Surrounded by the waters of the scenic Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Grove gives off a charming, friendly vibe and excellent vacation opportunities to every type of traveler in Northeast Oklahoma.
Grove is part of Delaware County, with a population of 6,623 based on the 2010 census, and has continued to be a recognized trading center since 1817.
It was given several names before, such as “Round Grove” in military reports, “Monroe Grove” in connection to a Cherokee family, and “Tablor’s Grove” for an early settler.
But most of the time, it was referred to as Grove Springs considering its proximity to a freshwater spring where travelers would come to rest.
With its great location and rich heritage, you can do a plethora of activities involving limitless fun on the water and exploring remarkable tourist attractions.
Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Grove, Oklahoma:
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Experience the great outdoors within Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park, Grove’s 38-acre park on the shore of Grand Lake accessible throughout the year.
There are RV and tent sites for campers and several picnic tables for groups looking to enjoy a laid-back day and feast outdoors with a scenic backdrop.
Catch Oklahoma sunshine and fresh air, read your favorite book, spot some wildlife, and stand in awe of the park’s majestic scenery.
Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is also popular for anglers, with amenities including a fishing dock, fish cleaning station, and a lighted boat ramp.
If you go fishing on Grand Lake, you may reel in bass, catfish, bluegill, spoonbill, and crappie.
It’s likewise recommended that you drop by Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park in October when the annual Pelican Festival takes place.
Watch a parade, dance to the live music, find thrill in the carnival rides, and enjoy a pelican tour at the festival hosted at Grand Lake.
Head to State Park Road and check out all the great activities within Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park.
Breathtaking views and vast collections of plants await you in Lendonwood Gardens, comprised of eight botanical gardens off Har-Ber Road.
Each garden has a theme and distinct atmosphere, but all make a perfect spot to release your mind from worry and stress.
Oklahoma Garden, built in 2015, teems with plants and trees that flourish in the state’s diverse climate.
Aspiring Oklahoman gardeners can find inspiration here, too, on what to cultivate since it displays “Oklahoma Proven” plants ranging from shrubs and trees to perennials and annuals.
At the Japanese Pavilion, tap into your inner peace and soak up the picturesque views of the Koi Pond and the surrounding garden.
The Pavilion is patterned after Japan’s Hosokawa Pavilion, featuring red cedar posts, floors made of cypress wood, mortise-and-tenon redwood panels, and handmade furniture.
Prepare a lot of quarters to feed the colorful fish in the koi pond, a favorite activity by kids!
There’s a newly-established welcome center in Lendonwood Gardens to answer your inquiries and provide informative materials about the eight-acre botanical garden.
Browse the gift shop showcasing wonderful local arts and crafts, and you might find something to remember during your visit to Lendonwood Gardens.
There’s always something interesting in whichever direction you look inside Har-Ber Village.
Learn history by touring this recreation of a pioneer-era town on West 20th Street, spanning six acres and consisting of nearly 100 exhibits.
Catch a glimpse of the mid-1800s to the early 1900s in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas through the encyclopedic displays of antiques, collectibles, and other items at Har-Ber Village.
Some of the collections housed in this tourist site include carriages, farm equipment, dolls, unique dishes, and military uniforms and paraphernalia.
Har-Ber Village guarantees family fun with its interactive stations spread across the museum and more things in store at the kids corner!
Note that the village museum is seasonal, but there’s a nature trail you can explore with your family, friends, and even pets.
Take in beautiful vistas as you navigate the two-mile Har-Ber Village Nature Trail and enjoy a basket of food in the picnic pavilion.
Looking for some fun indoors?
You may want to try roller skating with your family and friends at Rocket Skating Plus LLC on East 315 Road!
The owners acquired Grove’s roller rink in 2015 and made the necessary upgrades to pursue their lifelong dream of operating their skating rink.
People love going to Rocket Skating Plus LLC for its reasonable prices, accommodating owners and staff, clean and roomy skating rink, and great music.
Have a carefree day at Rocket Skating Plus LLC and enjoy its combined retro and sci-fi atmosphere.
You can also book your parties here or sign up for exciting events and camps.
Check out Rustic Rehab LLC for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Grove along Highway 59.
This shopping mall offers something for everyone: nice clothes, lovely jewelry, beautiful home decoration, antique finds, and other items you can think of.
Just keep browsing, and you might find something here to treasure.
Rustic Rehab LLC is a great place for gift ideas that are handcrafted locally.
Customers also praise this expansive place for its kind and helpful staff.
They also love Rustic Rehab LLC for its affordable prices and extraordinary deals!
A visit to a new city is never complete without checking its local farmers market to connect to the community and learn more about the place.
Enjoy a gratifying shopping experience at Grove Farmers’ Market, an open-air, biweekly farmers market situated downtown.
Fill your shopping bags with a variety of fresh and organic produce, like meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
Munch some home-baked goods and other savory food items you’ll discover at Grove Farmers’ Market.
You may also encounter entertaining live music and find handmade crafts like soaps, lotions, and other souvenir items.
Support local producers at the seasonal Grove Farmers’ Market on West Third Street!
Relax and free your mind from stress by reserving a lake cabin o RV camping spot at Elk River Landing Marina.
Elk River Landing Marina is located on East 250 Road and has served families and groups since the 1960s.
Experience a variety of water-based recreational opportunities with access to amenities such as boat ramps and docks, boat slips, pontoon rentals, and water equipment reservations.
Explore the waters of Grand Lake or aim for your best catch at the fishing dock of Elk River Landing Marina.
There are also a 24-hour self-serve gas station and a convenience store offering food, drinks, and some items you need for fishing.
Have a great bonding experience and leisurely stay at Elk River Landing Marina.
Experience golfing like no other with Patricia Island Country Club, located on Clubhouse Road.
Not only will you find the golf course challenging and fun, but you’ll also be treated to majestic landscape and lake views with its proximity to Grand Lake.
Patricia Island Country Club welcomes golfers with various skills to play in its well-maintained 18-hole course, custom designed as a championship-tier course.
Book a tee time at Patricia Island Country Club and meet its hospitable staff, see what’s inside the pro shop, and embrace the stunning scenery it has to offer.
Work on your shots and swings in its practice facility consisting of a driving range with target greens, chipping green with two sand traps, and a large putting green.
Afterward, fill yourself with delicious food at Mulligans Restaurant with plenty of menu items such as salads, burgers, pasta, hearty meals, and desserts to satisfy any craving.
Wolf Creek Park is another popular destination among park-goers, professional anglers, and fishing enthusiasts for its world-class fishing facility.
Located on North 16th Street, this park gives access to six boat ramps, a mooring dock, a tuning fork-style boat dock, picnic areas, and more.
Take a break from social media and meet other people who go fishing at Wolf Creek Park.
Or challenge yourself by participating in fishing tournaments and events hosted here.
Moreover, Wolf Creek Park is bustling with festivals and other surprising activities to keep the excitement going for residents and visitors alike.
Don’t miss out on what’s happening at Wolf Creek Park when you visit Grove!
If you’re traveling with kids during the summer, take them to the City of Grove Splashpad, which offers free splashing fun from May to October.
The splash pad became accessible to the public in 2009, presenting a nautical-themed water playground for anyone to enjoy.
Children will be delighted to see different play structures at the City of Grove Splashpad, including a pelican, a frog, and several ground sprays.
Parents can chat and rest in the shaded areas as the young ones burn energy and make new friends.
Head to the corner of 13th Street and Shundi to find the City of Grove Splashpad in the Sports & Rec Center across from the Grove Post Office.
Take a glimpse of Oklahoma nightlife by stopping at Cherokee Casino Grove off Highway 59.
Test your luck by playing casino games, and you may win it big!
Bring your friends, grab a drink at the bar, and dance to the live band music of the night.
There’s also a grill serving filling sandwiches, savory steak and pork chop, chicken and seafood meals, and desserts for your sweet tooth.
Forget your worries for a while and get entertained at Cherokee Casino Grove!
If you’re looking to include a must-visit local restaurant in your travel itinerary, Chickanellas along Highway 59 is among the crowd favorites in the city for eating breakfast and lunch.
Fill your empty stomach with homemade food of Chickanellas using fresh ingredients based on treasured family recipes.
One of its bestsellers is the “Big Daddy Love’s Favorite,” which serves you two large pancakes, each loaded with bacon, sausage, and two eggs.
For lunch, you can try Chickanellas’ wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
See also what’s its soup and quiche of the day!
Aside from its loaded menu, Chickanellas is distinct for its themed rooms to amuse and give different atmospheres to its customers.
These include the “Mad Hatter Tea Party” room, “Queen of Hearts” restroom, and “Fishing Room.”
There’s still a certain charm in going to cinemas to catch movies with your family or special someone.
For movie night, you can buy tickets at Cinema 7 of Grove on North 3rd Street!
This may be a small movie theater, but it offers a nice selection of films, a great viewing experience, comfortable seats, and a clean atmosphere.
Grab your popcorn and drinks and enjoy an adventure, action, romantic comedy, or feel-good movie.
At Cinema 7 of Grove, you can fully immerse in the storyline and reflect on the characters with its quality screen and sound system.
Grand Lake Casino makes a great hub for groups of friends to hang out and get gaming and live entertainment.
Grand Lake Casino is open 24 hours a day on South 655 Road and spans over 45,000 square feet.
Step inside, and you’ll find over 500 slot machines and table games!
It has two full-service bars to sip your favorite drinks while playing at the casino.
Once you have your share of games, there’s also Venue 655 to entertain you with live music and an assortment of events!
Venue 655 is accessible within Grand Lake Casino and features a quality sound system and a full-service bar.
Sing your hearts out during karaoke nights, dance to live music performed by local artists, or register in the corn hole tournaments.
Honey Creek Landing Marina is one of the well-kept marinas you’ll find on the picturesque Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
Operating for more than 15 years, Honey Creek Landing Marina on South Main Street not only welcomes people from Oklahoma but visitors from Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas as well.
It provides slip rent leases for those looking for a place to keep their boats, essential amenities such as bath facilities, and a ship store for your personal needs.
Moreover, you can rent a boat here to enjoy a ride on the great waters of Grand Lake!
Get some sun and the best lake views to complete your Grove vacation.
Boasting several remarkable destinations, Grove will never fail to give you your well-deserved vacation.
Grove greets you with the astounding beauty of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, captivating views of Lendonwood Gardens, an engaging tour of Har-Ber Village, and the ultimate outdoor experience within Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park.
In addition are other recreational attractions worth making a stop to enjoy gaming and live entertainment, roller skating, movies, shopping, and delectable food.
Have a break from the daily hustle and bustle and try the best things to do in Grove, Oklahoma!
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