Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area Welcome to the official page of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma's oldest national park unit.
(1065)

This is your place to interact with other fans of Chickasaw National Recreation Area through related photos and respectful conversations. At Chickasaw National Recreation Area the power of place is evident to even the casual observer: cool creeks flowing over travertine terraces; the silhouette of a great blue heron perched on the shore of the Lake of the Arbuckles; families reuniting in historic

campgrounds; local residents coming to fill jugs with mineral water; and the idyllic escape so many find through visits to the park.

Exciting news! The interpretive beehive is back at the Travertine Nature Center!A huge thank you to the Friends of Chick...
05/29/2026

Exciting news! The interpretive beehive is back at the Travertine Nature Center!

A huge thank you to the Friends of Chickasaw National Recreation Area for generously purchasing the bees and helping us continue sharing the important story of pollinators with our visitors.

Did you know?
Pollinators include not only honey bees, but also native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, birds, and bats. Together, they play a critical role in healthy ecosystems by helping plants reproduce, which supports wildlife and biodiversity.

While honey bees are not native to North America, they help us provide visitors with an up-close opportunity to learn about pollination and the importance of protecting all pollinators and their habitats.

Pollinators are essential to our parks, gardens, farms, and natural landscapes. By protecting pollinator habitat and planting native flowers, we can all help these important species thrive.

Stop by the Travertine Nature Center to learn more about bees, pollinators, and the vital role they play in our environment!

We still have some open spots for tomorrows Junior Ranger Fishing Clinic. Call to sign up! (580) 622-7234Date:May 30Time...
05/29/2026

We still have some open spots for tomorrows Junior Ranger Fishing Clinic. Call to sign up! (580) 622-7234

Date:
May 30

Time:
9:30–11:30 a.m.

Location
Eagle Bay Pond

Join rangers at Chickasaw National Recreation Area for a fun and educational morning of fishing at Eagle Bay Pond. Participants will learn basic fishing skills, safety guidelines, and enjoy hands-on experience by the water.

- All clinics are free of charge
- Equipment is provided
- Fishing during the clinic is catch-and-release only
- A fishing license is not required for clinic participants
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times

Space is limited to 15 participants per clinic.

To register, please call the Travertine Nature Center at
(580) 622-7234.

Please bring sunscreen and water.

Programs are subject to change due to staffing or weather conditions.

Credit: Elena Vendernikova See less

We are excited to share that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) recently stocked just over 80,000 F...
05/26/2026

We are excited to share that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) recently stocked just over 80,000 Florida bass fingerlings into the Lake of the Arbuckles!

These efforts help support a healthy and sustainable fishery while enhancing recreational fishing opportunities for visitors and anglers to enjoy for years to come.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support from ODWC.

A huge thank you to the Friends of Chickasaw National Recreation Area for generously funding the purchase of our new bis...
05/22/2026

A huge thank you to the Friends of Chickasaw National Recreation Area for generously funding the purchase of our new bison handling chute!

This important addition will greatly improve the safety and efficiency of managing the park’s bison herd by helping staff conduct health checks, veterinary care, and herd management activities with less stress on the animals.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and partnership that helps us care for the natural and cultural resources of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Thank you for investing in the future of our bison herd and the visitor experiences they inspire!

Don't forget to stop by the Travertine Nature Center today to check out the Chickasaw Nation's Horticulture Demonstratio...
05/21/2026

Don't forget to stop by the Travertine Nature Center today to check out the Chickasaw Nation's Horticulture Demonstration!

May 21 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Join us for a Native Plant & Butterfly Caterpillar Giveaway and learn how to create a thriving butterfly habitat in your own backyard! Stop by to pick up native plants and caterpillars while discovering ways to support pollinators and local wildlife.

Junior Ranger Fishing Clinics Are Back!Dates:May 30June 13June 27Time:9:30–11:30 a.m.LocationEagle Bay PondJoin rangers ...
05/20/2026

Junior Ranger Fishing Clinics Are Back!

Dates:
May 30
June 13
June 27

Time:
9:30–11:30 a.m.

Location
Eagle Bay Pond

Join rangers at Chickasaw National Recreation Area for a fun and educational morning of fishing at Eagle Bay Pond. Participants will learn basic fishing skills, safety guidelines, and enjoy hands-on experience by the water.

- All clinics are free of charge
- Equipment is provided
- Fishing during the clinic is catch-and-release only
- A fishing license is not required for clinic participants
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times

Space is limited to 15 participants per clinic.

To register, please call the Travertine Nature Center at
(580) 622-7234.

Please bring sunscreen and water.

Programs are subject to change due to staffing or weather conditions.

Credit: Elena Vendernikova

Most of the bison herd at Chickasaw National Recreation Area have been moved to the West Pasture! Visitors may currently...
05/19/2026

Most of the bison herd at Chickasaw National Recreation Area have been moved to the West Pasture! Visitors may currently notice bison in both pastures, but the entire herd will soon be settled in the West Pasture.

The herd is periodically moved between pastures as part of our rotational grazing practices. Rotational grazing helps maintain healthy prairie ecosystems by giving the East Pasture time to rest and recover while allowing native grasses and plants the opportunity to regenerate and thrive.

We are also excited to share that the first bison calf of the season has already been born! Visitors may be able to spot the newest member of the herd in the East Pasture before it joins the rest of the herd in the West Pasture soon.

Please remember to help keep wildlife wild by never feeding the bison or any other wildlife.

A big thank you to everyone who helped safely and successfully move the herd!

Photo Credit: Taloa Underwood

Join us at Chickasaw National Recreation Area for a special series of cultural demonstrations and horticulture events ho...
05/15/2026

Join us at Chickasaw National Recreation Area for a special series of cultural demonstrations and horticulture events hosted by the Chickasaw Nation! These free demonstrations highlight traditional Chickasaw arts, cultural knowledge, and native plants.

Event Schedule
May 21 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Horticulture Demonstration
Native plant giveaway and butterfly habitat information

June 11 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cultural Resources – Twining
Learn about one of the world’s oldest weaving techniques, used for baskets, bags, clothing, and more for over 9,000 years.

July 9 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cultural Resources – Woven Baskets
Discover the history and uses of traditional basketry, an important craft used by Chickasaw ancestors for gathering, storage, ceremonies, and daily life.

August 13 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Horticulture Demonstration
Native plant giveaway and butterfly habitat information

September 10 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cultural Resources – Flutes
Explore the history of traditional Chickasaw flutes made from river cane and cedar wood, both culturally important materials to the Chickasaw people.

These demonstrations are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Chickasaw culture, traditional arts, and native plants while visiting the park. We hope to see you there!

Photo Credit: Chickasaw Nation

🌼Wildflower Walk This Saturday!🌼Saturday, May 9 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Veterans LakeJoin Ranger Julie and Ron for a guided ...
05/06/2026

🌼Wildflower Walk This Saturday!🌼

Saturday, May 9 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Veterans Lake

Join Ranger Julie and Ron for a guided 1.5-mile walk around Veterans Lake as we explore the season’s blooming wildflowers.

Meet at the Veterans Lake dam parking lot.

Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

For more information, contact the Travertine Nature Center at 580-622-7234.

This program is free and open to the public.
All events are subject to staff availability and weather conditions.

Photo Credit: Julie Hoffman

Don't forget today at 1:00pm join us inside the Travertine Nature Center for a story program featuring Crystal and the C...
05/02/2026

Don't forget today at 1:00pm join us inside the Travertine Nature Center for a story program featuring Crystal and the Curious Honey Possum, a heartwarming, music-filled tale about curiosity, friendship, and discovery.

Audiences of all ages are invited to experience this unique performance and story by Dr. Susan Miranda an internationally recognized oboist.

🕐 1:00 PM – Storytime Musical Performance

Address

901 W 1st Street
Sulphur, OK
73086

Telephone

+15806227234

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chickasaw National Recreation Area posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category