Norman Outdoor Activities

Guiding golfers along a lush chlorophyll carpet that stretches for 6,524 yards from the back tees, the course at Choctaw Creek challenges all oncomers with tight, tree-lined fairways and treacherous approaches into elevated greens. The course's titular creek snakes its way through seven holes of the front nine, demanding cautious attention from golfers wary of the unplayable lies and amphibious gophers likely hiding in its murky depths. The back nine demands precise bifurcation of narrow fairways, lest drives stray into the fairway-lining foliage or greenside bunkers. After golfers work up ravenous appetites over 18 holes, the Creekside Grill stands at the ready to refuel them with sandwiches and house-made soups.

Course at a Glance:

• Par 71

• 6,524 yards from the back tees

• Course rating of 71.2 from the farthest tees

• Slope rating of 118 from the farthest tees

• Four tee options

The breadth of water activities at OKC Riversport is nearly as diverse as the natural terrain and wildlife that surround their locations. Across Lake Overholser and the Oklahoma River, fleets of kayaks and standup paddleboards cut across the water. The sounds of drums fill the air as instructors teach students how to man the dragon boats—inspired by festive Chinese fishing vessels—or battle maritime knights. Pupils can discover a water sport for the first time or hone existing watercraft skills.

Like a fish with excellent breath control, OKC Riversport's visitors aren't regulated entirely to the water. There are 13 miles of riverside trails surrounding the area, beckoning cyclists and runners to test their mettle.

After starting off your evening at Regatta Park Landing, you'll glide along a seven-mile stretch down the Oklahoma River that takes you past the gorgeous sights of the city and alongside riverbanks where enterprising frogs and crickets exhibit their paintings. The 90-minute cruise includes music, light appetizers, soft drinks, and a modest cash bar so that you can relax on the deck in the company of fresh breezes or celebrate inside the climate-controlled cabin. During the cruise, the boat will lazily circle back to swallow its own wake, dropping you off where you started in a perfect ouroboros.