All park activities, including water-oriented recreation, are “at your own risk;” there are no water safety patrols.
Zink Lake, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a man-made reservoir on the Arkansas River. It serves as an urban water destination, offering a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The lake is situated between the Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge and the Southwest Boulevard Bridge, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. Zink Lake is a key feature of the city's riverfront, contributing to Tulsa's outdoor lifestyle and providing a scenic area for relaxation and enjoyment.
With four (4) formal entry points and various access points, enthusiasts can access Zink Lake for kayaking, canoeing, rowing, stand-up paddleboard use, fishing, and individual watercraft.
Zink Lake is a no swimming or wading lake and a no-wake zone lake. No use of combustion engines on watercraft are allowed. More rules and regulations can be found on physical signage and online at www.tulsazinklake.com
Zink Lake receives water flow from releases of the Keystone Lake Dam. These flows can be monitored on the water conditions dashboard or USGS websites. Users should be aware of the hazards posed by moving water and ensure they are capable of handling their watercraft in such conditions. The lake can become very choppy with strong winds, creating white caps and hazardous conditions for recreational boaters. Emergency exit signs are posted above the dam to indicate safe exit points in case currents carry users downstream.
PARKING, ACCESS, & AMENITIES
Zink Lake parking is available on the east and west banks. Across the 2.5-mile stretch of Zink Lake, there are 816 total parking spots available during normal operations.
There are two areas along the west bank with amenities for Zink Lake attendees. One is located on the north side of the 23rd Street Bridge, and the second is located on the south side of the 23rd Street Bridge. Both areas are connected by the River Parks trail system. North of the 23rd Street Bridge at River West Festival Park is a Kayak launch, River West Festival Cove entry point (north of the parking lot). This area offers a second entry point and watercraft ramp location just north of the parking lot for watercrafts to go into Zink Lake. The water here is calmer, offering a spot for novice users or those looking to practice.
South of the 23rd Street Bridge is a kayak launch accessible from a concrete walkway connected to the parking lot and River Parks trails. Two Portland Loo restrooms. New sitting benches, a new water fountain with a water bottle filler, bike racks, and trash cans.
On the East Bank, parking is available at 17th and Riverside, Cyrus Avery Plaza, and on street parking along Riverside.
19th and Riverside has renovated restrooms, an handicap accessible boat dock, and the Zink Lake Overlook with new murals from 10 local artists.
FISHING
Zink Dam is a popular fishing spot for catfish and striped bass. Fishing is permitted in most areas of the park except the boat docks on the east and west sides or unless otherwise indicated. Wading in the river channel is allowed, but waders should be cautious of rising waters from the dam. You can check water flow from Keystone Dam releases HERE. Fishing from or being on the dam structure is prohibited. Bowfishing is prohibited in city limits. An Oklahoma fishing license is required, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation enforces fishing regulations. For more information, visit www.wildlifedepartment.com.
KAYAKING
Once known for its whitewater, the Tulsa Wave on the west bank of the river south of Zink Dam has been largely quieted due to scouring in the river channel caused by extended high water flows a few years ago. Efforts to restore the naturally occurring features that created the whitewater have been unsuccessful. However, Tulsa Wave Park a whitewater flume is opening on Labor Day weekend as part of the Zink Dam renovation. The Tulsa Wave Park is now located on the east side of the river, with entrance gates situated below the Williams Crossing Bridge.
ROWING
Tulsa Youth Rowing Association is open to all athletes ages 13-18. We have a 7th and 8th grade program in addition to a competitive 8th through 12 grade program. The program aims to teach young rowers the fundamentals of the sport of rowing. The team trains from August to June competing in regattas locally, regionally, nationally and occasionally on the international level. For further information visit www.okrowing.org
The Tulsa Rowing Club is an entity of the Sooner Rowing Association (SRA), which was conceived by oilman and philanthropist, Dr. Charles Oliphant, as a vehicle to promote the benefits of exercise through rowing to Tulsans and Oklahomans. His wish was to make rowing available to participants of all means, especially youth. The Tulsa Rowing Club has done that— and then some. For further information visit www.tulsarowing.org.
