Bernice OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bernice, Oklahoma.
1. Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park
CRAPPIE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park is known as the 'Crappie Capital of the World' and offers fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, white bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. The 88-acre park features primitive tent sites, 33 RV sites with water and 50 amp electric hookups, two comfort stations with hot showers, and a centrally located dump station. With two playgrounds, a swimming beach, a nature center, a wildlife feeding area, and two wildlife watch towers, the whole family is sure to find something to enjoy.
2. Grand Lake Swimming Beach
REFRESHING LAKESIDE RECREATION
Grand Lake Swimming Beach provides visitors with a refreshing escape during the summer months at Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park. The beach area offers a family-friendly environment where visitors can cool off in the clear waters of Grand Lake. Surrounded by natural beauty, the swimming beach is complemented by nearby picnic areas for a complete day of outdoor enjoyment.
3. Bernice Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The Bernice Nature Center located within Grand Lake State Park offers an educational experience complete with animals and souvenirs. Visitors can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems through interactive exhibits and displays. The center serves as a starting point for nature walks and wildlife observation in the surrounding park area.
4. Paved Walking and Jogging Path
ACCESSIBLE OUTDOOR EXERCISE
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park features a one-mile paved walking and jogging path that is handicapped accessible. The path winds through scenic areas of the park, providing exercise opportunities with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Fitness enthusiasts and casual walkers alike can enjoy this well-maintained trail year-round.
5. Wildlife Watch Towers
SCENIC WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
The Wildlife Watch Towers at Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park provide elevated vantage points for observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region. Visitors can spot various bird species, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat from these strategically placed observation points. The towers are particularly popular during migration seasons when various bird species pass through the area.
6. Har-Ber Village Museum
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Har-Ber Village Museum in nearby Grove is an immersive outdoor museum featuring over 100 exhibits recreating 19th-century life in the Ozarks. Visitors can explore historic buildings filled with thousands of artifacts representing various trades, homes, and businesses from the frontier era. The museum offers a glimpse into pioneer life with hands-on activities and seasonal events throughout the year.
7. Lendonwood Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Lendonwood Gardens in Grove features eight acres of botanical splendor with themed gardens including Japanese, Oriental, English, and American displays. The garden showcases one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in the region, along with hundreds of varieties of daylilies, hostas, and other ornamental plants. Visitors can stroll along peaceful walking paths, rest on benches under shade trees, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere year-round.
8. Cayuga Mission Church
HISTORIC SACRED SPACE
The Cayuga Splitlog Mission Church in Grove stands as a testament to the area's rich cultural heritage. Built in the late 19th century by Mathias Splitlog, a wealthy Wyandotte Native American, this historic church features unique architectural elements and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can experience a piece of Oklahoma's religious history while exploring this well-preserved landmark.
9. Eastern Trails Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita chronicles the rich history of northeastern Oklahoma through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays on Native American heritage, pioneer life, the railroad era, and the development of Route 66 through the region. The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, documents, and items that tell the story of this important crossroads community.
10. Cabin Creek Civil War Battle Site
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD MEMORIAL
The Cabin Creek Civil War Battle Site near Vinita preserves the location of two significant Civil War engagements that took place in Indian Territory. Visitors can walk the grounds where Confederate and Union forces clashed in 1863 and 1864 in battles that impacted supply lines and control of the region. Interpretive signs throughout the site provide historical context about these often-overlooked Western Theater conflicts.
11. Natural Falls State Park
SPECTACULAR 77-FOOT WATERFALL
Natural Falls State Park features a breathtaking 77-foot waterfall that cascades into an enchanting basin pool surrounded by seventeen different fern varieties. Visitors can hike down rugged trails to the base of the falls where native flowering trees like redbuds and dogwoods create a tranquil forest setting. The park offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas for those looking to immerse themselves in one of Oklahoma's most beautiful natural settings.
12. Spavinaw Hills Game Management Area
PREMIER HUNTING GROUNDS
The Spavinaw Hills Game Management Area encompasses 13,000 acres of prime hunting territory near Grand Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts can pursue deer, turkey, quail, and other game species in diverse terrain ranging from hardwood forests to open meadows. The management area represents an outdoorsman's paradise with multiple access points and seasonal hunting opportunities governed by Oklahoma Wildlife Department regulations.
13. Pensacola Dam
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
Pensacola Dam, completed in 1940, created Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and stands as the longest multiple-arch dam in the United States. Visitors can take guided tours of this impressive structure, learning about its construction during the Great Depression and its ongoing role in flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The dam's Art Deco architectural elements and spectacular views of Grand Lake make it both a historical landmark and scenic attraction.
14. Cherokee Queen Riverboat
SCENIC LAKE CRUISES
The Cherokee Queen Riverboat offers narrated sightseeing cruises on the beautiful waters of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of lakeside homes, wildlife, and natural scenery while learning about the history and ecology of Oklahoma's premier lake destination. The riverboat features both open-air and climate-controlled seating areas, making it a popular attraction for visitors throughout the summer season.
15. Robbers Cave State Park
OUTLAW HIDEOUT ADVENTURE
Robbers Cave State Park features steep sandstone bluffs and caves that once served as hideouts for notorious outlaws like Jesse James and Belle Starr. The park offers extensive recreational opportunities including horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping across its 8,400 acres of scenic woodland terrain. Visitors can experience panoramic views from Robbers Cave Lodge, which overlooks the lakes and forests hundreds of feet below.