Get Outside — Ponca City, Oklahoma
Outdoor
Activity Guide
Lake Ponca, championship disc golf, hiking trails, golf courses, parks, water fun, and more — Ponca City is an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ponca City, Oklahoma
01
01 — Lake Ponca
900 Acres of Recreation
Lake Ponca is the heart of outdoor life in Ponca City. Whether you're casting for bass, crappie, or catfish from shore or boat, launching a kayak, canoeing with the family, paddleboarding across calm morning water, or simply watching bald eagles and great blue herons from a picnic blanket — the lake delivers. Campgrounds with full hookups and tent sites mean you can make a whole weekend of it.
Birdwatching here is exceptional, with eagles, herons, and waterfowl visible year-round.
Boating & Kayaking
Fishing (Bass, Crappie, Catfish)
Birdwatching
Camping
02
02 — Disc Golf
Oklahoma's Best Disc Golf City
Ponca City is ranked 6th best disc golf destination in Oklahoma by the PDGA — a remarkable distinction for a city its size. With 8 courses spread across the city and 3 of them featuring 18 or more holes, there's always a new challenge to tackle. Two active leagues keep competition lively, and a dedicated disc golf gear store means you can show up prepared or leave better equipped than when you arrived.
Ponca City is ranked 6th best disc golf destination in Oklahoma by the PDGA — a remarkable distinction for a city its size.
8 Courses in Ponca City
3 with 18+ Holes
PDGA Ranked #6 in Oklahoma
2 Leagues + Gear Store
03
03 — Golf
Two Championship 18-Hole Courses
Golf in Ponca City means two full 18-hole experiences. The Ponca City Country Club offers a classic private course experience with manicured fairways and a challenging layout. The Lew Wentz Golf Course at Lake Ponca provides a scenic public round with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Both courses are well-maintained and welcoming to golfers of all skill levels.
Both courses are well-maintained and welcoming to golfers of all skill levels.
Ponca City Country Club
Lew Wentz Golf (Lake Ponca)
Both 18-Hole
Junior Golf Program
04
04 — Trails & Parks
Scenic Trails & Green Spaces
Ponca City's trail network winds through some of north-central Oklahoma's most beautiful natural and historic landscapes. Standing Bear Park takes hikers through woodlands and open meadows where wildlife abounds. The Marland Mansion Trail passes through the historic estate grounds, past gardens and sculptures. Beyond trails, the city's parks — Standing Bear, Lake Ponca, War Memorial, Riverside, Marland Grand Home, and Dan Moran — offer green spaces for every kind of outdoor moment.
The city's parks offer green spaces for every kind of outdoor moment, in every season.
Standing Bear Park Trails
Marland Mansion Trail
Riverside Park (Arkansas River)
War Memorial Park
05
05 — Water Fun
Pools, Splash Pads & Summer Cool-Downs
When the Oklahoma summer heats up, Ponca City offers no shortage of ways to cool down. The AMBUCS Swimming Pool is a classic community pool with waterslides and diving boards at just $1–$2 admission, open daily 1–7pm in summer. RecPlex provides a year-round indoor family pool option. Multiple free splash pad locations throughout the city provide interactive water play for younger visitors. Note: The Hub H2O Waterpark is not open this summer — check back for its 2027 reopening.
When the Oklahoma summer heats up, Ponca City offers no shortage of ways to cool down.
AMBUCS Pool ($1-$2)
RecPlex — Year-Round Indoor Pool
Splash Pads (Multiple Locations)
Hub H2O Reopening 2027
06
06 — Skate & BMX
Dan Moran Skate & BMX Park
The Dan Moran Skate/BMX Park is one of Ponca City's most popular outdoor destinations for younger adventurers. Loaded with ramps, rails, and obstacles that challenge every skill level, the park sees skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts converge daily. Competitions and organized events draw participants from across the region throughout the year.
Competitions and organized events draw participants from across the region throughout the year.
Ramps & Rails
Obstacles for All Levels
BMX & Skateboarding
Competitions & Events
07
07 — Hunting & Fishing
World-Class Sportsman's Country
The lands and waters surrounding Ponca City offer exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities. Lake Ponca and Kaw Lake are premier fishing destinations, with heated docks extending the fishing season deep into the colder months. The surrounding terrain supports deer, turkey, and quail populations, making this a destination for serious hunters as well. Local outfitters and guides can help first-timers and veterans alike make the most of what the region offers.
Heated docks extend the fishing season deep into the colder months — the bite never really stops.
Lake Ponca & Kaw Lake
Deer, Turkey & Quail
Heated Docks (Extended Season)
Local Guides Available
08
08 — Farmer's Market
Fresh, Local & Full of Life
Ponca City's Farmer's Market runs weekly during the growing season, bringing together local growers, artisan producers, and community members in a lively outdoor setting. Fresh produce, homemade jams and baked goods, handcrafted items, and live music make the market one of the city's most beloved weekly traditions. It's outdoor living at its most community-minded.
It's outdoor living at its most community-minded — fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and live music.
Weekly During Growing Season
Fresh Local Produce
Artisanal Goods
Live Music
Ready to Visit?
Get Outside in Ponca City
Start planning your outdoor adventure — trails, lakes, and open skies are waiting.
More Guides