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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Lake Resorts In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is known as "America's Frontier Lake State." As such, it is covered with scenic lake resorts, fishing spots, and tourist destinations. The state is also known for its excellent casinos and bingo halls. In the following article, I'll be profiling four areas which qualify as lake resort towns. Any of these locations would make an excellent spot for your next vacation or weekend getaway.

Guthrie, Oklahoma - Located in Logan County, Guthrie is part of the Oklahoma City Metroplex. As of 2003, the population was 10,110 (almost exactly the same as the day it was founded over 114 years ago).

The city was founded during the Land Run of 1889, and its population jumped from zero to 10,000 in a single day. It was the original capital of both the Oklahoma Territory and the State of Oklahoma (Oklahoma City became the new capital in 1910).

Guthrie is a very well preserved example of a Victorian city. The entire central residential and business district has its original architecture completely intact. It is the largest urban Historic Preservation District in the United States. There are several museums to visit in the city, including the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, and the National 4-String Banjo Hall of Fame.

Guthrie holds an annual Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival which draws over 15,000 visitors from around the world. South of Guthrie, you will find two lakes named Liberty Lake and Guthrie Lake.

Guthrie has also been the site of numerous film and television productions. Movies such as Twister and Rain Man have taken advantage of Guthrie's unique beauty.

Checotah, Oklahoma - Located in McIntosh County, Checotah is named for the first elected Chief of the Creek Nation after the Civil War, Samuel Checote.

The city is home to a Civil War battle site (The Battle of Honey Springs), a number of antique malls (although their city sales tax is among the highest in the state), and a thriving historic district. It also claims to be the steer wrestling capital of the world. Country singers Carrie Underwood and Mel McDaniel call Checotah their hometown.

As for lakes, Checotah is located near to Lake Eufaula, which was once the largest man-made lake in the United States (with 640 miles of shoreline). Especially during the summer months, this city is often filled with tourists and fisherman looking to relax and enjoy themselves.

Eufaula, Oklahoma - Located in McIntosh County, Eufaula boasts a population of 2,639. Lake Eufaula is the largest lake located entirely within the State of Oklahoma. The city is situated around Eufaula Cove, a gateway to such activities as camping, boating, fishing, and water skiing. If you like to catch (and eat) bass, crappie, and catfish, then you are certainly in luck! There are also plenty of deer and turkey to admire, and many consider the area to be a bird watchers paradise.

Durant, Oklahoma - Situated near Lake Texoma (one of the largest man-made lakes in the country), Durant is the county seat of Bryan County and has a population of 14,795. It is also the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The city has also been recognized as the Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma.

Lake Texoma brings in around 10 to 12 million tourists every year, so you can often find visitors from all over the country in this charming city.

Whichever destination you choose, you can rest assured that the lakes and resorts of Oklahoma will provide you and your family with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. And if you enjoy gambling and playing bingo, you might want to visit some of the state's fine casinos and bingo halls.

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