Saying that Eufaula has almost everything a resident or tourist would want may seem like an exaggeration – but is it really?
Case in point: Eufaula is home to Oklahoma’s largest lake. With over 600 miles of shoreline and covering some 100,00 acres, Lake Eufaula is a go-to for recreational enthusiasts who want to play in or on the water. The lake is also the scene of national fishing tournaments, drawing visitors from surrounding states to cheer on their favorite anglers.
Need a perfect place to camp? Eufaula also harbors Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, with indoor, outdoor and aquatic attractions for the whole family.
Local officials say the city’s signature events are sure to capture the attention and hearts of visitors. Eufaula’s Fourth of July celebration offers three days of activities, including a spectacular fireworks show that can be enjoyed from land or boat. The last full weekend in July is always reserved for Whole Hawg Days, which feature a car show, a carnival, and a barbecue cook-off.
“Families who are visiting Eufaula should go by the Chamber of Commerce at 321 North Main and see what is happening in and around town,” says Glenna McBride of Eufaula Area Arts. “We [the Eufaula Area Arts Association] do not have a building to stop at and enjoy. All our energies and dollars go toward art programs and projects.”
The group started the Eufaula Performing and Arts Club for kids in grades 4-12 and hosts adult paint and play classes. June’s will be on the 20th at Eufaula Trinity Episcopal Church.
Another exciting happening to look forward to this summer is the Golden Eagle Poker Run, “an exciting event on Lake Eufaula, featuring six card stops around the lake,” says Rhonda Adams, executive director of the Lake Eufaula Association (LEA). “Participants can use boats, cars, motorcycles or any preferred mode of transportation.”
Registration for the June 8 event is available online at visitlakeeufaula.com, in person at the LEA office, or at 575 Number Nine Marina Road from 8:30 a.m. to noon the day of the run.
“We expect 1,500 to 2,000 participants,” says Adams. “The entry fee is $225 per hand, based on five-card stud with no limit on the number of hands you can purchase. Additionally, there’s a costume contest, with this year’s theme being the Roaring 20s.”
Adams explains there are numerous prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Prizes are awarded based on the number of entries, with last year’s top award set at a whopping $10,587.50.
Linda Wendel, executive director of the Eufaula Area Museum, encourages residents and visitors alike to stop by and enjoy the more than 2,000 items housed there, all of which came from generous donors in the area.
“The centerpiece of our displays is a model railroad tabletop that illustrates the history of the area,” says Wendel. “The current tabletop reflects the area around the time of statehood. It is the middle piece of the display that was funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities.”
In addition to the public displays, the museum boasts an extensive collection of maps of the Eufaula area, both before and after statehood, as well as a library of over 500 books.
“All our collection is accessible through our museum software,” says Wendel, “so we are able to search the items by a person’s name or subject.”
So, if you’re an Oklahoma history buff, an outdoors enthusiast, a fishing fanatic or just someone looking for some fun in the sun, head over to Eufaula. You’ll be glad you did.
