Area Information
INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma is located just west of Grove. At Grand Lake, you are invited to enjoy outdoor recreation, fishing, sightseeing, entertainment, wild-west, history, and unique lakefront. The Grand Lake O' the Cherokees is a northeast Oklahoma legacy known for its history, enchanting natural setting and diverse facilities and activities.
This beautiful lake was created in 1940 with the completion of the Pensacola Dam on the Grand (or Neosho) River. Grand Lake is located in Ottawa, Delaware, Mayes, and Craig counties. The massive reservoir holds 59,200 surface acres of water at an average surface level of 740 feet above sea level. The shoreline is 1,300 miles long with over 60 miles winding through the foothills of the Ozarks.
In 1947 the Grand River Dam Authority adopted its first rules and regulations governing the use of land and waters under its jurisdiction for recreational purposes. These rules provide for a lake patrol for the protection and safety of the general public using the waters. They also make provisions for a number of commercial uses of the waters and lands.
Here you will find a lake community of diverse neighborhoods. Ask any Grand Laker and they'll tell you Grand Lake is a great area for retirement and relocation. Revitalization of historic residential areas and the design of new developments have created numerous options, each with its own unique "personality." The Grand Lake area offers a good selection of existing housing in a variety of styles to purchase, rent or lease everything from condominiums, single-family residences and retirement villages. Grand Lake ranks favorably on costs of taxes and housing.
The quality of life on Grand Lake is excellent, a place where you can truly enjoy endless outdoor opportunities. Grand Lake is the top bass fishing lake in Oklahoma, but offers everything from golf, sailing, camping, water-sports, 4x4 trail riding, hiking, and much more! There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
CLIMATE
The weather in this part of the southern plains is excellent. Spring is short and mild, and summer days are warm, with temperatures averaging between 78 and 91 degrees. Autumns are characterized by long periods of mild, sunny weather, and winters are generally short and moderate.
Click here for a chart of average monthly high and low temperatures.
DEMOGRAPHICS
A summary of estimated 2006 data for Delaware County is provided below. Click here for the fully detailed "Quick Facts" page available on www.census.gov.
Population
Races
Education
COST OF LIVING
Tulsa data should be used as a surrogate for Delaware County, given that Tulsa is the closest city of which data is readily available. Use the Cost of Living Calculator at www.bestplaces.net to see how Tulsa's Cost of Living Index compares with your hometown.
LOCATION AND LANDSCAPE
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees
Grand Lake O' The Cherokees was created in 1940 when the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) completed the Pensacola Dam. The lake is a premiere Midwestern lake and certainly the crown jewel of the northeastern Oklahoma region.
With 46,500 surface acres of water, Grand Lake is ideal for boating, skiing, fishing, swimming and sailing. Due to the direction of its prevailing winds and the lakes southwest to northeast alignment, the lake is popular with sailboat enthusiasts. Nearly 1,300 miles of shoreline meander through the foothills of the Ozarks. The lake is ranked as one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region and the country. Along with Lake Hudson, Grand Lake is one of only two major lakes in the entire state of Oklahoma where it is possible to own lakefront property right to the water's edge.
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ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Oklahoma State Parks and Other Recreation Areas
Golf
Museums
ACCESS TO SERVICES
Two key resources for anyone coming to the Grove, OK area are: