9 minute read
THINGS TO DO & SEE
777 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-person 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 its kind in Oklahoma. Ticket price: $15 single rider, $25 two riders. Ticket office 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
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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. 580-993-0097 www.arbuckletrailrides.com • www.wolferanch.com
Arbuckle Wilderness – Exotic animal drive-thru & walkthru park. See animals of all kinds, many quite unexpected. Great outing for all ages; especially fun experience with kids. Walk-thru park has moon bounce, pony rides, gem mining, petting zoo and reptile house. (Walk-thru park open Memorial Day-Labor Day, weather permitting) 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) - $14.99, Kids under 3 free. Open 7 days a week (weather permitting) at 9:00a, gates close at 5:30p summer/4:00p winter. Approx 45 minute 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 or 580-369-3383 www.arbucklewilderness.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
CrossFit Iron Wolf & Iron Wolf Fitness – Want to stay fit and at your best while on vacation? Are you temporarily located in the Arbuckle Area and want to keep up with your CrossFit program? Iron Wolf will help you be the fittest, healthiest and sharpest version of yourself. Credentialed trainers, hour long classes coupled with a positive, challenging environment will keep you engaged and reaching your goals. Iron Wolf Fitness is more of a traditional style gym with high quality equipment (membership required). CrossFit Iron Wolf – 103 N. 2nd St and Iron Wolf Fitness - 111 E. Main, both in Downtown Davis. 405-626-5780 • Check Facebook for class info. ironwolfdavis@outlook.com
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 Paratroopers, old Print Shop exhibit. Visit Territorial Room to see a typical frontier home. Also a museum library of general & family history books, and a display of Davis High School Senior pictures from 1936-1976. Open Thur-Sat, 10am-2pm. 580-369-2518
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. Handicap accessible, family-friendly, group/school tours - upon request. Open March-Nov, Wed-Sat 10a-5p, (winter hours - call or check FB). General admission $5 - No charge for Veterans, Active-duty Military, and Emergency Personnel (with valid ID) & kids under 8 years old. South of Davis, 1775 S. Hwy 77. 580-369-2764 or 369-8406 or 369-8704. www.forgottenwheelsmuseumandantiques.com
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 Marina Boat Rental – Rent a pontoon boat for a fun day on the lake. Head out for a picnic on the water, a day of cruising or fishing in the secluded coves. Easy access gets you on the lake quickly. Rentals include an introduction to the boat, operation instructions, life jackets and lake map. All boats are equipped with a 90 HP motor, bimini top, Bluetooth speakers. Marina store has food, drinks, ice, water toys & accessories, fishing license. Be sure to feed the giant catfish. Open 7 days a week Memorial Day-Labor Day; seasonal hours Sept-May. Call for info. Rent online. 1136 Boat Dock Road/I-35 exit 24 – East to Scenic 77, south ½ mile to Boat Dock Road. 580-223-9339 • www.lakemurraymarinaok.com
Lazer Zone – Follow Splat, the Zone’s fun-loving mascot, through this 60,000 square foot facility featuring a state-of-the-art bowling alley w/ 24 lanes, 2-story lazer tag arena, mini golf offering 9 holes of black light fun, arcade w/ over 100 games, new kid’s games, & batting cages. When you work up an appetite, the Splat Shack has pizza, ice cream, drinks and more. Party/meeting rooms available. Southwest side of Ada, intersection of Hwy 1 & Main St. 580-332-4855 • www.adalazerzone.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 8 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 feedonations 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
Murray Harbor Boat Rental – Luxury Tritoon boat, canoe and kayak rentals. Tritoons are 25’, room for 14, 150 HP, will pull skiers or tubers. Sound system, swim ladder, sun top. Life jackets and operation instructions included. Go to website to book your boat and view all policies. Canoes and kayaks for exploring the quiet coves. Skis, tubes, wake boards, wake pads available for rent. Ship store on site, BBQ food truck, new sandy beach area. Onsite security. Boat store open 7 days a week mid-May-Dec 1st, seasonal hours Dec-April. 1379 Murray Harbor Lane, southeast side of lake, off Hwy 77S.
580-262-4707 • www.murrayharbor.com
Pauls Valley Opry – Monthly music show - 1st Saturday of each month. Showcasing the best in local & regional talent. Host band - The Memory Makers w/ musical taste and history rooted in Classic Country, Country, Gospel, Bluegrass, 50/60 Rock, Southern Rock, Folk, and Blues. Doors open at 5:30p, show at 6:30p. Admission price: $10.00 (Kids 12 and under are free) Great family atmosphere. Pauls Valley Jr. High Auditorium, 302 N. Willow St. 405-830-8405 • Facebook - Pauls Valley Opry
Pauls Valley Water Park – Outdoor water park. Toddler’s catfish slide, water playground, sprays, huge tipping bucket. For teens & adults - body slides, bowl slide, lazy river, 3 lane lap pool w/ diving board. Relax pool side w/ umbrellas, lounge chairs, picnic area & snack bar. Hwy 77, north side of Pauls Valley in Wacker Park. 405-238-1307 • www. dwrrcpv.com
Red’s Kayaks & Outdoor Rentals – Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board or pedal boat for outdoor fun. If you have never kayaked before, have no fear. Red’s guides will fit a kayak to you, give you detailed instructions, furnish life jackets and paddles. Guided tours are available. Adults, kids, tandem and single kayaks. Local delivery/pick-up to Arbuckle & Veteran’s Lakes. Full service. Due to National Park regulations, all reservations must be paid online. Check Facebook for info, scheduling, rates, and weight limits. 580-247-0591 • www.redskayaks.com
Santa Fe Museum – 1905 depot, managed by Pauls Valley Historical Society. Collection of old photos, school memorabilia and pioneer collectibles. Steam locomotive & coal tender that once traveled over these tracks has found a permanent home near the depot; vintage red caboose rests behind the engine. Closed Sun-Mon. 204 E. Paul, Downtown Pauls Valley 405-238-2244
Shopping – Plenty of selection for retail therapy in Sulphur & Davis. See the shopping guide on pages 26 & 27.
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-Dec) Tues-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm. 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 Fish Hatchery – Located on banks of Pennington Creek, the hatchery is the largest warm-water National Fish Hatchery in the Southwest Region. Primary purpose is spawning, growth, and delivery of American Paddlefish, Alligator Snapping Turtles, Alligator Gar, and Channel Catfish. Hatchery staff conducts life history studies for two Federally listed species, Arkansas River Shiner and Leopard Darter. Comprised of over 250 acres with more than 50 ponds and four grow out buildings for fish culture. Visitors enjoy the nature trail, fishing in the only public owned portion of Pennington Creek, Eagle watching, and nature photography. Hatchery tours are available by appointment and the facility is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 3:00pm at 5501 OK Highway 7 West, nine miles north of Tishomingo, OK 73460. 580-580-5463 • www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/tishomingo
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge – The primary purpose of the refuge is to protect and manage 16,464 acres of habitat as refuge and breeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife. Stop at the visitor center first for brochures and to check out a variety of exhibits. Visitors to the Refuge enjoy hiking, paddling, boating, wildlife viewing and nature photography. Others take part in heritage sports such as hunting and fishing. Outdoor activities offer visitors a chance to unplug from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with their natural surroundings. Refuge is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset and the Visitor Center is open Mon, Wed-Fri 8:00am4:00pm. 11766 S. Refuge Rd. Tishomingo, OK 73460. (east edge of town on Hwy 78 to Refuge Road, near high school; watch for sign). 580-371-2402 • www.fws.gov/refuge/tishomingo
Toy & Action Figure Museum – With over 13,000 action and pop culture figures, the museum has one of the largest collections in the world, colorful & imaginative displays, gift shop, drawings from Oklahoma’s most famous cartoonist. Time Magazine named museum among “Top 50 Most Authentic American Experiences”. Wed - Sat 10a-5p, Sun 1p-5p. 111 S. Chickasaw, Pauls Valley. Adults $7, Children under 12 $5, under 2 free, Vets/Military $5, Seniors (55+) $5. Group pricing. 405-238-6300 • www.actionfiguremuseum.com
Turner Falls Overlook – Stop off for a scenic view of the top of the Arbuckles and a FREE bird’s eye view of the falls. This is the launch site of 777 Zipline; get your ticket and enjoy the ride. Tourist information and restrooms available. Between exits 47 and 51 off I-35. 580-369-1887
Wilson Historical Museum – Managed by Wilson Historical Society, housed in former Dr. Darling/Wilson Post-Democrat building (1926). Records the life and times of Wilson, OK and surrounding communities. Town was established due to oil interests. A railroad was laid and an oil-boom followed, leading to a thriving village. Displays feature oil and railroad industries, area businesses, military, and Chuck Norris, a native of Wilson. Genealogical Research Library and a scavenger hunt are available. Open Fri & Sat, 10am-4pm. 1270 8th St. Check Facebook for info.580-668-2505 www.wilsonhistoricalmuseum.org