It has been said that big things come in small packages. Perhaps that is the perfect phrase to fit the little town of Bernice, Oklahoma. Nestled quietly on the rolling hills of Horse Creek, this community of some 500 people is one of the most beautiful spots on Grand Lake.
Founded in 1912 when Rose Mode and Charles Lee purchased 60 acres of land to form a township. It was named after Mode’s daughter, Bernice. It is the only town that had to be relocated to make way for Grand Lake in 1939! Some say there are still parts of the old town below the water and if you fly over the lake, you can see the remains, along with the town’s original water pump.
Bernice is well known for their excellent fishing location and has been called the “Crappie Capital of the World.” It has a great Nature Center, a lovely State Park, and is home to Indian Hills, one of the oldest marinas on Grand Lake. You can go boating, camping, take in BIG views of the lake, fish, enjoy the prettiest sunrises, and eat some of the best broasted chicken in the state of Oklahoma. When the fall colors roll around it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Northeast Oklahoma.
There’s something undeniably charming about the little town of Bernice, Oklahoma. Aside from the friendly people, here are a 10 reasons that you, too, should fall in love with the little lake town with such a big heart.
- The Unfinished Bridge.
Gene McCluney Bridge lovers from around the country have found themselves in Bernice appreciating its unique beauty. There are several stories that surround this bridge. One source suggests it was built and completed in 1905 to replace Carey’s Ferry and was once used as a full bridge; yet, when the dam was complete, they removed two sections before the lake was flooded. The other portions of the bridge were never fully removed.
- The Nature Center.
Photo: Mary Pryor Open for ten years, this addition to the Bernice State Park is one of the best in the state. You can bring your whole family to learn about the various animals in the area from some of the most knowledgeable park guides in the region. Snakes, turtles, and every kind of fish found in Grand Lake can be seen inside.
- The excellent fishing at Bernice Bridge.
Photo: Mary Pryor For decades, locals fished off of the Bernice Bridge amidst the “NO FISHING” signs. Finally, a compromise was reached when this fishing platform was built next to the bridge. Cars still park on the side of the bridge to get to some of the best fishing in the country.
- Indian Hills Marina.
Photo: Mary Pryor Open since 1939, Indian Hills Marina is one of the oldest on Grand Lake. Sure, you can bring a boat, eat incredible food, and camp; but a lot of people come for the fishing. This heated dock allows die-hard fisherman to come during the winter months to continue their passion. Come see what long-time beloved employees Charlotte and Grant already know - their friendly staff will remind you of what makes Bernice so special.
- Bernice State Park.
Photo: Mary Pryor Bernice State Park is one of the most beautiful spots for camping in the state of Oklahoma! The wide-open, untouched, natural views of Grand Lake from this park are unlike any other. This spot is ideal for a picture-perfect stay, with great amenities, and a wonderful breeze on just the right day.
- The best all-you-can-eat chicken in the state!
Photo: Mary Pryor Chicken so good that even your grandmother would be jealous! This all-you-can-eat Sunday meal at The Grill at Indian Hills Marina is mouthwatering, perfectly cooked, moist, and delicious! Get the free cake to go, because you definitely will not have enough room for another bite when you’re done eating… all for under $10.00!
- SouthWinds Marina.
Photo: Mary Pryor Recently re-opened under new management, SouthWinds Marina has one of the best views of the lake. SouthWinds sells fishing boats and pontoons, and this marina also helps host lake events. The courteous staff is always willing to share their passion for the lake.
- The Little Red Cabins.
Photo: Mary Pryor Built in the 1950’s, these adorable little cabins are said to have been built by Will Rogers’ grandson. Recently beautifully remodeled on the inside, this little circle of cabins are owned by a few lucky people who get to call them home!
- The beautiful sunrises.
Photo: Mary Pryor It’s not an uncommon to see people pulled over on the side of the road in the early morning hours, waiting to capture some of the best sunrises in the state. The wide-open, unobstructed views of Grand Lake allow for some of the best photos of the early morning beauty that engulfs the little town of Bernice.
- The Bernice Bridge.
Photo: Mary Pryor Soon to be replaced by a bridge that will sit a bit higher for boats to pass beneath, this iconic bridge has been a part of Grand Lake for decades. Once a railroad bridge, the local fishermen know that it’s one of the best fishing spots on the lake.
Have you been to Bernice? Where’s your favorite place to visit in this tiny town? Tell us about it in the comments!
Gene McCluney
Bridge lovers from around the country have found themselves in Bernice appreciating its unique beauty. There are several stories that surround this bridge. One source suggests it was built and completed in 1905 to replace Carey’s Ferry and was once used as a full bridge; yet, when the dam was complete, they removed two sections before the lake was flooded. The other portions of the bridge were never fully removed.
Photo: Mary Pryor
Open for ten years, this addition to the Bernice State Park is one of the best in the state. You can bring your whole family to learn about the various animals in the area from some of the most knowledgeable park guides in the region. Snakes, turtles, and every kind of fish found in Grand Lake can be seen inside.
For decades, locals fished off of the Bernice Bridge amidst the “NO FISHING” signs. Finally, a compromise was reached when this fishing platform was built next to the bridge. Cars still park on the side of the bridge to get to some of the best fishing in the country.
Open since 1939, Indian Hills Marina is one of the oldest on Grand Lake. Sure, you can bring a boat, eat incredible food, and camp; but a lot of people come for the fishing. This heated dock allows die-hard fisherman to come during the winter months to continue their passion. Come see what long-time beloved employees Charlotte and Grant already know - their friendly staff will remind you of what makes Bernice so special.
Bernice State Park is one of the most beautiful spots for camping in the state of Oklahoma! The wide-open, untouched, natural views of Grand Lake from this park are unlike any other. This spot is ideal for a picture-perfect stay, with great amenities, and a wonderful breeze on just the right day.
Chicken so good that even your grandmother would be jealous! This all-you-can-eat Sunday meal at The Grill at Indian Hills Marina is mouthwatering, perfectly cooked, moist, and delicious! Get the free cake to go, because you definitely will not have enough room for another bite when you’re done eating… all for under $10.00!
Recently re-opened under new management, SouthWinds Marina has one of the best views of the lake. SouthWinds sells fishing boats and pontoons, and this marina also helps host lake events. The courteous staff is always willing to share their passion for the lake.
Built in the 1950’s, these adorable little cabins are said to have been built by Will Rogers’ grandson. Recently beautifully remodeled on the inside, this little circle of cabins are owned by a few lucky people who get to call them home!
It’s not an uncommon to see people pulled over on the side of the road in the early morning hours, waiting to capture some of the best sunrises in the state. The wide-open, unobstructed views of Grand Lake allow for some of the best photos of the early morning beauty that engulfs the little town of Bernice.
Soon to be replaced by a bridge that will sit a bit higher for boats to pass beneath, this iconic bridge has been a part of Grand Lake for decades. Once a railroad bridge, the local fishermen know that it’s one of the best fishing spots on the lake.
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