Discover the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Oklahoma

Despite having over 200 lakes now, Oklahoma originally only had a few natural lakes, with most of its natural lakes being very small. Oklahoma has more rivers than lakes, so it’s no wonder that most of the state’s natural lakes are actually just cut-off portions of rivers. The first lake was built in the early 1900s in an attempt to provide a water source for nearby counties. Many more lakes sprung up after this first one and became places for recreational water sports and fishing. 

The oldest man-made lake in Oklahoma is Talawanda Lake Number 1. It was built in 1902 and it’s only 101 acres, making it one of the smaller lakes in the state.

Where Is Talawanda Lake Number 1?

Talawanda Lake Number 1 is located just north of McAlester, OK, inside Pittsburg County. It’s about a two-hour drive from Oklahoma City using I-40 E and OK-375. From OK-375 you’ll take Tannehill Road to E Mitchell Road, which runs into D4060 Road, the road that gives access to the lake. D4060 Road also gives access to the nearby Talwanda Lake Number 2.

The History of Talawanda Lake Number 1

Oklahoma doesn’t have many natural lakes because it’s more of a river state. Because of the many rivers in Oklahoma, most of the natural lakes are oxbow lakes. Oxbow lakes usually form naturally as a result of erosion and time. They are U-shaped and look more like rivers because oxbow lakes simply are rivers that have been cut off from the rest of the water source.

The process leaves a small area of water that stands still, also called an oxbow lake. These special lakes are nearly always located next to the river that helped form them. There are 62 oxbow lakes in the state that take up 10 acres or more. 

Oklahoma is also home to playa lakes or dry lakes. Similar to the salt flats of Utah, these dry lake beds only hold water after rain. There are around 600 of these natural lakes in Oklahoma, mostly located in the panhandle. 

Because the state had such few natural lakes, there was a movement in the early 20th century to begin creating some. They dammed rivers to create reservoirs for the main purpose of providing drinking water to nearby counties. Though that was the original purpose for Talawanda Lake Number 1, it is no longer used by any counties for municipal water. 

What to Do on Oklahoma’s Oldest Man-Made Lake?

Talawanda Lake Number 1 is most popular for its fishing. It has pretty great water clarity, especially compared to the nearby Talawanda Lake Number 2. Since it’s such a small and obscure lake, many people don’t visit it, so it’s sort of a hidden gem. It’s a beautiful spot to fish, very secluded and peaceful because it’s back in the middle of nowhere really. 

The lake is best known for producing some big largemouth bass as well as offering a good amount of crappie. There is a boat ramp, picnic area, and playground located by Talawanda Lake Number 1 and 2. While the lake isn’t usually used for swimming or recreational water sports, it’s a great place to cast a line in a scenic environment. There is plenty of shoreline vegetation that provides hiding spots for bass, crappie, and bluegill. 

What to Do Around Talawanda Lake Number 1?

If you’re visiting the area and want to find something to do nearby, you can check out Arrowhead State Park. It’s a short drive north of Talawanda Lake Number 1, located adjacent to Lake Eufaula. It’s a great place to view wildlife as it contains plenty of wild turkeys, rabbits, and deer. Also, since it’s just on the edge of Lake Eufaula, there is an on-site marina and a campground nearby. The entire park spreads across 102,500 acres, so you can be sure that you won’t get bored.

Also nearby is the town of Krebs, which is often referred to as Oklahoma’s Little Italy because of its exquisite cuisine. If you’re in the area, stop by Lovera’s Italian Grocery and Pete’s Place. Pete’s Place has been in business since 1925 after Pete Prichard, an Italian immigrant, got injured in the mines and began serving beer to folks instead. After Pete’s Choc Beer grew in popularity, he began offering food as well out of his own home, which still stands today as the restaurant. Its unique dining experience gives guests their own dining rooms with sliding doors, serving heaping platters of salads, cheeses, peppers, and other appetizers, followed by some amazing main entrees. It’s certainly worth stopping in if you’re around the area.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Norm Lane/Shutterstock.com