Brochure

Chickasaw National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Chickasaw National Recreation Area Oklahoma Buffalo Springs Sunset over Lake of the Arbuckles Bromide Pavilion Travertine Creek Water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, whether it takes the form of springs, streams, or lakes. At Little Niagara Falls and Rock Creek, shaded streams beckon waders and swimmers. Veterans Lake calls anglers to test their skills. Lake of the Arbuckles provides excellent motorboating, skiing, sailing, fishing, and swimming. fissures in the rock layers. Some rock layers contain sulphur and bromine; water coming through these layers collects the minerals, becoming mineral water. Water passing through rock layers without these minerals is considered fresh water. of the Mississippi River. In 1855 land that is now part of the national recreation area was deeded to the Chickasaw Nation. the reservation boundaries were expanded and the name changed to Platt National Park. By the late 1890s the town of Sulphur Springs began to promote the waters’ medicinal qualities. Concerned that overuse would deplete the area’s unique natural resource, local residents sought to preserve the springs. To that end, in 1902 the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations sold the springs and a 640-acre buffer to the Department of the Interior. Senator Orville Hitchcock Platt of Connecticut sponsored the legislation establishing it as Sulphur Springs Reservation. Senator Platt died in 1905; in 1906 In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built pavilions, roads, trails, and waterfalls and planted over 500,000 trees in the park. In 1976 Platt National Park, Arbuckle Recreation Area, and additional lands were combined to create this nearly 10,000acre recreation area. The legislation stipulated that it be named Chickasaw National Recreation Area to commemorate the Chickasaw Nation’s cooperation in establishing the park in 1902. Chickasaw’s mineral springs result from water passing through underground rock layers that form a canoe-shaped structure called a syncline. Water enters the high point of this formation and travels downhill. Pressure then forces the water up through Stories tell of early people who called this place “Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters.” Many believed that the waters had healing powers. In the early 1800s the federal government began to move Native Americans—Choctaws, Chickasaws, and others—here from east About Your Visit Activities Afloat Ranger-Led Programs Chickasaw National Recreation Area has activities all year. Stop at the Travertine Nature Center for exhibits, a park film, books, and information about the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. Activities include nature walks, ranger talks, and seasonal programs. Check the park website for current hours. Swimming Streams are cold and clear all year. Do not use soap or shampoo in streams. At lakes, swim in boat exclusion areas. Never swim alone, near fishing docks or boat ramps, after dark, or from an unanchored boat. Watersports Personal watercraft (PWC) are allowed from sunup to sundown on Lake of the Arbuckles. Two people—the boat operator and a spotter—must accompany waterskiers. Wear an approved life preserver (PFD) at all times. Park Administration The National Park Service manages the area, provides for recreational uses, and cares for the park’s natural and cultural features. Open weekdays ex­­cept federal holidays. National Park Service ranger stations are in the Platt Historic District and at Lake of the Arbuckles (at The Point and Buckhorn). Largemouth Bass This popular catch is often confused with smallmouth and spot­ted bass. The largemouth’s upper jaw extends past its eye socket. White Crappie A fa­vor­ite catch in winter, the crappie is a stream fish also well adapted to large lakes. NPS / DAN FEASER Fishing Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake have wheelchair-accessible docks. Rods and reels are allowed only on Veterans Lake; state license required. Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of over 425 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks and National Park Service programs, visit www.nps.gov. Boating Boats and canoes share the water. Use designated ramps. Federal and state laws apply. Do not overload boats. Keep safety equipment in good working order. Do not refuel when on the water. Be safe—alcohol, drugs, and boating do not mix. Wear an approved PFD. Launch permits are required to use boat ramps (fee). Activities Ashore Picnicking Picnic areas have tables and grills. You may reserve Buckhorn and Veterans Lake picnic pavilions at www.recreation.gov. FWS / DUANE RAVER NPS Boating Safety Guide Hiking The park maintains over 20 miles of trails, from short, level strolls to steep, uneven climbs. Camping Most campsites are first-come, first-served (fee). Some may be reserved; call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. Register and pay at the campground. Buckhorn and The Point have wheelchairaccessible sites. For ranger-led program Organized groups need schedules ask a ranger advance reservations or check bulletin boards. for programs yearround. Danger Shallow water, rocks, other hazards. Restricted Area Boats prohibited. Sycamore Controlled Area Speed limits, no skiing, no wake. Regulations www.nps.gov/chic/parkmgmt/ watercraft-regulations.htm Red-tailed hawk Barred owl Ecotone: The transition area between two ecological communities. At Chickasaw, eastern woodlands meet western mixed-grass prairie. Scissor-tailed flycatcher Yucca Red cedar Chinkapin oak White-tailed deer Juniper Coyote Prickly pear cactus Coreopsis Roadrunner Bobcat Scorpion Tarantula Western diamondback The Prairie All prairies have common traits. The terrain is flat or rolling. Rainfall averages 10 to 40 inches per year and is concentrated, so each year has both wet and dry periods. Constant winds evaporate moisture, contribute to dry conditions, and spread fire. Fire kills or weakens trees, yet most grasses survive and may grow better as a result. Bobwhite quail Although called the “Great American Desert,” this mixed-grass prairie once fed the large bison herds of the West. Stretching from the Dakotas to north-central Texas, these grasslands continue to support a variety of wildlife. The many plant and animal species that live here include buffalo grass, Indian grass, roadrunners, and coyotes. Cottontail rabbit The Edge As you travel through Chickasaw, watch how habitats change from eastern woodland to prairie and back to woodland. More plant and animal species live where the habitats meet (see Ecotone, above left) than in woodland or prairie habitat alone. The “edge effect” results from the greater number of food and Wild turkey shelter choices. Woodland sumac and wild turkeys live amid prairie yucca and bobwhite quail. The cardinal’s eastern range overlaps the scissor-tailed flycatcher’s mid-continent range. These woodland and prairie edges are the best places to experience wildlife. Beaver Nine-banded armadillo The Woodland In Chickasaw’s forests you’ll find many trees—sycamore, hickory, walnut, oak, pecan, and more. But a forest is more than trees. It provides homes to many other species. Fungi live on decaying leaves and tree trunks. Along trails through the park’s forested area, find tracks left by nocturnal animals and other signs of nighttime activity, like owl pellets. Armadillos shuffle alongside trails in the early evening. Stay alert to the movements of beaver, gray fox, skunks, hawks, or raccoons. ALL IMAGES—© LAURENCE PARENT UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED; ILLUSTRATION—NPS / GREG HARLIN Exploring Chickasaw Chickasaw National Rec­re­ation Area is 90 miles south of Oklahoma City, OK, and 140 miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. Planning Your Visit Things To Do Outdoors or in, you’ll find activities here that are right for you. Streams and lakes attract boaters, swimmers, and anglers. Forests and prairies reward hikers, photographers, and campers. At Travertine Nature Center, experience live animals and nature up close. Food, Lodging, and Services Find food, lodging, gasoline, rentals, and services at Sulphur and Davis. Climate Summers are hot and humid; winters mild. Thunderstorms are common April through July. Springs Fresh Water Antelope and Buffalo Springs have a combined flow of up to 5 million gallons per day but can dry out during droughts, as can Travertine Creek and the associated waterfalls. Mineral Water Hillside, Pavilion, Black Sulphur, and other springs produce mineral water. The National Park Service neither substantiates nor denies claims about the water’s therapeutic values. Swimming and Wading Know your limits. Don’t swim if you’re tired, chilled, or overheated. Glass containers are prohibited along creeks. Wear shoes when wading. Don’t dive from waterfalls or stream banks. Swimming and wading are prohibited east of Little Niagara. Don’t place rope swings in trees. Park Trails Highlights Trails vary in difficulty and length. Bicycles and pets are pro­hibited east of Travertine Nature Center. Antelope and Buffalo Springs Easy: 1.5 miles, roundtrip. Follow Travertine Creek’s gentle, rippling waters to the springs. Traver­­tine Creek Easy: 1.5 miles, one-way. This trail follows the creek between Pavilion Springs and the Travertine Nature Center. West Bison Pasture Moderate: 1.9 miles, loop. Do not enter the fenced area. Campgrounds The park has six campgrounds with over 400 campsites. All campgrounds have ta­bles, grills, restrooms, and water. Camp in designated sites only. Maximum stay is two weeks. A limited number of individual and group sites can be reserved: 877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov. Platt Historic District has three campgrounds: Cold Springs, Central, and Rock Creek. All three are suited for tent camping and small campers. No electrical hookups. A sanitary disposal station is outside Rock Creek near Bromide Pavil­ion. Lake of the Arbuckles has three campgrounds: Buck­­­­horn, The Point, and Guy Sandy. Buckhorn and The Point have lakeside campsites, limited electric hook­ups, showers, and a sanitary disposal station. Accessibility We strive to make facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information call or check the park website. Safety and Regulations­  Stay alert. Your safety is your responsibility. Observe posted speed limits. Stay on roads. Don’t stop, park, or wash vehicles in low-water crossings. Never drive through flooded creek crossings. • Pets must be leashed and attended. Pets are prohibited in buildings and swimming holes. • Campfires are allowed only in designated areas; extinguish fires completely. • Copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattle­snakes live here. Watch where you put your hands and feet. • Do not feed or approach wildlife. • Federal laws protect all natural and cultural features. • Hunt and fish only in designated areas in season. Federal and state laws apply. State licenses are required. Trapping is prohibited. For hunting, fishing, and firearms regulations check the park website. • Find more safety information at www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/ yoursafety.htm. Emergencies call 911 Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail North to South: 4.3 to 5.2 miles, one-way. This network of four hiking, bicycling, and horse trails passes through an area where eastern deciduous forest meets western mixed-grass prairie. Veterans Lake Easy: 2.9 miles, loop. Upland prairie and riparian areas surround Veterans Lake. This concrete-paved trail takes you through a hardwood forest, mixedgrass prairie, and beaches. More Information National Park Service 901 W. 1st St. Sulphur, OK 73086 580-622-7234 www.nps.gov/chic Use the official NPS App to guide your visit. Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org IGPO:2024—427-085/83291 Last updated 2024