Exploring the Great Outdoors in Chickasaw Country

Chickasaw Country has a wealth of museums, centers, and stores to visit during your vacation. However, it’s also a popular destination for its abundant outdoor activities as well. You’ll find a wide range of spots to choose from, whether you prefer canoeing on a scenic lake or heading off the beaten path with a nature hike. Whether you visit during the middle of winter or the peak of summer, you’re bound to find the right mix of outdoor activities.

Here’s a closer look at the area’s most notable outdoor attractions and destinations.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

This park’s origins can be traced back to 1902, when the government bought over 600 acres from the Chickasaw Nation to protect crucial mineral and freshwater springs. The name changed to Platt National Park after more acreage was added just a few years later. However, it wasn’t until 1976 that the Chickasaw National Recreation Area was formed when Platt National Park joined with Arbuckle Recreation Area, the expansive Lake of the Arbuckles, and other pieces of land. Today there are two distinct parks for visitors to explore: Lake of the Arbuckles and the Platt Historic District.

• Lake of the Arbuckles — This scenic lake offers 36 miles of shoreline and over 2,000 acres of open water for visitors to explore. Water is naturally the main attraction here, and you’ll find plenty of related activities such as fishing, boating, scuba diving, and trolling. The lake is renowned for its crystal clear water and deep rock cliffs.
• Veterans Lake — It’s not nearly as large as Lake of the Arbuckles, but Veterans Lake still has a lot to offer. This lake was constructed in 1933 to honor American War Veterans. There are three miles of shoreline and 67 acres of open water. Some of the main activities here include picnicking, fishing, hiking, and small boats.
• Travertine Creek and Nature Center — A relatively short but sweet 1.5 mile trail runs along the creek, providing glimpses of plants and animals along the way. There are also several picnic areas. The Nature Center is the educational hub of the park, with information about the area along with exhibits, dioramas of native animals, and nature programs led by park rangers during the summer months. The choice of programs may include night hikes, creek walks, and hikes to Antelope and Buffalo Springs.

Kullihoma Grounds

It was once used as a school, stomp ground, and general community for the Chickasaw, but these grounds now act as a visitor’s center and Chickasaw reunion spot. There are over 1,500 acres of land to explore in this Chickasaw Country destination, including summer, winter, and mountain houses along with a corn crib.

Chickasaw Community Gardens

These community gardens were created in early 2002 with the goal of training and providing work opportunities for Chickasaw youth and adults. Since starting at a compact greenhouse, the gardens have continued to flourish and now consist of a dual-bay greenhouse, raised garden, and traditional garden. Youth programs, arts and crafts, and cultural activities are just a few of the highlights. Many tourists come here for the Spiral Garden, a scenic setting with abundant fruits, flowers, and vegetables. In fact, most of the fruits and vegetables from the garden are used in Aaimpa’ Café recipes.