Wanderings And Ponderings

Early in February, I had the chance to meander over into Oklahoma to co-present at the Southwest Parks and Recreation Training Institute . For the last several years, the institute has been hosted by Sequoyah State Park , a scenic and relaxing spot located along the shores of Fort Gibson Lake near the town of Wagoner. As a bonus, it's a park rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The park is named in honor of Sequoyah , the famous Cherokee polymath who, in the early 19th century, invented the Cherokee syllabary —a written system that enabled widespread literacy among the Cherokee people. This singular contribution made Sequoyah one of the most important Native American figures in U.S. history, and his legacy lives on through the people and places connected to his name—including this stunning state park. Follow me on Instagram: @mikeisoutside What Can You Do at Sequoyah State Park? Stay the Night Whether you prefer rustic or refined, you’ve got options. The park feat...

Early in 2024, I got to explore Lake Ouachita State Park , located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Ouachita —the largest lake entirely within the state—this park offers a perfect blend of recreation, serenity, and history. Covering over 40,000 acres, Lake Ouachita is known for its clarity, untouched shorelines, and the many stories hidden in its hills and coves. Follow me on Instagram: @mikeisoutside Historical Roots of Lake Ouachita State Park Lake Ouachita State Park isn't just a scenic destination—it's a place with deep historical and environmental roots . The lake was created in the 1950s with the construction of Blakely Mountain Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power . As a byproduct, the formation of Lake Ouachita created a haven for wildlife and an incredible recreational opportunity for Arkansans. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism saw the potential early on a...