I stumble across a place that manages to catch me completely off guard. In Oklahoma City, that place was Lake Overholser.
When you think of OKC, your mind probably jumps to cowboy culture, Route 66 nostalgia, the Oklahoma City Thunder, or maybe barbecue. What I never expected was to be floored by a peaceful, glistening lake tucked into the western side of the city, surrounded by trails, wildlife, and activities that suited every mood.
The outdoor spot that surprised me most during my Oklahoma City explorations. I’ll share three activities I personally experienced, from biking the dam to kayaking at sunrise, and then recommend four more activities that I think every traveler should consider. I’ll also talk about logistics, services, pros and cons, discounts, routes, and, of course, my personal impressions. By the end, you’ll see why this lake deserves a full day (or several) on your OKC itinerary.
First Impressions: Why Lake Overholser Stood Out
Located at 4001 S Overholser Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73179, Lake Overholser is a reservoir built in 1919 as part of the city’s water supply system. I didn’t expect much when I drove there for the first time—I thought it would be a quiet body of water with a few picnic tables. Instead, I found a sprawling, 1,500-acre lake with a historic dam, birdwatching spots, fishing docks, bike and jogging trails, and the kind of sunsets that make you want to sit still for hours.
It wasn’t touristy, it wasn’t loud—it was simply peaceful and alive with activity. That combination of serenity and energy made it one of my favorite outdoor discoveries in Oklahoma.
My Three Personal Experiences
- Biking Across the Lake Overholser Dam
• Route: Start from the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge side, cross the dam, loop around the south trails.
• Distance: Around 8 miles for a comfortable loop.
• Access: 20 minutes by car from downtown OKC.
The very first activity I tried here was biking across the Lake Overholser Dam. There’s something surreal about pedaling across a 100-year-old dam, with the lake on one side and the rushing Canadian River on the other.
The path is wide enough for both walkers and cyclists, and as I biked, I could hear the water roaring below me—it was a sensory overload in the best possible way. I stopped halfway to snap photos and just take in the sight of pelicans gliding over the water.
Services & Logistics
I rented my bike from Spokies, Oklahoma City’s bike-share system, though there are also private bike rental shops in the downtown area. There’s free parking near the dam, and restroom facilities are located at the east end of the lake.
My Impressions
What I loved most was the feeling of being suspended between city and nature. On the dam, I felt like I was part of a living postcard. My only complaint? The wind! Oklahoma City is known for its gusts, and when you’re on the dam, you feel every bit of it.
• Pros: Scenic, historic, wide open, easy to access.
• Cons: Windy, no food stalls nearby (bring snacks).
• My Rating: 9/10
- Kayaking at Sunrise
• Location: Boat ramps and kayak launches available at the east shore near Lake Overholser Boathouse.
• Cost: Rentals around $20–$30 per hour at Riversport Lake Overholser.
One of my golden rules of travel: always catch at least one sunrise wherever you go. At Lake Overholser, I decided to do it from the water.
I rented a kayak from Riversport Lake Overholser the evening before (you can book online), and the next morning, I arrived in the dim light of dawn. The lake was still, the water like a mirror reflecting the pale blue of the sky. As I paddled out, the horizon shifted from gray to gold, and then suddenly, the whole lake was glowing orange.
There were only a few fishermen out on their boats at that hour, so it felt like I had the place to myself. It was peaceful, meditative, and absolutely unforgettable.
Services & Logistics
The boathouse has rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. They also host group tours and birdwatching paddles. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially in summer weekends.
My Impressions
This was, hands down, my favorite activity at the lake. It combined exercise, beauty, and tranquility in one. The only downside was the early wake-up call—but honestly, that’s part of the magic.
• Pros: Incredible views, peaceful, easy rentals.
• Cons: Requires early morning energy, weather-dependent.
• My Rating: 10/10
- Hiking at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
• Location: West of Lake Overholser, near N Morgan Rd.
• Distance: Multiple trails, ranging 1–3 miles.
• Access: Parking lots available at the refuge entrances.
If the lake itself is about activity, the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is about stillness. I drove to the west side of the lake one afternoon and wandered into the refuge. Suddenly, the buzz of city life disappeared.
The trails wind through wetlands, forests, and open fields. I hiked about 2 miles in and spotted herons, egrets, and even a bald eagle soaring overhead. The silence was broken only by the crunch of my boots and the occasional rustle of wildlife.
Services & Logistics
Free to enter, with small parking lots at trailheads. Trails are mostly dirt, so wear good shoes. No restrooms—plan accordingly.
My Impressions
I didn’t expect such raw nature so close to the city. It was almost like stepping into another world. However, the lack of facilities means it’s best for those who want pure nature rather than comfort.
• Pros: Quiet, wildlife, natural beauty.
• Cons: No facilities, limited signage.
• My Rating: 8/10
Four Activities I Recommend
- Fishing from the Docks
Fishing is huge here. You’ll see locals lined up along the docks and piers, casting for catfish, bass, and crappie. Licenses are required (about $25 for non-residents), and you can buy bait at local shops nearby. Even if you’re not into fishing, it’s worth walking the docks and watching the rhythm of rods bobbing in the water. - Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Offered by Riversport Lake Overholser, SUP is another great way to explore the calm waters. Rental prices are similar to kayaks. I recommend this for anyone wanting a balance between relaxation and workout. - Birdwatching Excursions
Join one of the birdwatching tours organized around the lake and refuge. Bring binoculars—you’re almost guaranteed to see pelicans, herons, and eagles, depending on the season. Tours are around $15–$20 per person. - Picnicking & Sunset Watching
Sometimes, the simplest activities are the most memorable. Grab food from a local spot (I brought brisket sandwiches from Leo’s Barbecue), spread out a blanket, and watch the sun set over the lake. It’s pure magic.
Getting There
• From Will Rogers World Airport: 25 minutes by car, mostly via I-44 and I-40.
• From Downtown OKC: About 20 minutes. Public transit is limited—rental cars or rideshares are best.
Services & Booking
• Bike Rentals: Spokies (day pass ~$8) or private shops downtown.
• Water Sports: Riversport Lake Overholser (kayak/SUP ~$20–$30 per hour).
• Fishing Licenses: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation online.
• Tours: Birdwatching tours and guided paddles can be booked through Riversport.
Pros and Cons of Lake Overholser
Pros
• Wide range of activities (biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing, picnics).
• Accessible location.
• Historic dam with unique views.
• Affordable rentals and free trails.
Cons
• Limited public transit.
• Windy at times, especially on the dam.
• Few food options on-site (bring your own).
The Place That Stole My Heart Unexpectedly
I’ve hiked mountains in Switzerland, kayaked fjords in Norway, and biked coastal trails in California. Yet, somehow, in the middle of Oklahoma, I found myself utterly charmed by Lake Overholser.
Maybe it was the sunrise kayak that made me feel like the only person on Earth. Maybe it was the dam, standing strong for over a century, reminding me of how nature and history can coexist. Maybe it was the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, where silence made me realize how loud my life usually is.
What surprised me most was not just the lake itself, but how it became a mirror of Oklahoma City’s spirit—quiet resilience, surprising beauty, and a willingness to embrace both past and present.
If you’re planning a trip to Oklahoma City, don’t just stick to downtown attractions. Give yourself at least a day at Lake Overholser. Bring a bike, rent a kayak, pack a picnic, and let yourself be surprised, too. Because sometimes, the best moments in travel aren’t the ones you planned—they’re the ones a place like this sneaks into your heart.
