The Lower Illinois River with its trout fishery, along with numerous recreational areas such as Tenkiller and Greenleaf Lakes and the R. S. Kerr Reservoir have helped make Gore proud to be known not only as “The Trout Capital of Oklahoma“ but also the “Gateway to the Lakes” and a “Sportsmans Paradise”.

Gore offer’s year round trout fishing, with the Oklahoma Wildlife Department stocking 100,000 rainbow trout annually at three sites, the River Road Access Area, MarVal Resort and Tenkiller Powerhouse.  These sites are stocked weekly in March, April, and May; biweekly the rest of the year.

Tenkiller State Park is known as Oklahoma's “heaven in the hills.” The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller offer water enthusiasts an abundance of recreational opportunities between 130 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres. The park’s plentiful amenities make it a favorite destination for all ages.

Tenkiller State Park in Vian is a haven for all water sports including water skiing, fishing, boating, tubing and scuba diving. Outdoor facilities include a volleyball court, basketball court, two playground areas, four group picnic pavilions and 172 picnic tables. An outdoor swimming pool is available seasonally at the park and includes a water slide and splash pad. Additional amenities include a community building, three hiking trails and the Driftwood Nature Center.

Restored and opened in 2019, the new Cherokee National History Museum resides in the original Cherokee National Capitol building in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. It offers 7,000 square feet of timeless art and tribal heritage to explore. Visitors can take lessons in authentic arts and crafts, study the Cherokee Syllabary, and learn about the modern era of the Cherokee Nation.

Interactivity is a key feature of the Cherokee National History Museum. Be immersed in hands-on exhibits that showcase the complete Cherokee story. View state-of-the-art digital multimedia displays that delve deep into the Cherokee Nation’s cultural past and present. Experience The Trail of Tears gallery, brought to life by authentic voices of the Cherokee People.

Vian is also home to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts the largest concentration of snow geese in the state. Visitors will also find hiking trails, observation areas and a winding auto trail.   

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 and consists of 20,800 acres. It is an overlay project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. The wildlife and habitat it protects are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the only national network of lands and waters managed for the benefit of wildlife.  

Be sure to stop by the refuge headquarters to experience the exhibits and get oriented for adventuring onto the refuge. Pick up a brochure and map that will help you navigate the tour road and find your way to the various points of interest around the refuge.