The Red River connecting Texas to Oklahoma was once called the Almighty’s Natural Highway used by steamboats to carry passengers, soldiers, and supplies to and from the area. Unpredictable water levels eventually made travel too challenging but the Red River’s water continues to flow today.
A natural geological phenomenon makes the river salty. About 250 million years ago, an inland sea blanketed the area. Once the sea evaporated, it left salt deposits. Rock and silt eventually buried the deposits, but the salt continues to leach through natural seeps in tributaries above what is now Lake Texoma, sending as much as 3,450 tons of salt per day flowing down the Red River. As a result, Lake Texoma is home to the only self-sustaining population of striped bass, a saltwater fish, in Texas.
Lake Texoma was formed when a dam was built near Denison in 1944. It’s surface area is about 93,000 acres with 580 miles of shoreline. That’s a big playground for water enthusiasts and those who enjoy beautiful views in the Upper East Side of Texas.
In various lively locations on the lake and along the shores, guests enjoy boating, skiing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, swimming, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing. There are sandy beaches and picnic areas. Lake Texoma is home to more than 500 bird species for guest to enjoy along with natural habitats. Many come to hunt for fossils of ancient sea creatures in the lakes limestone cliffs.
Fastrac Charters offers dinner cruises, tours, and more on Lake Texoma.
There are five islands in the lake: West Island, Wood Island, Hog Island, Treasure Island, Little Island, and North Island. The Islands Party Area is only accessible by boat. The water surrounding the islands is shallow so boats can anchor up in the deeper water. Those without a boat can contact a water taxi and spend the day playing in the water, picnicking, and other activities.
The Preston Peninsula on the south side near Pottsboro, Texas, is the heart of Lake Texoma with numerous popular destinations.
Lighthouse Resort & Marina rents pontoon boats, sailboats, kayaks, and paddle boards. They have plenty of lodging including fully furnished cabins and RV sites.
Highport Marina is a popular destination on Lake Texoma.
Highport Marina offers boat rentals for a full day of fun. Their deepwater harbor is located within sight of the islands and has a fun place to dine. The Island Bar & Grill combines good views of the harbor and sunsets and has a full line of entertainment, food, and beverages.
Tanglewood Resort & Conference Center is a luxury getaway with a spa, restaurants, and bars.
Island View Park has a beach and picnic areas. Kayaks and paddle board rentals are available there and guided trips take guests around rocky cliffs, near the islands and a natural area.
The Islands Party Area is only accessible by boat.
Fastrac Charters & Cruises offers dinner cruises, sunset sails, lake tours, water taxi rides, themed cruises and private charters. Their water taxi is like “Uber on the water.” It takes guests to and from the islands, restaurants, and marinas.
Nearby is Paradise on Lake Texoma with waterfront glamping cabanas, full size cabins, and RV sites. On site they offer kayak and paddle board rentals, a hammock garden, community bar, group fire pit, boat launch pads, a playground, and picnic areas.
Many other marinas, resorts, and lodging facilities are dotted all around Lake Texoma in a variety of price ranges. Dockominiums are a growing trend with marina residents consisting of hotel-like amenities right on the water.
To get started on planning a Lake Texoma getaway, visit www.texomadestinations.com or call (903) 361-8500.
