Nichols Park

Nichols Park
Entrance to Nichols Park, June of 2026
Nichols Park is located in Oklahoma
Nichols Park
Location within Oklahoma
LocationOkmulgee County, Oklahoma, United States
Nearest cityHenryetta, OK
Coordinates35°24′30″N 95°59′09″W / 35.4083266°N 95.9859376°W / 35.4083266; -95.9859376
Area300 acres (120 ha)
Established1939
Governing bodyCity of Henryetta
Websitewww.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.33827#listing-menu-tabs

Nichols Park is located south of downtown Henryetta, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. It was initially developed between 1938 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (“CCC”) and the National Park Service. It is over 300 acres in size, and includes the 17-acre Nichols Lake. The park was named after Jack Nichols, a Democratic congressman from the second district of Oklahoma, who was a promoter of CCC projects and was instrumental in securing the park’s construction. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma on December 6, 2006, National Register Information System ID 06001115, with its Areas of Significance listed as Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture.

History

The park was constructed around the city's original water reservoir, now called Nichols Lake, which was built in 1910. Original highlights include a large rock Beach House in front of a beach swimming area, and two rock shelters, built in the National Park Service rustic style. More recent additions include a 54-hole disc golf course which regularly hosts tournaments. A sand volleyball court is used daily. Three playground areas are scattered through the park. And, a modern rodeo arena hosts two major events each year, including the Jim Shoulders Living Legends Rodeo which attracts thousands. The nearby Jim Hall Lake, also known as Lake Henryetta, adds 450 surface acres of water and about 11 miles of shoreline. Amenities there include boat ramps, docks, primitive campsites, picnic areas, and outdoor grills.

References

  1. ↑ "Nichols Park". Google Maps. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Nichols Park nominated as a 'National Historic Site'". Henryetta Daily Free-Lance. June 30, 2006. p. 21. Retrieved June 27, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "Nichols Park History retold in '41 Free-Lance". Henryetta Daily Free-Lance. September 28, 2004. p. 1. Retrieved June 27, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 3 "Visit Historic Nichols Park". City of Henryetta. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  5. 1 2 "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, Nichols Park". National Park Service. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  6. ↑ Brown, Cecil (October 1, 1939). "Nichols Park becomes Henryetta's pride". Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat. p. 19. Retrieved June 27, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 3 "Nichols Park". National Park Service. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Historic Nichols Park". TravelOK. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Jim Shoulders Living Legends Rodeo". TravelOK. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  10. 1 2 "Jim Hall Lake". TravelOK. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Variety of Parks". City of Henryetta. Retrieved June 12, 2026.