After years of rumors and potential ideas, a concrete plan to develop a thirty acre whitewater park on the Illinois River near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border has come to light with the financial backing of the Walton Family Foundation.

If you find yourself exploring around the JT Nickel Family Nature Preserve over the weekend of October 17-18, you might come across a mob of thousands of trail runners and bicyclists hammering down the dirt roads of Cherokee County. Don't be alarmed, these athletes are competing in the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Trail Run and Gravel Smasher and an elite few are attempting to complete a 100-mile run!

Situated in Eastern Oklahoma at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Tahlequah, Oklahoma is a prime place to visit during the fall. Leafers will enjoy driving the numerous scenic roads and byways, hiking through colorful wooded areas, and taking a stroll through the historic downtown while the leaves change. Read more for some of our favorite locations to view fall color in and around Tahlequah.

Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area is one of the iconic hikes in the Tahlequah, Oklahoma area boasting huge views of the Illinois River valley and the surrounding hills. There are many off-shoot trails off of the main trail that are more accessible during the fall and winter months. ​

 The Upper Illinois River is often the popular attraction for most visitors to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, but most visitors miss one of the best kept secrets on the Illinois River, Marval Resort. Located about five miles south of Tenkiller Ferry Lake Dam, Marval Resort lies on a peaceful 105-acres along the Lower Illinois River. ​

With a prime location on the Illinois River, Sparrow Hawk Camp is a great place to camp and float the scenic Illinois River. Located toward the south end of the river in River Bend Hollow, Sparrow Hawk Camp offers RV campsites with hookups, primitive camping, and float options both short and long. We floated with Sparrow Hawk in July 2020 and this is a report of our experience.

Located on the east side of Oklahoma, Tahlequah is a quaint town full of outdoor recreation opportunities, riveting history, and small-town vibes that make it the perfect vacation destination year-round.

Using TripAdvisor rankings, tourist information requests, and social media trends, we have compiled a list of the top activities to do in Tahlequah. If you think we missed one, send us an email at [email protected] and let us know!