I have to admit, I caught boat fever late in life. Our family had always enjoyed camping and swimming at the area lakes, but it wasn't until we rented a pontoon last summer that I became a boating enthusiast. Now, I'm a pontoon owner-a boat owner who is always in search of the perfect lake experience. I think I've found it on Lake Eufaula.
Made for Boaters
Lake Eufaula is in some boaters' blood. The nice young man who came to fix my kitchen faucet last week talked about how he had spent summers on a boat on Eufaula as a child and was thrilled to give his children the same experience. Two of my best friends recently purchased a trailer at Eufaula so that they could spend more boat time on the lake. I took them up on their offer to bring the family for a visit, and what I found was a lake with marinas, restaurants, and lodging constructed with the boater in mind.
The lake itself measures over 100,000 acres, and the Eufaula/Checotah area is host to Arrowhead and Lake Eufaula state parks and at least six private marinas. There are numerous motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and RV parks which are either right on the lake with docks for overnight guests or are equipped with boat ramps and parking facilities. There is even a floating restaurant, The Quarterdeck Cafe, where you can tie up your boat and have lunch or dinner.
A Day on the Lake
We met our friends at the No. 9 Marina just off of highway 9. As my husband was putting the fishing gear in the boat, I stopped by the Windjammer Ship Store to pick up some sunglasses. The marina boat ramp was busy, but the wait was short, and we were soon in the water. We spent the early morning at the fishing holes. Eufaula has striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. If you're a serious fisherman, check the lake levels before heading off the usual routes-Eufaula is famous for its propeller-eating trees and brush. Although fishing is slow in the heat of July, we had a few nibbles and caught a couple of catfish. I enjoyed waving to the serious fishermen and hearing their tales of woe later in the day as they returned from their favorite spot empty-handed. By noon, the crowd on the lake changed from fishermen to families interested in water sports. There were skiers, tubers, wave boarders, and personal watercraft in every cove. I was afraid I would feel crowded, but Eufaula is so large that there seemed to be room for everyone, and I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere on the lake.
Off the Lake
If you plan to visit the area, but don't want to spend every day on the water, Arrowhead State Park offers horseback riding and equestrian trails, hiking trails, volleyball, and a swimming beach, as well as an 18-hole golf course and putting green. If you want to get away from nature, both downtown Eufaula and Checotah offer several antique and craft stores. History buffs will enjoy the Honey Springs Civil War Battlefield located off Highway 69 just 3 1â„2 miles northeast of Checotah. The visitor's information center explains the battle and what you will see on the battlefield. Call 918-473-5572 for information concerning guided tours and re-enactments.
Whole Hawg Days
Not-to-be-missed upcoming events include the 22nd annual Whole Hawg Days in Eufaula, July 28-29 with arts and crafts booths, a car show, a carnival, and a rodeo. There is a Poker run on July 29th at 7:00am it begins at Eufaula Cove Marina. Entry fees can be paid the day of the run before setting out to collect sealed envelopes with playing cards from the lake marinas. According to Sally Ashby at the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce, there were 300 entries and the grand prize was $12,450 last year. Call the Chamber of Commerce Monday-Friday between 9am-3pm for details (918-689-2791).
End of the Day
By the end of our day on the lake, we had made some new friends and learned our way around. The sun was setting as we pulled the boat out of the water and headed for home. I didn't hear are we there yet, from the back seat, but when are we going back? was asked several times.
Pam is the Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.