Lake Hefner Park
Lake Hefner Park Map
About Lake Hefner Park in Oklahoma City
Hefner Park is a waterfront recreational area located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The park surrounds Lake Hefner, a reservoir built in the 1940s to expand the water supply for the city. Spanning approximately 2,500 acres, the park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and amenities for visitors.
One of the park's most notable features is its 9.5-mile multi-use trail that circles the lake, popular among walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail provides scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape, making it a favorite spot for exercise and leisurely strolls.
Lake Hefner itself is a focal point of the park, offering opportunities for various water activities. The lake is particularly known for sailing, with weekend sailboat races held from April to October. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with the lake stocked with several species of fish including largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and crappie.
The park includes several recreational facilities to cater to different interests. There's a golf course for enthusiasts of the sport, as well as baseball fields and tennis courts for those who prefer land-based activities. Families with children can enjoy the playground areas scattered throughout the park.
For those interested in wildlife, the park provides opportunities for bird watching and observing local fauna. The lake and its surroundings attract various species of birds, making it an interesting spot for nature enthusiasts.
Hefner Park also features picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy meals in the open air while taking in views of the lake. The East Wharf area of the park includes several restaurants, providing dining options with lake views.
An interesting landmark in the park is a 36-foot tall working replica of the Brant Point Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. This lighthouse adds a unique visual element to the park's landscape and has become a popular spot for photographs.