Explore Chickasaw Country

A convenient playground for adventure

By Anne Braly

Like many states in America, Oklahoma has a variety of “faces” — different regions with topographies that range from flatlands to mountains. But rather than calling them regions, many Oklahomans call them “countries.” And a particular one that visitors flock to year-round is Chickasaw Country, home to waterfalls, scenic views, charming towns and cultural and historical sites.

Thirteen counties in all make up the nearly 8,000 square miles of Chickasaw Country in south-central Oklahoma, home to towns such as Ada, Ardmore, Davis, Pauls Valley, Sulphur and Tishomingo. And this Sooner State territory is also a favorite destination for Texans. It’s less than a three-hour drive north of Dallas and a comfortable train ride. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer runs a 418-mile daily round trip from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas, with an almost perfect on-time record.

The most obvious place to begin a journey through Chickasaw Country is at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, which is the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The center tells the story of the Chickasaw people through interactive experiences and exhibits in a state-of-the-art complex. The facility combines natural elements — wood, stone, and copper — with modern technology to explore and experience Chickasaw culture and its people.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center occupies 184 acres and offers living history events, exhibits, a library, a traditional village, a fine arts gallery, a theater, shops, and dining. At Aaimpa Cafe, the menu echoes the flavors of traditional Chickasaw foods, such as fry bread, buffalo burgers and chili, tacos, a traditional Chickasaw corn soup called pishofa, and the classic dessert grape dumplings. The Spiral Garden, on the center property, provides vegetables for many of the menu items, so each dish is fresh and true to its roots.

Holiday Celebrations

Chickasaw Country will come alive with the holiday spirit for 2021 with a number of awe-inspiring celebrations.

The Chickasha Festival of Light illuminates the night sky in celebration of the season. This year’s festival is scheduled for Nov. 20 through New Year’s Eve in Shannon Springs Park, which will be transformed into a 43-acre wonderland of lights. And that’s not all! You can enjoy the sights as you’re gliding across the ice-skating rink or
while seated high atop the Ferris wheel or even as you take a leisurely carriage ride through the park. There will be food trucks and more at this year’s event. For more information, visit the Chickasha Festival of Lights website.

Ardmore Festival of Lights, a 1.5-mile drive through vibrant Christmas scenery, is one of the largest holiday light displays in southern Oklahoma. More than 150 animated displays in a beautiful winter setting are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Make your way to Ardmore Regional Park, tune your car stereo to a favorite Christmas music station and meander through rows and rows of lights as holiday cheer comes to life. Admission is free, but donations are much appreciated. For schedules and more information, visit explore ardmore.com.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center’s Celebration of Lights is a drive through a festive land of lights featuring dozens of displays with traditional Christmas themes, as well as cultural additions. Stay in your car and follow the signs along the specified route. Bring the entire family and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit without leaving your car. Scheduled for Nov. 26 through New Year’s Eve, visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center website for more information.

Elsewhere in Chickasaw Country

Though Chickasaw Country wears a different face during the winter months, its beauty is no less breathtaking. For more information about any of the following parks, visit the Chickasaw Country website.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is Travel and Leisure magazine’s choice for the best campsites in Oklahoma, such as those found at Buckhorn Campground, Central Group Camp, The Point Campground, and Cold Spring Campground. There are more than 30 miles of trails with waterfalls, creeks, and lakes. Historic buildings and picnic areas were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s with native travertine stone. Travertine Creek and Travertine Nature Center is the park’s main educational center and has a pleasant picnic area. Bicycling — rentals are available — is permitted in the park but not on trails east of the nature center.

Turner Falls Park, a 1,500-acre getaway in the Arbuckle Mountains just outside Davis, is the oldest park in Oklahoma. Investigate its natural caves, hike its trails, and marvel at its magnificent waterfall with a 77-foot drop cascading into a large swimming area for the hot summer months. The park is also home to the ruins of Collings Castle, a magnificent structure made of stone during the 1930s. Turner Falls has received national publicity for its likeness to the Grand Canyon and Black Hills of South Dakota.

As Oklahoma’s largest state park, Lake Murray in Ardmore is the ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a terrain that’s exciting and diverse, well-groomed trails and historic sites, including structures from the CCC era. Golf, horseback riding and, in warmer weather, boating and swimming its 5,700 surface acres of water are among the many activities offered. The Lake Murray Lodge, with its cozy fireplace in the lobby, includes 52 guest rooms and suites, as well as 56 cabins. In addition, there are campgrounds for recreational vehicles and tent camping.

The Blue River runs through the historic town of Tishomingo, named in honor of Chickasaw Chief Tishomingo. The river is best known for its abundance of trout, small-mouth bass, black bass, crappie and blue catfish. It’s also the site of two annual trout derbies, which take place on Veterans Day weekend in November and again on Presidents Day weekend in February. Both derbies draw anglers from all over Chickasaw Country for cash prizes, awards and trophies. Those wanting to wet a line in one of the tournaments or any other time of year will need a fishing license. You can get one at the nearby Chickasaw Nation Information Center.

Fast facts about the Chickasaw Nation

• With more than 66,000 citizens, the Chickasaw Nation is the 12th-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States.
• The Chickasaw Nation has an annual economic impact of $3.18 billion in Oklahoma. The tribe has more than 13,500 employees.
• The Chickasaw Nation is a democratic republic with executive, legislative and judicial departments. The tribe’s jurisdictional territory includes all or part of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma.