Purcell: Discover Lakes, Trails and History

Purcell combines nature experiences by the water with historic sites, regional products and a variety of activities. Purcell City Lake is a 150-acre lake created in 1956. Those planning a trip with active days, relaxing moments by the shore and cultural discoveries will find a range of options here for shaping their stay.

Purcell Lake: Water, Trails and Movement

At Purcell City Lake, piers, docks and long stretches of shoreline provide access to fishing. A large sandy beach with a designated swimming area adds to the waterside attractions. This allows you to experience the lake from different perspectives depending on your plans for the day, without limiting your stay to a single activity.

The Purcell Lake Trails on the south and east sides of the lake are available for walks and running routes. The trails are paved and have limited barriers. The southern trail is one mile long and forms a loop around the Rotary Pavilion, a playground and ADA restrooms. There are also two certified 5K routes at Purcell Lake. These different distances make it easier to choose between a shorter loop and a longer run without presupposing a specific walking time or level of difficulty.

Further recreational opportunities round out your stay: Sharp Memorial Park at Red Hill features a splash pad, a playground and a pavilion. Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course is a public 18-hole course with a driving range, putting and chipping greens, and a bunker. The 18-hole Dragon Disc Golf Course is also located next to Purcell City Lake. Those traveling with a dog can consider Oklahoma Thunder Dock Diving, which offers swimming lessons for dogs.

Historic Sites in the Cityscape

Purcell can also be discovered through its buildings and memorial sites. Santa Fe Plaza is located in the center of Main Street and is home to the Santa Fe Caboose. It was donated to the City of Purcell in November 1991 by the family of Samuel Terry Harlan. The Santa Fe railway station building was constructed in 1904 and housed a food-service business founded by Fred Harvey.

Notable buildings also include the United States Post Office Purcell, built in the center of downtown in 1938 and classified as Art Deco with understated details, as well as the McClain County Courthouse, designed by Hawk and Parr in 1928. A granite marker on the grounds commemorates the meeting of September 13, 1893, which supported the consolidation of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories into one state.

The Love Hotel is associated with Purcell's early commercial history and is considered the city's only surviving turn-of-the-century hotel building. The three-story red-brick building was constructed in 1896 and expanded in 1909. The historic Old McCurdy Hospital building houses the McClain County Museum. The Grand Canadian Theater is a historic landmark that has been converted into a banquet hall.

Local Products and Special Excursions

Petal Pusher Farms, with nearly an acre of seasonal flowers, and Larhill Farms, a pick-your-own farm specializing in strawberries and blackberries, provide regional experiences. Auntie Mae's Antiques is located in a more than 100-year-old historic building beneath which a tunnel from the Prohibition era was uncovered. Above Board Gourmet Food Shoppe sells freshly baked bread, various cheeses, flavored preserves, spices, teas, as well as flavored salts and sugars.

Events also shape the offerings: Purcell's annual Independence Day Celebration includes food, games and fireworks at Purcell Lake. The Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival, hosted by the city, showcases artists from Oklahoma. When choosing a holiday rental in Purcell, you can therefore consider whether trails by the lake, historic discoveries, local products or an event date should be the focus of your trip. Those wishing to expand their choice of destination can also look at Blanchard.

For the overarching travel overview: Mcclain County.