The Place To Be
Possum Kingdom Lake—lovingly referred to as P.K.—is an idyllic 17,000-acre reservoir in north-central Texas. The Brazos River empties into the lake and stretches across the counties of Stephens and Young but resides primarily in Palo Pinto. With more than 310 miles of shoreline along the 65-mile expanse, Possum Kingdom has delighted its lake lovers since its creation.
Essentials
The countryside locale of Possum Kingdom Lake is a rural paradise and is only a short trip from creature comforts. General stores thrive around P.K., but large-scale shopping is a short drive away in the towns of Graham and Mineral Wells. Medical care is accessible nearby at Graham Regional Medical Center or Palo Pinto County Hospital, about 30 minutes away. The airfield of Possum Kingdom Airport sits on the northeastern shore and offers easy access for locals, but the nearest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International, less than two hours away.
Recreation Destination
This jewel of north-central Texas is known for its recreational opportunities. Its depth, width, and clarity make it ideal for boating, fishing, skiing, tubing, and many other aquatic activities. Seven public boat ramps dot the shores of P.K. alongside premier marinas, golf courses, and campgrounds. Hell’s Gate is the most prominent feature on the lake: a split in the cliffs that resembles a gateway. The location is a popular spot to drop anchor and showcases events like the annual Hell’s Gate Fireworks Show.
Fish abound at Possum Kingdom, which features several prime locations to hook a big one. Anglers tossing out a line can find largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, white crappie, blue catfish, and channel catfish. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains a fish hatchery at P.K and has scheduled releases of trout. Fly-fishing at the base of the dam is a popular activity.
Possum Kingdom sits in what was once a vast canyon in the hills of Palo Pinto, and the Brazos River meandered through it. There were no reservoirs along the Brazos at this time, but many saw the opportunity to create one in the gorge. Morris Shepard, a Texas Senator, was essential in gaining funding for the project, and the Morris Shepard Dam is named in his honor. The 190-foot-high 2,700-foot-long dam was finished in 1941, the same year the lake was impounded.
Precious Possum Pelts
“Possum Kingdom” is a name that takes many by surprise, and the story behind it is an endearing tale of life in the early 1900s. Ike Sabolsky was a Russian immigrant who came to America at 13. As an adult, he suffered from debilitating stomach issues, but he heard of the alleged healing waters from the springs in Mineral Wells, Texas, and moved there in 1905. Sablosky drank as much mineral water as he could for ten consecutive days and claimed it cured his troubles.
After his health improved, Ike pursued the fur and hide trading business—including possum pelts. In the canyon that would one day become P.K. was a group of hunters and traders who would always have a steady supply of possum pelts for Ike. After trading with the group several times, he began referring to them as “the boys from Possum Kingdom.” Ike would go on to become an influential businessman in Dallas. After his passing, he left millions to charitable organizations, and he gifted to the people the name Possum Kingdom.
Community Values
The rich history of Possum Kingdom Lake is mirrored only by the community that embodies it. The wildfires of 2011 were devastating for many, but it is deeply rooted in the people here to band together in the face of adversity. So if you’re looking for more than just a home, Possum Kingdom Lake is the tight-knit neighborly oasis for which you’ve been searching.