Grand Lake o' the Cherokees is the reason Grove exists in its current form. The reservoir was created in 1940 when the Pensacola Dam plugged the Neosho River, flooding 46,500 acres of valley in the Ozark foothills. Grove sits on the lake's northeast shore and is one of the main bases for visitors.
The lake is shallow, warm in summer, and ringed by marinas, boat ramps, and waterfront restaurants. Black bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass are all caught here in serious numbers — the lake hosts professional bass tournaments most years. There are state parks at Honey Creek and Bernice with swimming areas, and boat rentals at most of the marinas. Sailboats are common; the southern half of the lake is open enough to support a small but active sailing community.
For visitors without a boat, the lakeshore parks and a circuit of the lake by car (about 90 miles) give a good sense of the area. The water is at its best from late May through September.