Information
Landmark: Lake OverholserCity: Oklahoma City
Country: USA Oklahoma
Continent: North America
Lake Overholser, Oklahoma City, USA Oklahoma, North America
Overview
Lake Overholser sits on the west side of Oklahoma City, a broad reservoir where people fish from the docks and watch the water catch the evening light.It provides the city’s drinking water and draws people for hiking, picnics, and spotting herons along the shore.Lake Overholser, finished in 1919, became one of Oklahoma City’s first reservoirs, its calm waters reflecting the sky a century ago.They built it on Couch Creek to supply the city with water and keep nearby neighborhoods safe from floods, especially when the rain pounds down.The lake, named for Edwin Overholser-an influential early developer and father of Henry Overholser-has long shaped the city’s growth and kept its water flowing, even in scorching summer heat.Reservoir and Dam: The lake spans about 1,500 acres and reaches a maximum depth of roughly 20 feet, deep enough for sunlight to fade into cool, green shadows below.The dam, built of solid concrete, stands as one of the city’s earliest and most important water control projects, its cool gray face still holding the river in check.Around Lake Overholser, you’ll find open grassy stretches, shady clusters of trees, and a few small parks where you can spread a blanket, take a slow walk, or simply watch the water ripple in the breeze.Trails wind along the shore, and easy-to-reach fishing spots invite both anglers and nature lovers to enjoy the lake in safety, maybe with the soft crunch of gravel underfoot.Anglers flock to the water for bass, catfish, and crappie, sometimes pulling in a fish that still glistens in the sun.Public boat ramps make it easy to launch a kayak, push off in a canoe, or set a small boat afloat with a splash.People usually take small boats out on the lake for fun, not big roaring motorboats.At Lake Overholser, herons stalk the shallows while ducks glide past, sharing the shoreline with squirrels and other small mammals.The trees and shrubs around it shelter both migratory and resident birds, so you’ll often see flashes of bright wings that make this a favorite birdwatching spot.The lake doubles as a pocket of urban wilderness, sheltering native plants and offering a patch of green where city streets give way to quiet water.Recreational RoleFishing: Locals love casting their lines here, chasing freshwater catches as the morning mist drifts over the lake.Boating and kayaking are a favorite here, with smooth, glassy water perfect for a quiet paddle in a small craft.Walking and birdwatching come alive on the trails, where you can stretch your legs, spot a flash of blue in the trees, and snap a photo before it’s gone.Community events pop up now and then-small gatherings or a game of frisbee by the water’s edge.Lake Overholser’s easy to reach by car, with parking spots waiting near the busiest stretches of shoreline, where you can hear the soft slap of water against the rocks.Scenic Views: Open water, quiet stretches of forest, and the old stone dam create striking spots to take in the scenery, especially when the first light spills across the surface or the sky glows at sunset.Quiet Recreation: Unlike the busier stretch of Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser gives you space to breathe-a calm shoreline where you can fish, paddle, or just watch the water ripple in the breeze.Lake Overholser still plays a key role in Oklahoma City’s water system, yet it also offers a quiet escape-calm ripples, shaded banks, and a sense of history blending with the joy of being outdoors.
