rocky lake. The average depth for Grand Lake is 36.3 feet. Its mean elevation is above sea level. In recent years, low fall elevations of 741 were kept by the GRDA to allow millet seeding for migratory waterfowl, resulting in conflict between property owners, environmentalists, and federal agencies. While not expressly built for flood control, Grand Lake contributes to the flood-prone Arkansas River watershed. The Army Corps of Engineers controls releases into the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System when lake levels exceed , although locking into Grand Lake is not possible. Grand Lake and its neighbor, Lake Hudson (also managed by the GRDA), are the only two major lakes in the state where one can build directly on the waterfront. Residents of the town of Miami and Native American groups have objected to proposals to increase high water levels at Pensacola Dam in order to maintain the water level at Grand Lake. Miami residents are concerned that when water backs up downstream from Miami on the Neosho River, this can contribute to Miami's flooding problems. Recreation The lake is a popular destination for entertainment in the Green Country region. There are a number of shows in the area, as well as resorts, and a sixty-seven-foot long, twin deck paddle wheel riverboat called the Cherokee Queen, which has been in operation since the 1940s. Consistently ranked among the top bass fishing lakes in the United States, Grand also houses a wide variety of other sport and non-sport fishing. Due to its predictable winds, it attracts sailboaters from across the country as well. In literature In the book The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, Taylor, Turtle, Estevan, and Esperanza visit the lake. See also Lakes in Oklahoma References Further reading Voices of Oklahoma interview with Dr. Bruce Howard about the creation of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and Pensacola Dam. First person interview conducted on December 2, 2014 with Dr. Bruce Howard about the creation of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and Pensacola Dam. External links Grand Lake area information, photos and videos on TravelOK.com Official travel and tourism website for the State of Oklahoma Grand Lake Maps Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture - Grand River Dam Authority Oklahoma Digital Maps: Digital Collections of Oklahoma and Indian Territory Protected areas of Delaware County, Oklahoma Protected areas of Mayes County, Oklahoma Protected areas of Ottawa County, Oklahoma Reservoirs in Oklahoma Lakes of