Top 7 Free & Low-Cost Summer Adventures in Cherokee County & the City of Tahlequah
For the outdoor adventurers and families alike:
Cherokee County is full of fun summer activities that encompass everything you could be looking for in a perfect and well-rounded vacation, no matter your age or life stage! Located in the foothills of the Ozarks and rich in culture and natural beauty, it’s the perfect summer get-away for both outdoor adventurers looking for multi-day outdoor adventures and families seeking family-friendly vacation spots that won’t break the bank.
Whether you're loading up gear or buckling up kids, here are 7 budget-friendly ways to make the most of summer in both Tahlequah and Cherokee County.
Sequoyah State Park
1. Visit Sequoyah State Park
🌲 Cost: $10 per vehicle per day (free for Oklahoma residents 62+ and veterans)
Located in Hulburt, Oklahoma featuring the beautiful Fort Gibson Lake, Sequoyah State Park is a 2,200-acre outdoor playground. Visitors can enjoy over 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The park also features the Three Forks Nature Center, offering educational exhibits and live animals, perfect for kids. For those looking to extend their stay, the park offers camping facilities and the Sequoyah Lodge, the largest state park lodge in Oklahoma.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Hit the trails early, cool off with a kayak session on the lake, and end the day with a round of golf on Sequoyah’s 9-hole golf course.
👉 Family Travelers: Take the kids to explore the nature center before an afternoon swim or fun lake activity. End the day with a memorable family picnic and fun at the playground.
📍 Learn more at travelok.com/state-parks/sequoyah-state-park
Welling Ridge Trails
2. Ride (or Run) the Welling Ridge Trails
🚴♂️ Cost: Free
Just 12 minutes from downtown Tahlequah, Welling Ridge Trails is a must for active adventurers. With 6 miles of single-track mountain bike trails- including 2.5 miles of Green and 3.5 miles of Blue trails - there’s something for every skill level. The trailhead includes a bike skills park, picnic tables, and a restroom facility, making it great for both solo riders and families. Managed by the Tahlequah Trails Association, this trail system is open to bikers, hikers, and trail runners alike.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Test your skills on the Blue trails and cool down at the picnic area after a ride.
👉 Family Travelers: Let the kids ride the skills track while you enjoy a picnic under the trees. A newly built bathroom can be found at the entrance!
📍 Learn more at tahlequahtrails.org/welling-ridge-trails
Sparrow Hawk Hiking Trail
3. Hike the Sparrow Hawk Wildlife Management Area
🥾 Cost: Must have a Wildlife Conservation Passport or an Oklahoma Fishing or Hunting license.
A hidden gem just east of town in Tahlequah, the Sparrow Hawk trail offers a breathtaking overlook of the Illinois River after a short, but steep, hike up. It is a peaceful (yet photo-worthy) spot that won’t leave you disappointed.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Bring your camera - sunrise or sunset at the overlook is next-level.
👉 Family Travelers: Be prepared to carry your little ones at the beginning of this hike as it starts steep, but it will level out and go up more gradually as you continue. Turn it into a picnic for the kids with an amazing view at the top!
Illinois River
4. Float the Illinois River
🛶 Cost: $10–$25 per person (or $1 per boat if you bring your own)
This iconic float trip is what summer dreams are made of. Float, paddle, or splash your way down the scenic Illinois River. Outfitters provide half-day or full-day rentals, and if you're geared up already, public access points make it easy (and cheap) to launch your own. Pick up a day pass from the GRDA Scenic Rivers office before launching your own boat.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Book a room or cabin and stay at one of our float outfitters to make it a full weekend adventure.
👉 Family Travelers: Choose a 2-hour float option for kids and bring waterproof snacks! Weekday float trips offer a much more kid-friendly experience over the weekend floats, so we recommend planning your float time during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
Cherokee National History Month
5. Visit the Cherokee National History Museum
🏛️ Cost: Free
This stop is perfect for getting out of the heat or rain over the summer!
Located in the heart of downtown Tahlequah, this beautifully maintained and managed museum shares the story of the Cherokee people through memorable exhibits. It's a meaningful way to connect with the area's roots and to learn about Cherokee History and what makes Tahlequah so special.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Add it to your downtown coffee run or walking tour.
👉 Family Travelers: Interactive exhibits keep even the little ones engaged - bonus points for it being an air-conditioned spot during the warm summer days!
Tahlequahtics City Pool
6. Quality Splash Pads & Playgrounds
🌳 Cost: Free
Anthis Brennan is a Tahlequah local favorite! It offers picnic tables, open green space, and a fun playground that makes it a great spot to recharge or wind down the day. Anthis Brennan is also home to the Tahlequahtics city pool. Enjoy a kiddie zone, diving boards, and slides. Admission is $5 per person, and kids 3 and under are free.
Hulburt Splash Pad and Park is another great option! They have a covered pavilion with picnic tables that can keep you out of the sun while your kids enjoy the well-maintained splash pad and playground. This is a great option and a short drive from Sequoyah State Park where you can make a full day that keeps the kids entertained!
Finally, we have the Downtown Tahlequah Splash Pad as another great option to cool off during those hot summer days! Located directly across from Norris Park, this splash pad is well maintained and a local favorite.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Grab takeout from a local eatery and refuel with a picnic and a good book in the shade while you take a break from all the adventurous activities.
👉 Family Travelers: Bring a kite or bubbles for fun memories with the kids.
Burnt Cabin Cliffs Lake Tenkiller
7. Day Trip to Lake Tenkiller
🏕️ Cost: Free–Low-cost
Just 30 minutes from Tahlequah, Lake Tenkiller is called Oklahoma’s “clearwater lake” and offers everything from cliff diving (if you’re brave) to scuba diving! You read that right. Check out Nautical Adventures where they offer scuba diving lessons and the necessary equipment to make an especially memorable day.
👉 Outdoor Adventurers: Rent a kayak, learn to scuba dive, boat, or enjoy some of the swimming access points. This lake is full of adventure opportunities as well as stunning views and clear waters. This is a must-visit spot in Cherokee County!
👉 Family Travelers: Visit Cherokee Landing State Park where you can find swim beaches, a disk golf course, and picnic spots!
Bonus: Check the Local Events Calendar
🎉 Live music, farmers markets, festivals, and cultural celebrations happen throughout the summer. Stay tuned to https://www.tourtahlequah.com/ and https://www.explorecherokeecountyok.com/ everything happening.
Why Cherokee County?
Because it’s authentic, unplugged, and unexpected. Whether you’re chasing rivers, soaking up culture, or making memories with your mini crew, Cherokee County delivers on all fronts - without the big-ticket price tag.
So go ahead - grab your dry bag or your diaper bag - and hit the road. We’ll see you on the riverbank.
Blog written by Victoria Byrd
Photographs taken by Alex McBride