TRAVEL
Chickasaw area destinations – fun place to visit
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t’s time to get out and enjoy some favorite – or perhaps soon to be favorite – destinations in the state.
A popular area that offers plenty to see and do is along State Highway 7 between the town of Sulphur and the Arbuckle Mountains. The highway is included in what has been tagged Adventure Road, a compilation of more than 200 destinations suited for a day trip or a long weekend. Here are a few options along that stretch of road or not far off that may pique your interest or entice you for a return visit. Chickasaw National Recreation Area Each year, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur attracts about 1.5 million visitors. More than a century ago, visitors came for the water which many believed had healing powers. Today they still come for the water – to splash, to swim, to cool off in the area’s springs, streams and lake – and also to hike, fish, boat, picnic, camp, explore, relax and immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty. Part of the area has been a popular destination since first established as Sulphur Springs Reservation in 1902. Four years later it became the seventh national park in the U.S. and was renamed Platt National Park. In 1976, Platt was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area, along with additional 48 ion Oklahoma AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
Little Niagara Falls in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. National Park Service Photo
nearby lands and the Lake of the Arbuckles and renamed to honor the Chickasaw Nation’s early foresight and effort to protect the mineral springs. The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes discovered the area after their forced removal from southeastern United States. Get more information at https://www.nps.gov/chic/index.htm
777 Zip It doesn’t get any more exhilarating than a zip line, especially one that sends thrill seekers 777 feet in reverse to a mountain viewing tower for a birds’ eye view of Turner Falls, Oklahoma’s largest waterfall. Tickets can be purchased at the Curio Shop at the overlook of Turner Falls, about six miles south of Davis, or online at turnerfallszip.com.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center This world-class cultural center in Sulphur reopens July 24. It is the place to learn ancient Chickasaw traditions, customs and heritage, as well be entertained and enlightened. The center features hands-on
