guide you along one of Oklahoma's most scenic water routes.
Bird-watchers cite the region as a favorite, especially when
the American White Pelicans stop by Grand Lake for a couple
of months during their annual migration. Bald eagles, mallards
and snow geese also abound.
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Counties: |
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Craig, Ottawa, Delaware, Mayes, Cherokee, Adair
Counties
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Area of OK: |
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Northeast Oklahoma
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Major Cities: |
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Grove, Disney and West Siloam Springs
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Outdoor Activites: |
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Fishing, camping, boating, pontooning, swimming, picnicking,
water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, diving, sailing,
golfing, tennis
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Wildlife: |
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Bats, bass, catfish, crappie, deer, American white pelicans,
snow geese, mallards, bald eagle, 311 vertebrate species are
native to this ecoregion
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Of Interest: |
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- Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees Area - 1,300
miles of shoreline (more shoreline than the coast of California).
The Grand Lake area has 10 state parks, numerous RV parks,
lodging, accommodations, attractions, marinas and restaurants.
- Illinois River - canoeing and rafting are popular
activities, where floaters can enjoy 60 miles of exciting
and challenging stream. Also known for camping and fishing
- Natural Falls State Park - Used in the 1970 filming
of "Where The Red Fern Grows"
- HarBer Village - 116 rustic cabins filled with
artifacts and antiques recreates aspects of the area's early
settlement
- LenDonwood Gardens - small botanical garden contains
more than 1,200 different plants
- Disney’s "Picture in Scripture"
state-of-the-art amphitheater
- Shangri-La Resort
- Cherokee Queen excursion boats
- Lake Eucha State Park - The only Oklahoma State
Park where you can rent the entire park and/or pool for
private parties
- Other Lakes and State Parks: Spring River Canoe Trails,
Twin Bridges State Park, Spavinaw State Park, Cherokee State
Park, Little Blue Disney State Park, Honey Creek State Park,
Bernice State Park
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Annual Events:
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- GroveFest (Grove) (June)
- American Heritage Music Festival (Grove) (June)
- Huckleberry Festival (Jay) (July)
- Pelican Festival (Grove) (Sept)
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Terrain Description: |
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Oak-hickory is bountiful in the Ozark Highlands, and stands
of oak and pine are also common. This ecoregion has a very
irregular terrain and is generally more heavily forested than
adjacent regions (except the Ozark Forest/Boston Mountains
to the south). |
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Back To Ecoregions Map
Click photo to view the full picture.
Cherokee Queen - Grand Lake O' The
Cherokees Near Grove, OK
Illinois River Near Talequah, OK
CLendonwood Gardens, Near Grove,
OK
Natural Falls State Park
Near West Siloam Springs, OK
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