Mcintosh County: Water, History and Blues

More than 92 square miles of water define Mcintosh County. At Lake Eufaula, the lake’s vast scale is matched by a variety of outdoor activities: it covers 105,500 surface acres and has 800 miles of shoreline. History and regional culture also give your trip its own distinct focus.

Lake Eufaula and Outdoor Trails

Eufaula Cove has three public boat ramps and sandy beaches. As these facilities may change, check their current status before visiting. Some marinas on Lake Eufaula rent houseboats, pontoon boats, ski boats, and pedal boats. Fishing is possible on the lake year-round.

Lake Eufaula State Park combines activities on the water with things to do on land. It has a swimming area with a beach, an 18-hole disc golf course at Hummingbird Beach, and a trail system with five hiking and mountain biking trails. The approximately quarter-mile-long Crazy Snake Interpretive Trail is fully paved and ADA-compliant. The Hummingbird Beach Trail begins at the nature center and leads to the beach area. Nature programs at Deep Fork Nature Center cover native animal and plant species and are intended for children and adults.

The Eufaula WMA covers a total of 48,614 acres in Mcintosh County and three other counties: Latimer, Pittsburg, and Okmulgee. Many of its access roads provide access to Eufaula Lake and its associated rivers and larger creeks. Alongside the trails in the state park, the area’s nature attractions also include expansive landscapes and waterways.

Historic Sites and Museums

Honey Springs Battlefield is a National Historic Landmark. Six walking trails with interpretive signs lead through the site; exhibits at the visitor center tell the story of the battle. Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) regiments fought on both sides. The Katy Depot is a restored wooden MKT railroad building dating from 1890. Its exhibits cover the 1863 Civil War Battle of Honey Springs and steer wrestling.

Many of the original buildings from Eufaula’s early development still stand along Main Street in downtown Eufaula. The Eufaula Business District forms the core of the downtown’s commercial development and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 14, 1988. The McIntosh County Courthouse is a local landmark in Eufaula and the seat of county government. The Eufaula Area Museum features exhibits on the history of the Lake Eufaula region.

Checotah offers other ways to explore regional history. The Checotah MKT Depot is the only surviving example of Stick-style railroad architecture in Checotah. The Heartland Heritage Museum features exhibits on the Creek Nation and Checotah’s rodeo history; its gallery showcases works by members of the Checotah Art Guild.

Art, Blues, and Local Events

The Eufaula Main Street Studio serves as both a working studio and a gallery for the Eufaula Area Arts Council. The Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival was founded in Rentiesville in 1991. The festival features 30 bands on three indoor and outdoor stages, workshops, and a children’s village with arts and music activities. The Down Home Blues Club houses the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame and Museum.

Events with a range of themes offer further insight into local traditions. The Whole Hawg BBQ Cook Off brings local cooking teams together to showcase pork. Old Settlers Day & Parade is an annual event in Checotah that celebrates regional heritage. It features arts and crafts booths, a parade, a rodeo, and a street dance.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

You can tailor your trips to the topics that matter to you and plan your stay accordingly.

Explore more destinations: Checotah, McCurtain County, Ottawa, Le Flore, Lincoln County, Garvin County, Payne, Marshall County.

For the broader travel overview: Oklahoma.