Lake Overholser: Best Things to See & Do for Fun

Lake Overholser

Lake Overholser is an Oklahoma City reservoir, created by stopping the flow from the North Canadian River with its dam.  The lake is approximately 2.9 miles west of Bethany, and 4.4 miles from Yukon. It was named after Oklahoma City’s former mayor, Ed Overholser, who served from 1915 to 1918. 

The lake was originally designed to ensure the state does not face a drought. Lake Overholser was completed in 1918 and is still the main water system to date for Oklahoma City.

What is there to do at Lake Overholser?

Route 66 Family Park:

At this serene park, you can catch a beautiful sunset from the East bank, or simply watch the birds. This park, named “Route 66 Family Park”, brings you a duck pond, a playground, and a picnic pavilion where you can spend a great fun-filled day with your family.  They even have built-in grills so you can have a BBQ.

Those looking to enjoy a more active day in the park can enjoy a nature trail, the tennis courts, or the fields for playing catch or soccer.  

Fishing:

People love to fish on Lake Overholser, and there’s a few places you can do it.  You can fish on the Southwest corner of the lake, on the East side of the lake, which is close to the patrol station, and at the South end by the dam.  You can also fish from your boat if you’d like.  Just be sure to have an Oklahoma City fishing license as well as an Oklahoma state fishing license, unless you are exempt. 

Boating: 

All watercraft is permitted on Lake Overholser, including jet skis. You can find boat ramps to put your vehicle on the water either on the East side behind the boat house or on the South end over by the Dam.  However, you must get a boating permit from the city.  Learn more about OKC boating permits here.

The Dam:

You can walk across the top of the dam, or you can view it from either side.  There’s actually some pretty cool views around this area, so be sure to bring your camera or a fully charged phone for some photo ops.

Lake Overholser Boathouse

There are all sorts of activities that you can participate in thanks to the Lake Overholser Boathouse. Ran by RIVERSPORT Adventures, there’s something for everyone.  Here’s a list of some of the things you can do here at the boathouse:

• Kayaking
• Stand-up Paddle Boarding
• Riding your bicycle on the trails
• Free Falling on the “stunt jump”
• Man-made rock climbing
• Ziplining
• Taking a simple stroll

Summer Day Camps

In the summer time, there are day camps for kids to enjoy all of these activates listed above with adult supervision. You can find more details about it here.

Lake Overholser Trail

Take a walk, job, or bike along the trail!  It’s 8.2 miles long, and loops in a circle.  It takes about 2 and a half hours to complete.  It’s open all year long, and you’re welcome to bring your dog along (as long as it’s on a leash).

Lake Overholser Hours

When planning to spend a fun-filled day at Lake Overholser Park it’s best to consider the park opening and closing timings. Fortunately, Lake Overholser park opens its doors early in the morning around 6 am, and is open until 11 pm at night.

These times are standard and followed throughout the weekdays, but the park closes early on the weekends. Meaning the park is open from 6 am to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday, still offering you ample time to have a great day out with your family and friends.

 

Some Commonly Asked Questions About The Lake:

 

Can you swim in Lake Overholser?

No, swimming is not allowed.

Why can’t people swim in Lake Overholser?

You are not allowed to swim in the lake because it is a main water supply.

How deep is Lake Overholser?

Lake Overholser ranges from 6 to 13 feet deep.  It is generally shallow in most places, averaging 6 feet deep.

What kind of fish can you catch at Overholser? 

Lake Overholser consists of White Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, Walleye, Striped Hybrid Bass, Flathead Catfish, and Channel Catfish, to name a few of the more popular species found in the Lake.

Where can you fish on Lake Overholser?

You can fish on the East side, the Southwest Corner, and on the South side by the dam.

Is Lake Overholser bigger or smaller than Lake Hefner?

Lake Overholser is smaller than Lake Hefner.  Lake Overholser is approximately 1,500 acres and 6 feet deep on average, while Lake Hefner is about 2,500 acres and an average of 29 feet deep.

Where is Lake Overholser?

The lake is located approximately 3 miles West of Bethany and 4 1/2 miles from Yukon.  Refer to the map below for more specific directions.

 

Our Conclusion:

Visiting Lake Overholser in Oklahoma City is a great way to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are interested in fishing, hiking, or just taking in the natural beauty of the area, there is something for everyone at this popular recreational spot.

The lake is surrounded by beautiful parkland, providing a peaceful and serene setting for a variety of activities. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as the weather in Oklahoma can be hot and humid during the summer months. Overall, a visit to Lake Overholser is a fun and memorable experience that is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Have you been to Lake Overholser?  Share some of your favorite activities or favorite spots in the comments below!