Leisure

Hole Hog

Five Swimming Holes for Surviving Summer

It’s summer. Or as it’s known in these parts: “swimming-hole season.” Pretty sure someone called it that once. So pack your bag (and perhaps a swimsuit) and make a day of it. Maybe even two days of it. That’s what weekends are for.

39 MILES WEST OF THE CITY

Burger’s Lake

It’s just a short drive to this 30-acre park. It’s got sandy beaches and a small spring-fed lake for swimming. It’s called Burger’s Lake. Which is a little funny.
Seclusion Score: 2/10
Après-Swim: Claim a grill on the shore and fire up some kebabs. Or burgers, for consistency.

118 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE CITY

Tonkawa Falls

A cascading waterfall. A flowing river. Overhanging bluffs. You can have it all. Well, if you go to Crawford. Hey, a reason to go to Crawford.
Seclusion Score: 7/10
Après-Swim: Sandwiches at Crawford Coffee Station. It’s the best/only game in town.

128 MILES NORTH OF THE CITY

Turner Falls Park

Book a lakeside cabin and spend your days exploring caves, hiking around the 77-foot waterfall and floating on an inner tube. Feel free to skip the exploring and hiking.
Seclusion Score: 5/10
Après-Swim: Hit the Rusty Nail Winery for crisp whites and cheese boards. Everything’s better with cheese boards.

203 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE CITY

Devil’s Waterhole

Behold, a winding stream running through Inks Lake State Park. Don’t be deterred by the name. There hasn’t been a devil sighting in at least a year or two.
Seclusion Score: 6/10
Après-Swim: The Maxican. It’s like Mexican, but, you know, to the max. Anyway... chips. Salsa. Margaritas. You win.

219 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE CITY

Hamilton Pool Preserve

A flowing creek, limestone cliffs and a 50-foot waterfall. Yup, some real tanning potential here. Or cliff-diving potential.
Seclusion Score: 4/10
Après-Swim: Head into town for grilled ribeyes and martinis at Bordeaux’s. But first: pants. Put some on.