Skiatook Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skiatook Lake |
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 Skiatook Lake
Location in Oklahoma
Skiatook Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Osage County, Oklahoma |
| Coordinates | 36°21′05″N 096°05′31″W / 36.35139°N 96.09194°W |
| Primary inflows | Hominy Creek |
| Primary outflows | Hominy Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 10,500 acres (4,200 ha) |
| Water volume | 322,700 acre-feet (398,000,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 714.0 ft (217.6 m) |
| Settlements | Skiatook, Oklahoma |
Skiatook Lake is a large lake in Osage County, Oklahoma. It is owned and managed by the United States government. The lake is about 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Skiatook. It is also about 18 km (11 mi) from Tulsa.
The Skiatook Dam was built on Hominy Creek. The lake helps control floods and provides clean water. It is also a fun place for recreation and helps protect fish and wildlife. Many nearby cities, like Skiatook and Tulsa, use the lake for their water supply. The area around the lake has rolling hills with oak trees and open grasslands. The United States Army Corps of Engineers takes care of the lake.
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How Big is Skiatook Lake?
Skiatook Lake is quite large! When the water is at 714 feet (218 m) above sea level, it covers about 10,500 acres (42 km2) of land. That's like having 160 km (99 mi) of shoreline to explore.
The lake holds a lot of water, about 322,700 acre-feet (398,000,000 m3). This makes Skiatook Lake one of the biggest lakes in Oklahoma. It's the fifteenth largest in surface area and the eleventh largest in how much water it can hold. You can see more lakes on the List of lakes in Oklahoma.
The History of Skiatook Lake
The idea for Skiatook Lake and Dam was approved in 1962. It was part of a bigger plan to manage water in the Bird Creek area. The project aimed to help with flood control and water needs.
Buying the land for the lake started in 1973. Construction of the dam and lake began in May 1977. The entire project was finished in 1984. It cost about $120 million to build.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Skiatook Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The lake has steep cliffs along its edges, which are cool to see. You can go boating, hiking, swimming, and camping here. Picnics are also popular.
Many people enjoy fishing at Skiatook Lake. There are even fishing tournaments held every year. You can catch different kinds of fish, like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
There are several places around the lake for public use. These areas have roads, parking, and boat ramps. You can also find nature trails, picnic spots, and camping sites. Some popular camping spots include Tall Chief Cove and Bull Creek. Other parks are Blackdog Park and Skiatook Point.
A Boy Scout camp called John Zink is also located along the southern shore of the lake.
Wildlife Around the Lake
The area around Skiatook Lake is home to many animals. You might see White-tailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Other animals like opossums and raccoons also live here.
Many different kinds of birds can be found, including quail and dove. If you are lucky, you might even spot a Bald eagle! Other wild animals like coyotes, red foxes, and bobcats also live in the area.
Events at Skiatook Lake
Skiatook Lake hosts several events throughout the year. Many fishing tournaments take place here. One big event is "Fantasy in the Sky" in July. It's a celebration with live music and fireworks. Around 35,000 people come to watch the fireworks show. The Skiatook Chamber of Commerce also helps organize many events at the lake.
Skiatook Wildlife Management Area
The Skiatook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a special area for wildlife. It covers about 5,000 acres (20 km2) of land and water at the upper end of the lake. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Management manages this area. It helps protect the animals and their homes.
CrossTimbers Resort and Lake Development
Skiatook Lake was chosen for a special program to improve recreation. This program aimed to find partners to invest in new fun activities at the lake. In 2003, a group called the Skiatook Economic Development Authority (SEDA) started working on a plan.
SEDA has developed an area known as CrossTimbers Marina and Resort. This resort has a marina where you can rent boat slips. They also offer boat sales, rentals, and repair services. You can rent cabins and find a restaurant there. There are also plans to add a golf course and more camping spots in the future.
