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Tahlequah Trails Association creates system for local bikers, hikers
By Mary Hanafee
The Tahlequah Trails Association has carved a distinctive niche in the region by offering one of the most comprehensive and environmentally conscious trail systems in Northeast Oklahoma.
With its innovative approach to multiuse paths, commitment to community health, and long-term vision for growth, the organization is transforming the local outdoor recreation scene.
Mike Bingham, a key figure in development of the trails, highlighted their uniqueness.
“Welling Ridges
Trails are the only trail system in the area designed for both mountain biking and hiking. It’s comparable to trails in Northwest Arkansas, which are known for their quality. In Oklahoma, only Turkey Mountain in Tulsa and some trail systems in Claremore come close to this level,”
Bingham said.
The eight- to 10mile trail system, which is nearing completion, represents years of dedication and cooperative efforts among Tahlequah Trails Association, the city of Tahlequah, and Cherokee Nation. The city’s lease of county property paved the way for the association to begin development, with funding bolstered by grants and local support.
Recent additions to the trails include a
professionally designed 2-1/2-mile section funded by grants, which will be the final piece of the master plan. A waterless vault bathroom, provided by Cherokee Nation, and a solar light paid for the Tahlequah Community Fund, are among the upgrades aimed at enhancing user experience and safety. Picnic areas with tables are also in the works, ensuring visitors have spaces to rest and enjoy the scenery.
“We’ve seen a
Brittney Everett rides the trails this winter.
tremendous response to these developments,” Bingham said. “Over 9,000 people used the trails this year alone. This shows just how much the community needed an outlet like this.”
The benefits of the trail system extend beyond recreation. Bingham believes the trails are a boon for community health, tourism, and even property values.
“It provides opportunities for outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking, which improve physical health. Plus, it’s drawing people to the area. We’ve had events that bring in visitors, and some may even explore our lakes while they’re here,” he said.
The trails are especially appealing to professionals relocating to Tahlequah for work. With a large hospital operated by Cherokee Nation and a medical school in the area, the trails add value for those looking to establish roots in the community.
“Having a trail system like this contributes to quality of life, which encourages people to build a home and a life here,” Bingham said.
The association’s efforts have been supported by a growing network of dedicated volunteers, many of whom have become
Tony Cornell, Nathan Highfill, Lori Murray, and Matt Murray, in the parking lot, prepare to roll out for a ride.
close friends through their shared passion. The group’s environmental consciousness also extends to adopting and maintaining three miles of nearby roadways through a trash coalition. Volunteers clean the area every three months, furthering their commitment to giving back.
The future looks promising for the Tahlequah Trails Association. Upcoming events include a grand opening for the completed system in the spring and the annual fundraiser dinner in May, featuring entertainment from the Faith Vocal Group at the Echota Entertainment Center. Additionally, the Cherokee Nation Wings Running Event, a 5K race, is tentatively scheduled for April. Reflecting
on the project’s success, Bingham expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support.
“Ideas have turned into funded projects, and seeing this vision become a reality is incredible. It’s not just about trails, it’s about connecting people to nature and each other,” he said.
The association continues to share updates through its website and social media, inviting everyone to experience the beauty and benefits of the Tahlequah trail system.
Reviving Westville
Sleepy little town to come alive with new park
By Ellen Workman
After 70 years as a bustling community, Westville nearly became a ghost town. But plans are in the works to put it back on the map, and in a big way.
Situated two miles from the Arkansas line, and almost exactly between
Stilwell, Oklahoma, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Westville is coming alive in the new century.
With several grants, a program overseen by the University of Oklahoma, and several locals who volunteered time and equipment, the town’s once-tired park now boasts a renovated
pavilion, brand-new playground equipment, and a state-of-the-art splash pad that hums like a beehive in summer.
Better yet, a new downtown park is under construction, with Phase 1 to be complete by the end of June 2025.
Downtown Westville still boasts many prestatehood buildings, including the original Buffington Hotel – which is being converted into an antique shop – along with a bank, flower shop, pharmacy, full-service restaurant, and several offices.
Near the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and State Highway 59 are convenience stores, Harps, Dollar General, NAPA, a laundromat, fast food restaurants, a liquor store, a souvenir shirt shop, a dispensary, a spa, an NeoHealth medical clinic, and a general store
known as Red Barn.
A few miles north of Westville, on the Illinois River, is the recently opened WOKA water park, which also includes hiking and bicycle paths, and a few miles south, Barren Fork Creek has benevolently overseen fishing and swimming since the first people inhabited Northeastern Oklahoma.
For Oklahoma and Indian Territory history buffs, the local library houses records collected by the Goingsnake Historical Society, and Baptist Mission. Both the church and the cemetery – which is the resting place of several many of the Cherokees who came to Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears – are just north of Westville.
Locals agree it’s an interesting place to spend a day, a weekend, or a summer vacation.
This area of land in Westville is soon to be transformed.
A splash pad awaits the arrival of kids.
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P u b l i c P o w e r Public Powe
Stretching outfor miles acrossthe landscape, theGrandRiverDam Authority's power lines deliver theabundantand reliableelectricity that thousandsofour neighbors depend on every single day. These lines reach into public powercommunities, like Tahlequah, as wellas industries andelectric cooperatives; supplying them all with thepower we are proudtoproduce, 24/7/365.It's what GRDA hasbeen doing for nearly 90 years.
Month brings Red Fern, Crawfish festivals to town FESTIVE APRIL
By Mary Hanafee
Tahlequah is gearing up for an exciting April, with two beloved community events set to bring residents and visitors together: the Crawfish Festival and the Red Fern Festival.
Both offer unique opportunities to celebrate local culture, food, and traditions while showcasing the vibrant spirit of the town.
The seventh annual Crawfish Festival is set for April 4-5. Since its founding in 2018 by Mike Linney, Brandon Linney, and Cason LeBlanc, the event has grown from a modest gathering at Kroner & Baer to a two-day celebration of Cajun culture that attracts thousands. The Linneys, originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, brought their love of crawfish boils and Cajun music to Tahlequah, hoping to share their passion with the community.
“We’ve been part of the Crawfish Festival from day one,” Brandon Linney said. “From organizing to curating the music lineup and cooking the crawfish, it’s been an incredible journey to bring a piece of our home here.”
This year’s festival promises an expanded lineup of food and entertainment. Linney Breaux’s Cajun Eatery will serve freshly boiled crawfish, jambalaya, and other Louisiana-inspired dishes. King Cabbage Brass Band and R.C. Edwards, from the Turnpike Troubadours, will headline the music lineup, while festival-goers can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, games, and
new rides for families.
One of the highlights is the chance for children to interact with live crawfish before they’re cooked, giving them a handson connection to Louisiana traditions. The festival also features a lively crawfish-eating contest and plenty of opportunities for dancing to Zydeco tunes. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available on the festival’s Facebook page.
Later in the month, the Red Fern Festival will take place April 25-26. Inspired by Wilson Rawls’ novel, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” the event has become one of Northeastern Oklahoma’s most cherished traditions. Now in its 17th year, the festival draws more than 30,000 visitors annually to celebrate Tahlequah’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Michael Payne, a member of the Tahlequah Main Street Association board and part of the entertainment committee, said the festival’s appeal lies in its deep connection to the community.
“It’s a lot of work and a long weekend, but it’s so rewarding,” Payne said. “You get to see the planning and excitement come to fruition. Talking to families who’ve been coming to the festival for generations and seeing how it connects to the book, movie, and local history – it’s really something special.”
The Red Fern Festival features a wide range of activities, including hound dog field trials, a fiddle contest, a kids’ zone, and vendor booths offering arts, crafts, and local cuisine. Food options range from tra-
ditional fair treats to Native-inspired dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. One highlight of this year’s event will be the return of the fiddle contest, which celebrates Oklahoma’s rich musical traditions.
Linney, who attended his first Red Fern Festival 16 years ago, said the event has a special place in his heart.
“Seeing the red hounds and learning about their history was incredible,” he said. “The way the festival brings the community together reminded me of home. It even inspired us to create the Crawfish Festival.”
Both events have become staples of Tahlequah’s spring calendar, offering distinct experiences while fostering a shared sense of community. The Crawfish Festival immerses attendees in Cajun culture, with its focus on Louisiana food, music, and traditions. Meanwhile, the Red Fern Festival connects residents and visitors to Tahlequah’s roots, highlighting its history, natural beauty, and creative talent.
Organizers of both festivals are committed to making them accessible and inclusive, with activities designed to appeal to all ages. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities for both events provide local businesses and organizations a chance to engage with the thousands of attendees expected to participate.
“The Crawfish Festival and the Red Fern Festival both highlight what makes Tahlequah unique,” Payne said. “Whether you’re enjoying a plate of crawfish or watching hound dog trials, these events bring people together and show off the best of our community.”
Winter Wonders Muskogee offers activities for all ages through cold months
By Cathy Spaulding
Muskogee offers a variety of entertainment options through winter.
foot forward, reaching out talking to agents, talking to bands, making connections.”
has since been on several tours.
Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston St., has a full winter event schedule, starting with the Bull Riders Inc. National Finals, 8 p.m., Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
“Our vision here is to bring high quality entertainment people can afford,” said Patrick Kays, the center’s event and marketing manager. “We’re putting our best
The country group Shenandoah, known for such hits as “The Church on Cumberland Road” and “Two Dozen Roses,” will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 8.
America’s Got Talent champion ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne will appear with her puppet friends at 7 p.m., Feb. 15. The Oklahoma girl was only 12 when she won the NBC talent competition in 2017. She
“Bringing Darci started as a simple conversation with her dad; it ultimately led to this, Kays said. “She was interested in starting her tour again and luckily we get to be the opening show for her tour.”
Marshall Tucker Band and Johnny Mullenax will perform at 7 p.m., March 27. The band topped 1970s rock charts with “Can’t You See,” “Fire on the Mountain” and “Heard it in a Love Song.” Kays said the acts
Members of Muskogee Cherokee Elementary cheer squad strut their stuff in Muskogee’s Martin Luther King Day Parade.
Oklahoma ventriloquist Darci Lynne and Friends will perform at Muskogee Civic Center in February.
are part of Muskogee’s efforts to make its Civic Center a prime spot for entertainment.
“The civic center used to be a great spot for concerts,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize we can fit about 3,800 people in this building, and we can bring in good acts.
Muskogee Little Theatre presents “Steel Magnolias,” Feb. 7-15. The play focuses on six southern women sharing their lives in Truvy’s beauty salon in Louisiana. IN addition to Truvy and her assistant, Annelle, characters included the town’s rich curmudgeon, an eccentric millionaire,
a social leader and her daughter. Tickets are available at https://www. muskogeelittletheatre. com/index.php/ information/productions/ steel-magnolias.
The Roxy Theatre, 220 W. Okmulgee Ave., also offers a variety of live entertainment.
Jeff Leeson’s Jokes on You Comedy Tour will be at 8 p.m., Feb. 28. Lesson is known for his razor-sharp wit and unique style.
“Simply Seger -A Tribute to Bob Seger” will be 8 p.m., March 14. Expect such rocking hits as “Night Moves” and “Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll.”
March 22 promises to be a night of red dirt, with three performers in concert. J.T. and the Damn Thing kicks it off at 8 p.m., Emily Hollingshed of Coweta follows at 9 p.m. Kanton Teen & The Penny Pickers play such hits as “If I” at 10 p.m.
PATRICK KAYS/Submitted
VISIT CHE ROK EE NATION CORTM
