HIKING, FISHING AND WATER RECREATION MAKE FOR MULTI- GENERATIONAL FUN AT CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA. PHOTOS BY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Another outdoor Oklahoma oasis perfect for multiple generations is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located 90 minutes south of the metro. Grandparents may recall the park’s original name was Platt National Park with the distinction of being the seventh national park in the United States. In the 1970s the park merged with the Arbuckle Recreation Area, adopting its current name. The area is an ecotone, or meeting place of two different ecosystems. The eastern deciduous forest and the mixed-grass prairie overlap, providing diversity for hikers and nature lovers. The hiking trails vary from very easy to moderate so visitors can choose their level of adventure. Don’t miss the easy 1.2 mile round-trip trail to Little Niagara, with the reward of a beautiful waterfall view. If the weather is hot, a swim here or in Antelope or Buffalo Springs nearby adds even more fun to the trip. Stop by the Travertine Nature Center to learn more about the diversity of plant and animal life in the park, examine exhibits and meet
live reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey. Ranger-led programs are presented daily during the summer, and those interested in the Junior Ranger Program can pick up information there. Designed for kids of all ages to learn about the park through games, activities and puzzles, the program requires attending a ranger-led program, hiking a park trail and completing activity pages. We have recently introduced our grandkids to fishing, and fishing docks at the Lake of Arbuckles are available for this shared activity, which does require a current Oklahoma fishing license. In the summer months, a cool dip in the lake is a welcome refresher. For a full outdoor vacation experience, campgrounds are available in the park by reservation. The park is open 24 hours a day and no admission fees are charged for park entry. Social distancing is currently encouraged in the park and some areas may be closed due to COVID-19. Megan Wilkins, public information officer, offers the helpful
tip of visiting during the weekdays to take advantage of lower park attendance. (901 W 1st St, Sulphur; nps.gov/chic/index.htm) Other unique adventures to add to your visit to Chickasaw Country include the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur; chickasawculturalcenter.com); highflying fun with 777 Zipline (6250 Highway 77 S, Davis; turnerfallszip.com); and a visit to Bedre Fine Chocolates (37 N Colbert Rd, Davis; bedrechocolates.com) to watch sweet treats being made (and buy some for the car ride home!) in Davis. NOTE: Be sure to contact these entities before attending due to possible pandemic closures. For me, experiences with my grandchildren are lasting treasures. “Grand-travel” provides recreational opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to deepen relationships, see the world through a fresh lens and entertain others with funny stories. Joy may be found in the journey, regardless of the destination.
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