Oklahoma City's Lake Overholser

Originally constructed in 1919, Oklahoma City's Lake Overholser is the metro's oldest reservoir, built as a water supply to a still-operating water treatment plant at NW 6th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Lake Overholser is located on the northwest side of the city and is connected to Lake Hefner.

Though not the recreational attraction Lake Hefner is, Oklahoma City's Lake Overholser, named after the city's 16th Mayor, has several boat ramps, a covered fishing pier, picnic areas and more.

See Lake Overholser Pictures.

Lake Overholser covers about 1600 acres and has an average depth of 6 feet. It is only 13 feet at its deepest point, significantly more shallow than nearby Lake Hefner, which is 94 feet at its deepest point.

The lake is southwest of Lake Hefner, just south of Route 66 and north of I-40 between Council and Morgan Roads. The dam is located on the southeast corner. Entry points include NW 10th and NW 39th Expressway.

Get a detailed map with driving directions to Lake Overholser.

Boat ramps are located on the east, south and southwest sides of Lake Overholser. Sailing, motor boats and jet ski's are all allowed. Daily boat permits are $5; annual permits are $25. Call (405) 297-2211 to speak with a Parks and Recreation representative regarding permits. They can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports & Outdoors, the OKC Zoo and some select Wal-Marts and Conoco locations. Get a full list of purchase locations online.

Fishing is one Lake Hefner's primary attractions, and there is a covered fishing pier on the southwest side of the lake. Daily fishing permits are $3; annual permits are $15. As with boating permits, fishing permits can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports & Outdoors, the OKC Zoo and some select Wal-Marts and Conoco locations. Get a full list of purchase locations online.

The southeast side of Lake Overholser is the place to go for the picnic areas. There is a covered picnic pavilion available with advanced notice. Contact the parks department at (405) 297-2211. In addition, the lake boasts soccer fields and tennis courts.

Swimming is prohibited at Lake Overholser.