Upon visiting some Navajo tribes in New Mexico, I was given an introduction into baby naming 101 by Native Americans.  I can’t say it is different than what most of us do – we hear a name or see a person and think, wow, their name might be a great one for my baby.  Or we read something and like the history behind it or the way it sounds to our ears and we put that name away to be used by us later. Native Americans are no different.  They just utilized all of their knowledge, senses, and surroundings when deciding a name for the new family member.  Having said that – when I read about Tenkiller State Park – I knew immediately this was a name given to an individual who must have fought a great battle.  And of course I was right!

 Tenkiller State Park is rich in history. The name Tenkiller dates back to the earliest Cherokee history. It was bestowed upon a Cherokee warrior who vanquished ten enemies in battle.  The lake is named for the Tenkiller family who lived near the present lake site. After a tragic journey from Georgia over the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee Indians came to this area and built a nation. Tenkiller State Park is located near the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah.  Although the Cherokee nation had to go through the Trail of Tears, those who survived were strong enough to keep their heritage from disappearing.

True to the Cherokee heritage pride, Tenkiller lake is truly magnificent.   Tenkiller Ferry Dam is Oklahoma's second tallest at 97 feet and Lake Tenkiller offers 12,650  acres of crystal clear water. These blue waters offer the scuba diving enthusiast a day of discovery. Tenkiller State Park occupies 1,190 acres of land adjacent to the reservoir.  The area lives up to its reputation.  Coupled together, with the historic sites and rugged untamed beauty this rich Native American landmark lends a sense of experiencing Cherokee history.  One RV resort, Marval Family Camping Resort, located 5 miles below Lake Tenkiller Dam and along ½ mile frontage of the Lower Illinois River allows you the RV’er to immerse yourself in this diverse history.   This RV resort contains all the RV amenities you look for in making life on the road comfortable.  As with any popular resort you must plan ahead and make reservations directly with the resort.  You can find more information at www.marvalresort.com.    If you desire cabins rather than your home on wheels, Marval Resort has the perfect accommodations. 

If you are the RV’er who loves fishing, you’ll also enjoy camping along  the Lower Illinois River which is a designated trout stream where anglers w hook rainbows and browns, stripers, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bass.  Make sure you have a trout license along with the regular fishing license if you are age 16 and older.  This particular river is stocked every other week in July through March and once in April.

Besides fishing, at Marval Family Resort, you’ll have ample opportunities to hike, swim, play miniature golf, or just relax in the breezy outdoors.  There is plenty for all ages of the family members to do. 

If studying history is your favorite past time, you’ll feel as though you’ve gone to heaven.  Known as the Trail of Tears, the Oklahoma territory around Tenkiller lake and surrounding towns is loaded with Native American history.  Beginning at highway 100 travel north into Tahlequah (capitol of the Cherokee nation since 1841), you’ll discover more than just fishing.   Just beyond the state park is the end of the Trail of Tears which is marked by the Cherokee Heritage Center.  Exhibits in the center depict Cherokee history, artwork, and many of their nation’s artifacts.  Some have been dated back to 3000 B.C.  The center which draws over 100,000 visitors a year also includes the Cherokee National Archives.  In the summer months of June, July, and August an amphitheater (Tsa La Gi) is home to a performance of the Trail of Tears drama.  You may find late generation Cherokees who still practice the art of basket weaving.

Heading south of Grove, Oklahoma, you’ll find Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.  This magnificent lake sports day cruises on board the Cherokee Queen.  This lake spans 1300 miles of shoreline and the many state parks which merge with the lake’s shorelines host a number of outdoor activities.  Another angler’s paradise, you’ll be awash in trophy fish.  So whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, scuba diving, historical sites and the lure of a campfire story, Oklahoma’s Native American Heritage towns will be all you expect and more. Take a tour of Oklahoma.  Happy Traveling!

(photos courtesy of Oklahoma CVB and Tour Oklahoma)