Things to See & Do in the Arbuckles

Fishing on Veteran's Lake -Chickasaw National Recreation Area

photo - Vonda Barnett

Rediscover Fun!

Things to See and Do

There are countless fun ways to fill your time in and around the Arbuckles, no matter what your interests. Here are some ways to make your day the best it can possibly be!

3rd Avenue Flea Market – Pickers, thrifters, antiquers, junknistas… whatever title you proudly wear, you will find your happy place at this flea market. Retro, vintage, re-purposed, antique & pure-de-junk can be found here. Fun family atmosphere, vendors ready to deal, huge variety of treasures. Indoor & outdoor booths. No admission charge. Open every Friday and Saturday, 8a-4p, 100 3rd Ave NE, Downtown Ardmore. (East end of Main St, then 3 blocks north on Caddo St.)

580-465-5355 • facebook.com/3rdstreetmarketArdmore

i777 Zipline – A new way to zip in the Arbuckles. With Soaring Eagle-style ziplines, thrill-seekers are strapped into seats, leaving their arms and legs free. Riders of all ages and capabilities may share in the excitement. Brave youngsters meeting the height requirement of 42 inches are welcome. An exhilarating ride without harnesses, hiking or hurdles! Have a bird’s eye view of Honey Creek, Turner Falls and Colling’s Castle while belted in the 2-man formed seat. You will be pulled 717 feet to the tower rising 130 feet above the mountain top, then released to zip back to the launch site. The first zipline of this kind in Oklahoma. Ticket price: $15 single rider, $25 two riders. Ticket offce and launch site at Curio Shop at Turner Falls Overlook, 6 miles south of Davis (6250 Hwy 77 South) on Hwy 77 between I-35 exits #47 & #51. 580-369-1887

www.turnerfallszip.com

Arbuckle Geoscience – Geological tours of the Arbuckle Mountains. Great trip for any age or level of interest. Ever wondered about the odd rocks in the Arbuckles? Half or full day trips outlining the history, structure and formations that make up the mountains. Some collecting of minerals, rocks and fossils. Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes mandatory. Trip leader is a veteran of more than 40 years of exploring the Arbuckles. Reservations required. $25/person for half-day trips; $40/person for whole day trips. Discount for youth under 12. March-October.

580-310-4326 or 580-436-1626 • r.neman42@gmail.com

Arbuckle Trail Rides – Guided trail rides on horseback over large area ranches and in Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting. Voted #1 Horseback Rides by OK Living Magazine. Experienced guides and well-trained horses for beginners or advanced riders. Riding lessons available. Reservations required. Sulphur.

580-622-6326 or 580-993-0097 www.arbuckletrailrides.com • www.wolferanch.com

Arbuckle Wilderness – Exotic animal drive-thru & walk-thru park. See animals of all kinds, many quite unexpected. Great outing for all ages; especially fun experience with kids. Walk-thru park has a moonbounce, pony rides, gem mining, petting zoo and reptile house. Safari Gift Shop on site. Groups of 20+ may tour in Safari Bus (reservations required) Discount for groups, seniors, military with ID. Adults - $16.99, Children (4-11) - $12.99, Kids under 3 free. Open at 9:00a, gates close at 5:30p summer/4:00p winter. Approx 1 hour drive. I-35 exit 51, south of Davis, OK. From Hwy 77, turn on Kay Starr Trail and drive 1 mile.

1-800-738-7275 • www.arbucklewildernesspark.com

Blue River – Beautiful, clear spring-fed river, rolling waterfalls, unusual rock formations that the area is known for, scenic beauty surrounding river. Great location for fishing, hiking, camping, hunting managed by Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation. Famous for trout fshing - stocked with trout Nov 1-March 31. Hiking trails, camping (designated area only), foat trip opportunities by kayak are available on this Class II-III river. Hunting & fishing license required, all visitors are required to have a Wildlife Conservation Passport. South entrance – From Tishomingo: 4 miles east on State Hwy 78, 6½ miles north on Bullard Chapel Rd (N3590). North entrance – From Tishomingo: 9 miles north on U.S. Hwy 377, 1 mile east on State Hwy 7. 580-443-5728

www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife-management-areas/blue-river

Brown Ranch Hay Maze – The fun side of Agritourism. Seasonal park for kids...even BIG ones. Run off energy with a hay maze, Merry-Go-Bounce, Chicken Chunking, Boot Walk Bridge, the Cowboy Dash and so MUCH more. Games for all skill levels and laughs for everyone. Enjoyable and educational hay ride, jump on the Kiddie Cow Train (little tikes), and when you are done, roast wienies and make s’mores. Check website for dates (usually only in Oct.), directions, admission, and to preview games. South of Ardmore.

580-465-7937 • www.brownranchhaymaze.com

Chickasaw National Recreation Area – Oklahoma’s first national park, mineral & fresh water springs, nature center museum, swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, hunting, ranger-guided programs, equestrian & mountain bike trail, hundreds of acres of ecologically diverse land. Lake of the Arbuckles, southwest of Sulphur, no admission (boating & camping fees) Platt District, south edge of Sulphur.

580-622-7234 • www.nps.gov/chic

The beauty of the Arbuckle Mountains

photo - John Rohloff

Cross Bar Ranch – largest off-road park in central US, 6500 acres, 200+ miles of trails. Offers something for every skill level and any type of off-road vehicle- from dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, Jeeps, to UTVs & trucks. Diverse terrain of rocky mountainsides, hardwood timbered paths, prairie mountain tops, creeks, spectacular views for 30 miles. New trail to Turner Falls giving access to both parks; dual park tickets available. 28 RV hookups w/ water & electric (30/50 amp) $35/night (reservation required). Unlimited Primitive - RV with generator $15, tent camping $10, anywhere in park. Dump station with water access to fill tanks. Night riding, camping along trails and pets allowed. Cabin rental coming soon. Entrance Fee- Adults 16+ - $20, Kids 10-15 yrs - $10, under 10 - free. Park open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for riding. Avoid lines and pay online, or pay at cash drop box near office. Office open only on Fri-Sun, 9a-5p. Phone answered 7 days a week, 9a-5p. 4550 Dolese Road. Exit 55 off I-35, west 1 mile, south on Dolese Road 2 miles to dirt road entrance. 580-247-7244 • www.crossbarranch.net

Davis Historical Society Museum – Managed by Arbuckle Historical Society, housed in early day Santa Fe Depot, listed on Nat’l Register of Historic Places. History of Davis in pictures & artifacts; features schools, churches, medicine/dentistry, military, fire/police department, railroad memorabilia, Native American culture, geological formations. Fort Arbuckle model, Buffalo Soldier, African American artifacts & history of one of the first African American Paratrooper, old Print Shop exhibit. Visit Territorial Room to see a typical frontier home. Also a museum library w/ general & family history books. Tue - Sat 10a - 4p. 12 E. Main, downtown Davis. 580-369-2518

Echo Canyon Spa Resort – Island-inspired Day Spa Resort is here for your indulgence. Offers over 100 treatments, elegant lounge and bar area, beautiful treatment rooms, all designed for relaxation. The perfect place for romantic couples, ladies retreats, girl friend getaways, moms and daughters time or an escape by yourself. Treatments offered include massages, facials, body wraps, and manicures & pedicures. Beautiful country setting, stroll the orchards or relax on the covered veranda. Relaxation is the prescription, Rejuvenation is the result! Call for appointment times. 350 Lawton Ave, Sulphur.

580-421-5076 • www.echocanyonmanor.com

Forgotten Wheels Museum – Unique collection of cycles & automobiles - some rare, “a little bit of motorcycle heaven on 77” is their claim. A few items on display: vintage motorcycles, cars, trucks, gas pumps, signs. Complete HD Hummer collection, Gift & antique shop. Handicap accessible, family-friendly, group/school tours - upon request. Open MarchNov, Wed-Sat 10a-5p, (winter hours - call or check FB). Free admission – museum operates only on your donations – they help keep history alive. South of Davis, 1775 S. Hwy 77.

580-369-2764 or 369-8406 or 369-8704. www.forgottenwheelsmuseumandantiques.com

Fun Valley Park & Campground – 350 + acres to roam and ride, bordered by Washita River with stretch of Honey Creek running thru. Hike, fish, picnic, ATV area, shady pecan grove for relaxing family time. Kayak, canoe, tube in creek or lake (bring your equipment). River access for fishing. RV & tent camping on site. Great natural playground for day outing w/ plenty of room to enjoy. Grab a picnic and dine along the freshwater stream. Admission: $10. per person day use, camping additional. I-35 exit 51, then 1/2 mile east on Kay Starr Trail to entrance.

580-369-2022 • check Facebook for info.

Greater Southwest Historical Museum – South Central Oklahoma’s History from mid-1800’s to present. Housed in former National Guard Armory built in 1936. Spans time from early Native American culture to the farmers, ranchers and townspeople. Exhibits include horse-drawn carriage, one room schoolhouse, log cabin, general store and much more. New exhibit - Tools of Our Land highlighting area’s agricultural past. History comes alive. Two more museums here: The Military Memorial Museum and Carter County Genealogical Society Library. Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No admission - donations greatly appreciated. 35 Sunset Drive, Ardmore (2 blocks off Broadway) or I-35 exit 31A, then 1 mile east (watch for signs). 580-226-3857 • www.gshm.org

Lake Murray State Park – Clear water lake, all types of water sports (boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, sailing, etc.) camping, picnicking, scuba diving, airstrip. 18 hole, par 70 golf course open to public. New Lake Murray Nature Center and Tucker Tower Nature Center. Lake Murray Lodge has rooms, restaurant, pool. Located south of Ardmore on Scenic Hwy 77.

580-223-4044 • www.travelok.com

Lake Murray Water Sports – Everything for fun on the water. Motorized & non-motorized rentals. Canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats. Fishing boats, Island cruisers, wave runners. Play area has waterslide & trampoline. Mini-golf & concession overlooking lake. Guided lake cruises during day or evening. Party packages w/ combination of equipment & activities. Variety of rentals for all ages; family-oriented atmosphere. Open seasonally. 3 miles east of I-35 at exit 24, 3322 Lodge Road, Ardmore.

580-223-7185 • www.lakemurraywatersports.com

Military Memorial Museum – Located at Greater Southwest Historical Museum in 1930s Oklahoma National Guard Armory. “All eras, all branches” is their claim, and it is true. Spans from War with Mexico (1847) to Persian Gulf. Rare display of uniforms of all 7 Uniformed Services of U.S., pup tent camp set-up, Fallen Soldier memorial, POW/MIA “Table for One”, paintings of cartoon depictions of military life from 1940s barracks, Hall of Honor presenting local veterans stories, and much more. Great collection of artifacts. Open Tues-Sat, 10a-5p. No admission fee - donations greatly appreciated. 35 Sunset Drive, Ardmore (2 blocks off Broadway) or I-35 exit 31-A, then 1 mile east (watch for sign). 580-226-3857 • www.gshm.org

Shady Oaks Boat Rental – Don’t have a boat? No Problem. Pontoons, canoes, and kayaks for rent on Arbuckle Lake. Driving instructions and life jackets provided. Tubes and toys available. Located at Point Boat Ramp on Cooper Memorial Rd, (from Hwy 7, west edge of Sulphur, go south on Cooper Mem. Rd 5½ miles, take a left at the “Y”.)

580-622-6102 • www.shadyoaksboatrental.com

Sole’renity Spa & Little Soles Spa – Make your vacation complete with a break for relaxation and rejuvenation. Expect restoration & healing in this serene sanctuary. Therapeutic & wellness treatments including whirlpools, steam rooms & saunas. Soothe the mind, body & spirit with a variety of massage services, mud wraps/soaks/scrubs, facials, mani/pedi & waxing. Little Soles Children’s Spa introduces children to the benefits of health and wellness. Colorful setting, friendly atmosphere to serve little soles with alone time, time with mom or dad, or in a Sparty group; variety of services to treat their little hands and feet . Mon-Sun (closed Tues) 10a-7p. 1001 W. 1st St (inside Artesian Hotel) Sulphur.

580-622-8128 • www.solerenityspa.com

Sulphur Historical Museum – Managed by Arbuckle Historical Society of Murray County. Located in old Fire & Police Station building, erected in 1917. Still has city jail (great photo opp), court room, fire pole. Platt Nat’l Park & Sulphur history, diorama of Sulphur Springs, Indian Territory (prior to 1903) around current Pavilion Springs in CNRA, Old Belleview and Vendome swimming pools, Boy Scout & Military items, vintage cameras. Also exhibits of Fire Dept. equipment/records, antique switchboard, toy room, kitchen & reminders of past Sulphur businesses. Donations accepted. 402 W. Muskogee St, downtown Sulphur. Hours: Sat 1p-5p (Winter by appt). 580-

622-5593 • email: ahsmc@brightok.net

The Clubhouse – New family entertainment center. Enjoy treehouses, arcade area, soft play area, miniature golf, go karts and seasonal ice rink. Take on a challenge with Water Wars, Flight Line Zip or Eagles Landing Adventure Courses. Clubhouse Cafe’ is a great destination for any of your food cravings. Lots to choose from, indoor or outdoor dining, or carry-out. Open: Peak season - (mid-May-December) - TuesdayThursday- 10a-9p, Friday & Saturday - 10a-11p, Sunday- 12p-9p, Winter hours (January-mid-May) - Wednesday-Saturday 11a-8p, Sunday 12p-8p. 2705 North Rockford Road Ardmore, OK 73401 (Exit 33 - off of I-35, east ¼ mile, inside Regional Park)

Café - 580-221-2567 • Park 580-221-2566 • Facebook

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge – Protected park for wildlife and their habitat and to ensure future generations will always have wild places to explore. Enjoy fshing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, wildlife watching and more. Lies within the upper Washita arm of Lake Texoma, fed by Washita River and Pennington Creek creating the Cumberland Pool, which is especially important to fish, migratory birds and resident wildlife. Come for the activities or to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Park is open 7days a week. Visitors Center is open Mon-Fri 7:30a-4p. for maps, brochures, checklists and activities. 11766 S. Refuge Road, Tishomingo. From downtown: Take Hwy 78 to the east edge of town, go south on Refuge Road (at the high school , watch for sign). Follow Refuge Road 3 miles. 580-371-2402 • www.fws.gov/refuge/Tishomingo/

Turner Falls Overlook – Stop off at the top of the Arbuckles and have a free preview of Turner Falls. The 77-foot waterfall seen from high above is an awesome sight and provides a bird’s eye view of much of what the park has to offer. Launch site of 777 Zipline. Tourist information and restrooms available. Between exits 47 and 51 off I-35, 1 mile south of Turner Falls gate. 580-369-1887

Turner Falls Park – Scenic natural park, 77-foot water fall, hiking, swimming, picnicking, trout fishing (Nov-Feb), camping, caves, geological formations, spring-fed creek, snack bars. Pavilion by reservation. Children 12 & under MUST wear Coast Guard certifed foatation device. Summer weekend rates: Adults $20.00, Children ages 6-12 $9.00, ages 5 & under - free, Active duty/Vets & Seniors $13.00, (weekdays & winter rates reduced), advance purchased tickets online recommended. Camping additional fee. Hwy 77 just 4 miles south of Davis, I-35 exits #47 or 51. 580-369-2988 • www.turnerfallspark.com

Get your game on at The Clubhouse.