Lake Hefner Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City's expansive reservoir featuring an iconic lighthouse, scenic trails, and stunning sunsets, perfect for recreation and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best sunset colors
Lake Hefner Oklahoma City
Best Time
Best sunset colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oklahoma City's expansive reservoir featuring an iconic lighthouse, scenic trails, and stunning sunsets, perfect for recreation and relaxation.
"This place never disappoints, I love visiting to see the water, birds and nature in general... Beautiful views and so peaceful every time I go."
🎯 Chase the Sunset Views
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities. It's a must-see!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk, as restaurant parking is often prioritized.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Hefner Lighthouse
Lake Hefner
An iconic OKC landmark offering stunning views and a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Spectacular Sunsets
Lake Hefner shores
Witness breathtaking, fiery sunsets that paint the sky and reflect on the water.
Lakeside Dining
Various restaurants around the lake
Enjoy delicious food with a view at popular spots like Mama Roja or Louie's Grill.
Recreational Trails
Around the lake
Miles of paved trails perfect for walking, running, and cycling with scenic water views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunsets
Navigating Parking & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chase the Sunset Views
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities. It's a must-see!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk, as restaurant parking is often prioritized.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
Lake Hefner is known for being windy, so dress accordingly and secure loose items.
👟 Explore the Trails
The 17 miles of paved trails are perfect for a stroll, run, or bike ride. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chase the Sunset Views
Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities. It's a must-see!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk, as restaurant parking is often prioritized.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
Lake Hefner is known for being windy, so dress accordingly and secure loose items.
👟 Explore the Trails
The 17 miles of paved trails are perfect for a stroll, run, or bike ride. +1
🍽️ Dine with a View
Many restaurants offer lakeside seating for a delightful dining experience. +1
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Anglers can find bass and crappie; check local regulations before casting a line.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The lighthouse and surrounding scenery make for fantastic photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Hefner is widely praised for its serene atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and recreational opportunities, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. While some mention occasional litter and limited parking, the overall sentiment highlights its peaceful environment and picturesque scenery as major draws.
"The lake has a very chill environment, no drama. Caught some good size fish here and it’s a great attraction for locals.
The paved road is for walkers and cyclists only so you don’t have to worry about cars.
Quite a few eateries here and boats for rent. It’s a cool environment for date night and taking the family out. Golf course and playgrounds available here too."
Chitbox Deluxe
"Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City’s radiant gem, sprawls over 2,500 acres, its waters echoing the legacy of mayor Robert A. Hefner. A haven for restless spirits, its surface dances with sails slicing through untamed winds, tempting bold sailors while teasing the novice. Seventeen miles of trails hug its shores, alive with runners’ strides and cyclists’ fervor, each step tracing the lake’s gentle curves. Beneath, bass and crappie glide, luring anglers to cast into dawn’s glow or dusk’s fiery embrace. Holding 75,000 acre-feet, Hefner quenches the city’s thirst, a lifeline cloaked in beauty. Picnickers laugh under ancient oaks, golfers chase dreams on nearby greens, and Hefner Grill hums with warmth. Sunsets ignite the water, painting molten gold across its expanse. Though X whispers of water quality concerns, Hefner’s allure endures—a wild, timeless sanctuary where nature’s pulse and city’s heart entwine, beckoning all to linger."
Debasish Sen
"Free parking is in few mins walking distance, not many available. Otherwise the closest are those restaurant's private parking. Super windy and lake side is not very clean."
Mia S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Hefner is easily accessible by car in Oklahoma City. Major roads like Lake Hefner Parkway (SH 74) provide direct access. Parking is available around the lake, though it can be limited, especially near popular restaurants.
Public transportation options to Lake Hefner are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the lake and explore its various points of interest.
The best way to explore Lake Hefner is by car to reach different areas, and then on foot or by bike along the extensive paved trails. Kayaking and sailing are also popular on the water. +1
You can find a Lake Hefner map online through the City of Oklahoma City's parks and recreation website or by searching for 'Lake Hefner map' on your preferred mapping service.
Lake Hefner Park itself is generally free to enter and enjoy. However, some specific facilities or events might have associated fees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lake Hefner Lighthouse and the surrounding park areas are free to visit. You can explore the grounds and take photos without any admission fee.
Lake Hefner Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like restaurants or marinas may have their own operating hours.
Swimming is generally not permitted at Lake Hefner due to water quality and its primary function as a water supply. Stick to activities like boating, fishing, and enjoying the shoreline.
Yes, boat rentals, including sailboats, are often available at the Lake Hefner Marina. It's a popular spot for sailing and enjoying time on the water. +1
While some parking areas are free, they can be limited. Many of the closest parking spots are associated with the restaurants around the lake, which may require patronage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Top activities include watching the sunset, visiting the lighthouse, walking or biking the trails, dining at lakeside restaurants, fishing, and sailing. +3
Yes, Lake Hefner is known for fishing, with popular catches including bass and crappie. Anglers often find success casting lines from the shore or boats.
Absolutely! Lake Hefner features 17 miles of paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding parkland. +1
Yes, there are playgrounds available at Lake Hefner, making it a great spot for families with children to enjoy outdoor recreation.
Lake Hefner is a popular spot for birdwatching, attracting various waterfowl and other bird species, especially during migration seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular dining options include Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen for Mexican cuisine, Louie's Grill and Bar for American fare, and Hefner Grill. Many offer great lake views.
Yes, Lake Hefner is a great spot for picnics. There are many scenic areas, and you can bring your own food to enjoy by the water or under the trees.
Several restaurants around Lake Hefner, such as Mama Roja and Louie's Grill and Bar, offer patios and dining areas with excellent views of the lake. +2
You'll find a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, American, and seafood, at the restaurants surrounding Lake Hefner.
Many of the lakeside restaurants offer a romantic ambiance, making them ideal for date nights. Mama Roja and Hefner Grill are often cited for their atmosphere and views. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Hefner Lighthouse is a prime spot, along with the shoreline during sunset. The trails and marina also offer picturesque scenes.
Absolutely! Lake Hefner is renowned for its stunning sunsets, providing incredible opportunities for photographers to capture vibrant colors reflecting on the water.
Drone usage may be subject to regulations. It's advisable to check with the City of Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation for any restrictions or guidelines regarding drone operation in the park.
Yes, the lighthouse, scenic trails, and sunset views make Lake Hefner a popular and beautiful location for couples' photoshoots.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Lake Hefner. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+4 The trails and marina also offer picturesque backdrops. Aim for the golden hour for the most dramatic and beautiful lighting. 🍽️ Foodies & Date Night Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legacy of Lake Hefner
Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the lake has evolved into a beloved recreational hub, deeply integrated into the city's identity. Its history is a testament to urban development and the transformation of natural resources into community assets. The lake's expansive 2,500 acres hold approximately 75,000 acre-feet of water, serving as a vital lifeline for the city's needs. This dual role as a functional water source and a picturesque recreational area underscores its importance to Oklahoma City residents. The presence of the iconic lighthouse, built in the 1940s, adds a historical and visual landmark that draws visitors and locals alike.
+1Recreational Activities and Nature at Lake Hefner
For those who enjoy being on the water, kayaking and fishing are also popular activities. Anglers can find bass and crappie, making it a decent spot for a day of fishing.
While the lake is a vibrant hub of activity, it's worth noting that swimming is generally not permitted due to its role as a water supply.
Dining and Entertainment Around the Lake
These establishments provide more than just a meal; they offer an experience. Diners can enjoy lakeside dining, watching the sailboats drift by or the sunset paint the sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit