Cancel

Open app

Search

Lake Hefner

4.7 (37 reviews)
Closed 5:00 am - 11:00 pm

Lake Hefner Lakes Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Lake Hefner

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Isaac A.

Another quick stop on our trip brought us to this lake. You can drive the perimeter and there are a few parks there. I saw some boats (not in the water, it is December). There is also an Eisenhower memorial there.

The Lighthouse on Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City
Bruce K.

Early for my brunch meeting, I decided to do a little walking and stumbled upon this lighthouse. Yes, we're 1500 miles from the nearest Ocean and here's a lighthouse in Oklahoma! The nearby caption reads, "The Lighthouse at East Wharf, constructed in 1999, is a 36-foot working replica of the second oldest light station in America, Brandt Point. The 26-foot Brandt Point lighthouse was built in 1746 near Nantucket, MA. The Lighthouse at East Wharf is a classic example of the coastal beacons that proudly stood watch over a 300-year period of manned light stations. Through technology, light stations are now fully automated and no longer require lighthouse keepers. The Lighthouse at East Wharf is a member of the U.S. Lighthouse Society. The Society was founded to assist in the preservation and restoration of light stations - the symbols of our nation's maritime heritage." The wind this morning was intense. There was no one out on the water and even on land, it was a tough walk. There is parking nearby here, just don't park in the restaurant lot when they're open. [Review 16227 overall - 66 in Oklahoma - 1733 of 2021.]

Bert Cooper Trails
Sofia S.

Sunsets at Lake Hefner are unforgettable. The lake is a calm expanse of blue. If you enter from Britton Rd and make 3 quick rights, you can park across from the water. This is also near East Wharf and a few restaurants. There are other entrances as well, but this is the easiest and closest to the miniature lighthouse. The north side dam is elevated so you see cycologists ringing the lake on roads above you. I circumnavigated the lake 3 times over 3 days. One lap is ~9.25 miles. It's paved and relatively flat, so an easy ride. I tried going both clockwise and counterclockwise. It's best not to fight the headwind though. Almost all of the visitors were couples and families. Even the birds were in groups and pairs too.

Lake.
Shu E.

Really pretty, and really well kept for a public park! We went to the other side (the side away from the food, and the lighthouse) right before sunset and everything just looked absolutely gorgeous AND clean. I appreciate a clean park so much, and it was overall just a good experience to walk around at sunset. I'd love to walk around the other side or at the very least *attempt* to walk the whole park in a loop. There are benches all throughout the entire park, with very strategic views for all you Instagram addicts out there. There's a lane for anyone who wants to ride a bike at this park, as well as a playground for the little kids! I saw some people fishing in the lake as well, so that might be a good little evening activity. We'll definitely be coming back, maybe a little picnic during the sunset or something next time!

Boat dock and lighthouse
Shyloxmom M.

Beautiful lake with a 9-mile walking/bike path, restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets. Lake Hefner is a favorite location for sunset watchers, (Myself included), so if you want a good "watch" spot head over early. There are a couple of nice playgrounds and places to picnic. You often see sailboats, kite surfing, and people fishing. There are a variety of restaurants that offer either a lakeside patio or seating with a view of the lake. If you go during peak hours expect a wait and traffic.

Josh B.

I'm very surprised no one has written a review of Lake Hefner...really? Ok so Lake Hefner has 10 miles of trails around it and is 94 feet deep at it's deepest point. You can look up more info if you want to know the history behind it. On a personal note, Lake Hefner often time feels like a getaway since it's so far from the ocean. It's often super windy up there and it's a good feeling breeze that slightly takes your breath away but leaves your feeling refreshed and sometimes absent of all your cares. I've never walked all the way around because it's super majorly long. Probably not for people who run marathons or anything but for me it is. All sorts of people drive, bike, walk, run, jog, roller blade, sit down cycle around the lake. There are plenty of places to pull over and get out your car on the one way drive around the lake. It is one way if you turn left at the main entrance fork, but you can take the right turn to go down by the marina and/or golf course. Going to Lake Hefner really makes me appreciate this little oasis in the middle of Oklahoma. You get a really good view of the OKC skyline as well and when it's sunny and the sunbeams shoot through the clouds the lake is amazing. I really miss this little treat of OKC.

Lighthouse info plaque
Pamela R.

We didn't see a whole ton of the lake but did enjoy the section we saw. We walked on the nice trail to the lighthouse. Really liked the walking/biking trail. Not sure how far around the lake it goes but was a nice feature near the restaurant

Do you see the green light?
Carla S.

I love this lake! It is a relaxing oasis in NW OKC. A true icon of the city. Activities here are surprisingly diverse. First, it is surrounded by parks with jogging & biking trails, plenty of picnic areas with a lot of grass for kids to run around on. Boats and shoreside resturants hug the east side at East Wharf. Here I recommend parking at the restaurants and taking a short walk to the lighthouse to watch the sunset. With limited seating, only two small benches, arrive early if you want to secure a spot. Sailboats and kiteboarders frequent this area on breezy days. On the west side, Lakeshore Park has nice jogging trails and a rugged, natural shoreline I very much enjoy. Much less crowded with people. On the south end the Stars & Stripes Park is a very busy park with a bevy of picnic tables, a sports park and multiple playgrounds for the kids. Lake Hefner Golf Club is nearby. It is public with two courses, though I haven't played it yet. North end has a road that goes right over the dam, one of my favorite drives in OKC..A romantic spot with lovely lake views. And it's usually open late, how late I'm not sure. They close the gate early some nights, but I've also driven the dam after midnight. Lake Hefner doesn't allow swimming, and has no camping, go to Lake Arcadia for that. But fishing is permitted with both city and state licenses. Kids can fish for free, under age 12 I believe. Living in NW OKC, I've loved having this lake so nearby. If we end up moving to another part of the city, I will miss it greatly.

Jeff B.

Go outside and enjoy OKC beside Lake Hefner. It's Autumn and the temperatures have dropped slightly. Take a stroll by the lake it's fun for everyone...exercisers, bicyclists, skate borders, fresh air enthusiasts, fishermen and sun worshippers to name a few...the Bert Cooper Trails and Lake Hefner are here for you.

A nice view of the lighthouse
Chelsey V.

Lake Hefner goes on for miles... seriously! There are great trails, to run, walk, bike, get the dogs out.. Really just a great way to get outdoors. Hefner has some beautiful sunsets and is a great place to just look at the view. If you are in a not working out type of mood there are a couple restaurants close to the lake that are really fun to go to. You will love Lake Hefner. Get outside, get some sunshine, endorphins, Vitamin D, and you will have a great and relaxing time!

Watching the sunset

See all

11 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 0
Love this 13
Oh no 1
Photo of Sofia S.
10
76
120

5 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Love this area. It is always beautiful. I love escaping to this place. There are great restaurants all around. Kid and pet friendly

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex G.
103
584
1077

4 years ago

A great place to go walking around and get dinner at sunset. Parking is free but is crowded when the weather is nice.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Josh B.
347
1174
9133

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Julie S.
2098
1642
4803

10 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mitch C.
43
59
12

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lavada G.
17
28
16

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joseph M.
32
19
19

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of M J.
4
144
16

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Very nice lake, cant swim in it though but there are some boat rentals i believe, and a lot of fancy restaurants nearby!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mell W.
2
108
0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

We went there for our anniversary dinner. We had a great time and the service and food was great.. Would come back again!!!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Anna L.
58
23
0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Love walking my dogs here at night! Such a pretty view of the sun setting on the lake!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Lake Hefner Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Lake Hefner

Are there Hiking/walking trail?

There are two paved trails. The inner trail (closest to the water is for walking). The outer trail (a little further from the water is for biking).

Is it safe for dogs to get in lake Hefner?

Yes, my Newfoundland pup Took a dive and loved every minute of it.

View All 5 Questions

Review Highlights - Lake Hefner

Plenty of charcoal grills by Stars & Stripes park and a nice view of downtown OKC and the city lights at night.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

People searched for Lakes 521 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Meinders Garden

Meinders Garden

5.0(2 reviews)
9.4 miArts District

Walking through Oklahoma City, I was impressed by the numbers of gardens and green spaces…read more Loved my stroll through Meinders Garden on a sunny spring day in April. The sky was blue accented with clouds. The weather was so pleasant. It was nice to take a walk, just relaxing and enjoying the moment. Parking was also so easy and very inexpensive. Parallel parked for just $2 an hour at the garden. What a treat while enjoying nature.

Review #44 Location:…read more This garden is on the northeast corner of Myriad Botanical Gardens, across from the Colcord Hotel; where N Robinson Ave & Ron Norick Blvd meet to the east of the garden, & W Sheridan Ave on the north side. Reno Ave is to the south. The official address for the Myriad Botanical Gardens is 301 W Reno Ave, OKC, OK 73102. Description: A specialty garden with ponds, walking paths, trees, flowers in the spring and summer, and a terrace for events. There is a large fountain at the entrance on the NE corner. Parking/Transportation: There is limited metered street parking around the gardens. You have to either park a few blocks away off the street or park in one of 6 parking garages, which are anywhere from 1-4 blocks away. Even better, you can use the new OKC Streetcar and get off at the Myriad Gardens stop on the northwest side on S Hudson Ave. Basic Info: This garden is one of two specialty gardens within the Myriad Gardens 17-acre Square. The two specialty gardens were funded by the Herman and LaDonna Meinders Foundation. (Side note: Wow, now I've heard of a 7th woman with my 1st name; although there are many in Italy and elsewhere I just haven't heard of many.). This garden was constructed in 1997 and completed in 1998. Side note: I created this business on Yelp and added the first pictures and tips. I've actually created close to 100 or more on Yelp, but I haven't tracked all the ones I've done; as I was too busy giving compliments, liking pictures, tips and check-ins, of my Yelp friends and others on Yelp! Posted on 27 Dec 2018

Photos
Meinders Garden
Meinders Garden - What a beautiful day

What a beautiful day

Meinders Garden

See all

Oklahoma River Trails

Oklahoma River Trails

4.3(3 reviews)
10.3 miBoathouse District

These are some great trails right next to the Oklahoma River!!…read more Paved and flat, until you go under some of the bridges here, this was a great spot for me to get my runs in while I was here!! Easy parking, you will see the occasional runner or biker here depending on when you come. I did see a group run also! Along with the river, you do get some good views of the OKC skyline here!!

If you like long distance biking without a lot of incline or congestion, then the Oklahoma River…read moreTrails are for you. I mean, who wouldn't want to go fast without having to zig-zag in between runners, families or other bikes? The trail is well paved with the occasional slight gravel, which is totally avoidable. The path is somewhat like a large 13 mile oval shape, without any street crossings or stop signs. This would be a perfect spot to train for races. I would not recommend bringing your families on the trail just because road bikers are going fairly fast. Wouldn't want a little one stumbling in front of a bike going 20-30 miles a hour. For the sake of runners, the unseen corners are well marked with caution signs and there are two lanes to avoid collision. Overall it's a beautiful spot, there are geese and some other water fowl and the sun hits the river perfectly. There's a moment where you are riding beside a view of the city as well as the beautiful trail. This is probably the least congested biking trail I've been to in Oklahoma City. I would recommend starting at/ parking at Devon Boathouse at Regatta Park. There's also additional parking across the street. I could see this place being a good spot for group bikers as well, it's not far from Bricktown if you want to ride into the city a little bit to grab a bite to eat.

Photos
Oklahoma River Trails - Going under the bridge..

Going under the bridge..

Oklahoma River Trails
Oklahoma River Trails - Great trail..

See all

Great trail..

Centennial Land Run Monument

Centennial Land Run Monument

4.8(27 reviews)
10.1 miBricktown

On a quiet weekday morning, the Centennial Land Run Monument feels almost cinematic. All that…read morebronze motion is frozen in a moment of time along the Bricktown Canal. The whole installation commemorates the Land Run of 1889, when settlers surged into the Unassigned Lands to stake homesteads in what would become Oklahoma Territory. The scale of the installation here is enormous, with dozens of figures charging forward. Horses stretched mid-stride, wagons tilting, every dace carved with urgency. One has clearly fallen in their haste. It really does tell the tale. We had the place mostly to ourselves which made it easy to slow and take in the detail. The only interruption was a family who decided the clearly posted "no climbing" sign was more of a suggestion than a rule and that's why we can't have nice things. Grrr! But even that didn't take away from the artistry. Paul Moore spent more than twenty years bringing this to life and the result is one of the largest bronze sculpture installations in the world, honoring the settlers who raced out on April 22, 1889. [Review 426 of 2026 - 174 in Oklahoma - 25609 overall]

The Centennial Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City is a striking tribute to one of the state's most…read morepivotal historical event, the 1889 Land Run. The Monument consists of 47 bronze statues in total. This includes 38 people, 34 horses, three wagons, a cannon, a dog, and a frightened jackrabbit. They are all bigger than life and has such great detail. I think you could stand there for hours and never see all of the details. It stands at about 100 yards or so and stretches across a small river. Well worth the visit. Best access is then the bass pro parking lot all the way to the back and under the interstate.

Photos
Centennial Land Run Monument - Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

Centennial Land Run Monument - Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

Centennial Land Run Monument - Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

See all

Centennial Land Run Monument, Oklahoma City

Crystal Bridge

Crystal Bridge

4.6(17 reviews)
9.4 miArts District

I really love visiting gardens, so I saw several on a long weekend trip to Oklahoma City…read more The Crystal Bridge Conservatory is located in Myriad Botanical Gardens. This is such a unique space that "floats" over a water feature in the garden. Nice to explore the three level conservatory with a diverse collection of tropical plants, art installations, a reflecting pool, and a two-level waterfall. It is a very interactive space. The "Cloud Portal" sculpture designed by Scott Murase divides the north and south ends of the conservatory. You can walk through the installation which frames views of the waterfall at one end and the reflecting pool at other side. Explore the tropical paradise. Climb to the second and third levels to get a birds-eye view of the cascading waterfalls from the lookout. Check out the bromeliads, orchids, and aloe plants. Love the Crown of Thorns, Peacock Flowers, Desert Roses and Blue Agave. The Chenille Plants looked so soft. The Spiral Ginger plants almost look like pineapples. Take a walk on the Sensory Skywalk for a different view. Stop to smell the different plants along the way. I used my Graycliff Martins Level Museum pass for reciprocal admission. Parking is just $2 per hour with a two-hour maximum via the meters or the parking app. A highlight of my trip to Oklahoma City.

The Crystal Bridge has been a mainstay in downtown OKC for as long as can remember. It is set up as…read morea conservatory and has plants from many different climates. The inside is segmented into the different areas with plants tht are native to those areas. It has 2 levels and the second level puts you up in the canopy and you have a great view. Everything is pretty much handicap accessible with elevators and ramps. It does get very warm and humid inside especially in the summer months so be prepared for tht. Great stop and priced pretty decent.

Photos
Crystal Bridge
Crystal Bridge
Crystal Bridge

See all

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park

4.8(6 reviews)
9.1 miArts District

We attended Starlight Supper 2017 and it was just gorgeous! The grounds were taken care of and the…read morelighting/ambiance couldn't have been any better! The food was good and the Cabernet was great!

Thanks to @DowntownOKCInc, this was one of those magical nights in my pretty little city that I…read morehope I will always remember. I could have lived anywhere, but I chose to stay in my hometown. Some days, especially election days, this decision makes me wonder if I need a psych evaluation. But on a n ight like the night of Starlight Supper, I know I am of sound mind and body. Because nights like this are why I chose to stay. A couple of lovely people were passionate about the need for a clinic at Emerson School. They happen to also be passionate about food, wine, and the importance of a few evenings in one's life spent in repose, dining under the stars in the crisp night sky and few hundred thousand twinkle lights. They happen to know how to blend those two passions into a massive fundraiser (seemingly just by smiling and calling in a few hundred of the thousands of favors they've done over the years). The four courses were amazing: I guess that's what you get when you ask four of the city's best chefs to harness their power and create a course of a meal, crafted to be remembered for a long time to come. It probably didn't hurt that LOCAL, Flint and Urban Wine Works are some of my faves - I haven't been to Vast yet but surely I will love it. The champagne cocktail from LOCAL was my favorite drink of the evening, but I certainly enjoyed the several different kinds of wine from Urban Wine Works, my home away from home. One of those nights where you bump into a lot of folks you like, a few you love, and one or two you'd happily give a kidney. Sitting in the shadow of two of my favorite buildings in Downtown OKC, 17 years after I first started working Downtown, I just had to smile and be so thankful for the opportunity to live this life in the city I love.

Photos
Bicentennial Park - Bicentennial Park, OKC:  New Year's Eve Opening Night to 2019!  Food trucks

Bicentennial Park, OKC: New Year's Eve Opening Night to 2019! Food trucks

Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park

See all

Lake Hefner - lakes - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...