The Sailboat Bridge on Grand Lake is the second-longest bridge over water in Oklahoma. Delaware County lies along the western slopes of the Ozark Plateau; the landscape there includes forests, prairies, and agricultural land. Water, nature observation, and cultural history offer different ways to explore the county: lakes, gardens, museums, and historic sites sit alongside its rural landscape.

Lakes, Parks and Trails

Lake Eucha is an area for fishing and recreation in Delaware County. Immediately south of the lake lies the 14,316-acre Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area. These provide two distinct points of interest: the lake as a fishing and recreation area, and the large wildlife area directly to its south.

Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is a 38-acre park on the shore of Grand Lake in Grove, open year-round. Facilities include a fishing pier, a fish-cleaning station, a lighted boat ramp, and a dock; the ramp and dock provide access for boating. Check seasonal facility details before your visit.

At the northwest corner of Grand Lake lies the 88-acre Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park. A one-mile paved, accessible trail is intended for walking and jogging. The park’s nature offerings also include a nature center, a wildlife-feeding area, and two wildlife observation towers. The trail, wildlife viewing, and nature information come together at one named location.

Gardens and Outdoor Discoveries

Lendonwood Gardens is an eight-acre botanical garden in Grove, with more than 1,200 different plant species. Eight distinct garden areas add further structure to the grounds; these include a Japanese pavilion and an azalea garden. The number of plants and the clearly named areas tell two sides of the garden’s story: its variety of species and its themed layout. Tours, including group tours, are available by prior arrangement. If you plan to take a tour, arrange it in advance and confirm the arrangements.

Har-Ber Village Museum also combines time outdoors with exhibits and crafts. A self-guided tour leads through six acres on the shore of Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees; the museum features nearly 100 exhibits there. Demonstrations of historic crafts and trades include blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, and cooking over a hearth.

The museum also has a nearly two-mile nature trail where pets are allowed. A three-quarter-mile section is accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and other non-motorized vehicles. This means you can think of the museum tour and nature trail as distinct offerings: the exhibits and demonstrations take center stage in one, while the other is a trail with a separately designated accessible section.

History and Cultural Heritage

The Corey House was built in 1899; the adjacent hotel was added in 1909. Together, they offer a remarkably authentic picture of small-town life in Grove during Oklahoma’s early statehood years. The two dates show that the hotel was added later, giving the historic complex a clear chronology.

The Mariee Wallace Museum opened in 1991 to house historical artifacts, books, and other items from Delaware County. In Jay, the Delaware County Historical Society maintains a research library and archive in its museum. Both are open to all visitors during regular museum hours; confirm the hours before you arrive.

Cultural history is also evident at places of particular significance to the Seneca and Cayuga. Special ceremonies of the two nations have been held at Bassett Grove Ceremonial Grounds since 1832. Cayuga Mission Church, also called Splitlog Church, is a listed historic site northwest of Grove in Seneca-Cayuga territory. It was built by Mathias Spitlog.

Boat Tours and Getting Around

Grand Lake Cruises offers customized boat tours on Grand Lake, for example for nature viewing, visits to eagle nests, or exploring the entire lake. Tours last two, four, or eight hours. Check tour availability, the schedule, and the boat being used in advance; the stated time options provide a practical guide to the duration you want.

As a geographic reference point, U.S. Highway 59 crosses Delaware County from north to south. The differences between fishing and recreation areas, park trails, gardens, and historic sites can help you choose the focus of your trip based on your own interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grove, Afton, West Siloam Springs, Marshall County, Dewey, Custer, Murray County, Noble County.

For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.