This Hidden Island in Oklahoma Is Home to Dozens of Wild Goats—And You Can Kayak There

Oklahoma has so many cool natural attractions to explore, from echoey caves to sparkling lakes and rushing waterfalls. But one of the most unique outdoor experiences has to be kayaking to Goat Island, Oklahoma—a small piece of land on Lake Tenkiller in northeast Oklahoma that's home to real-life goats. While you can take a boat there, we highly recommend kayaking as the lake water is calm and the distance from the mainland isn't too far.

Both locals and tourists adore this bucket-list attraction because the goats are actually super friendly! They'll come directly up to you if you set foot on the island, and some might even allow you to take pictures of them. Paddling to Goat Island is one of the coolest kayaking adventures you'll find in the Sooner State. Here's what to know before embarking on this Oklahoma day trip.

What to Know Before Kayaking to Goat Island

Goat Island is located in Pettit Bay at Lake Tenkiller State Park, which is located near the small towns of Gore and Vian in Northeastern Oklahoma. The island itself is located on the western portion of the lake, just about 0.5 miles from shore. The best launch point is Pettit Bay Boat Ramp #2 at Tenkiller State Park, which offers a direct kayaking route to the island. Previous adventurers claim it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to paddle there.

Lake Tenkiller itself is known for having clear water, so it's a beautiful place to enjoy natural scenery. The water is also calm, making it ideal for beginner kayakers. Late summer and fall are typically the best times to visit, as there's little chance of rain or flooding. Check the weather forecast before you go, and make sure you have a lifejacket and phone with you, in case conditions change.

If you don't have your own kayak, or you're visiting from out of town, you can rent one from nearby marinas. There are also plenty of easy walking trails, viewing points, and launch spots around the state park, if you want to spend more time on the mainland before embarking on your Goat Island journey.

Also, keep in mind that you'll see lots of different wildlife on this journey, so be sure to respect their space. Keep your distance and don't leave any food or trash around for them to accidentally consume.

What It's Like Visiting the Goats at This Oklahoma Island

Once you arrive on the island, you might already spot a goat or two grazing near the shore. They will come down from the island to meet you, and it's the cutest thing ever. But how did they get here? According to locals, a herd of goats wandered to the island during a drought in the 1950s that cleared a path directly to its shores. Now, goats are fed and donated by Oklahomans to keep the Goat Island tradition alive.

Since most of the goats on the island now were bred and rescued, they are typically quite friendly and will allow you to get close to them. You can even feed goats out of the palms of your hands; they like carrots, hay, grasses, apples, weeds, lettuce, grains, and more. However, if you want a more structured feeding experience, locals do put on monthly Goats and Boats events, where you can give them special feed.

The adult goats are more outgoing than the babies, so be respectful of their boundaries. When in doubt, keep snacks to yourself and simply admire them from afar.

While goats of all colors and sizes are typically found on the south side, some venture to all stretches of the island, climbing on tall rocks and eating fruit from the trees. If you don't see any, consider paddling the perimeter of the island, which is only a few miles.

Visitors are expected to keep the island clean and safe for wildlife. Don't leave any trash or food remnants behind—clean up after yourself so the goat legacy can live on!

Why Lake Tenkiller Is One of Oklahoma's Best Kayaking Destinations

If you haven't found your favorite kayaking spot in Oklahoma yet, we highly encourage you to give Lake Tenkiller a try. The water is crystal clear all year round, which is ideal for fishing. The shoreline is also peaceful and scenic, with tons of lush trees that change color during the fall. The variety of easy-access boat ramps, accessible restrooms and picnic areas, and other recreational activities make it a great family-friendly destination, too.

Kayaking isn't the only attraction here, either. Hikers will fall in love with the easy, 1.7-mile Whispering Leaves Trail near the park's visitor center and gift shop. You can also enjoy swimming, biking, volleyball, disc golf, and camping in Tenkiller State Park's cabins. Just keep in mind that it gets pretty busy in the summertime, and costs about $8 to park for the day.

After your unforgettable Oklahoma paddling adventure, head to Piddle's Cajun Bar and Grill at Pettit Bayside Resort nearby. This hole-in-the-wall Oklahoma restaurant is chock-full of Goat Island merch you can take home, including hats, t-shirts, stickers, and more. We can't think of a better way to commemorate your trip!

Have you been on this scenic Oklahoma outdoor experience to Goat Island? If not, head over to Lake Tenkiller this July or August and experience all that this natural attraction has to offer. And don't forget to say hi to the baby goats for us!

If you're taking a road trip to Lake Tenkiller from down south, consider stopping at other outdoor adventures near Broken Bow first. It's a charming town just three hours south of Pettit Bay and offers even more adventures in southeastern Oklahoma, including horseback riding and ziplining.