3 days in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Little Niagara flowing in a forest, surrounded by bare trees and rocks.

Escape into nature at Chickasaw National Recreation Area with this three-day itinerary, where you’ll find mineral springs, hiking trails, and peaceful lakes. Paddle the waters, relax on the shore, and see all that this Oklahoma park has to offer.

Duration
3 days
Perfect for
Watersport enthusiasts, hikers, and families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Natural springs, waterfalls, swimming, boating, historic sites, and local culture.
Day 1

Springs, waterfalls & swimming holes

Stone building surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Start at the Travertine Nature Center

Begin your visit at the Travertine Nature Center to learn about the park’s geology, local ecosystems, and history in a building whose architecture echoes the style of Frank Lloyd Wright's.

Stone-framed circular pool at Little Niagara surrounded by trees.

Explore Little Niagara & nearby springs

Take a short walk to Little Niagara to enjoy one of the park’s most famous swimming holes. Afterwards, hike the 1.4-mile Buffalo and Antelope Springs loop trail, where visitors can see the “rustic park” construction style typical from 1916 to 1942.

Adults and children fishing by Veterans lake with lush trees in the background.

Relax at Veterans Lake

Head to Veterans Lake in the afternoon to enjoy kayaking, fishing, or a peaceful lakeside picnic. The 2.8-mile trail around the lake offers a scenic and easy walk.

Day 2

Boating & exploring Lake of the Arbuckles

Sunset over a calm lake with a reflection, and dark silhouettes of trees.

Morning on the water

Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Red’s Kayaks before exploring or fishing the scenic Lake of the Arbuckles. Buckhorn Campground offers scenic spots near the water.

Stone bridge over a sunlit forest stream.

Bison and Bromide Hill

Drive to the West Bison Pasture Loop trail (1.9 miles round trip) to see these incredible animals. Add a short .5-mile hike one way up Bromide Hill for some of the best views in the area.

Day 3

Indigenous heritage and hikes

Bronze sculpture of six people standing together outdoors at Chickasaw Cultural Center.

Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center

Spend the morning at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, one of the largest tribal cultural centers in the US full of interactive exhibits celebrating Chickasaw history, heritage, and culture.

Turner Falls flowing into a serene, green pool surrounded by trees.

Turner Falls Adventure

Spend the rest of the day visiting one of Oklahoma's tallest waterfalls at Turner Falls Park, where there is plenty of swimming, hiking, and caves to explore.

Artesian Hotel building with turret roofs, street view with purple blossoms and a red vehicle.
Optional add-on

Relaxation at the Artesian Hotel

Before heading home, treat yourself to a relaxing soak or massage at the historic Artesian Hotel’s spa.

Visit Smart

Plan ahead

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your trip. Some trails and swimming areas may be affected by seasonal changes. During summer, swimming areas can be busy, so come early to get parking.

Responsible water recreation

Be aware of irregular shorelines and lake bottoms when swimming in these waters, as well as boats. Avoid jumping into the water unless you know it is deep enough.

Respect wildlife and cultural sites

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is home to diverse wildlife. Stay on designated trails and view all wildlife from a safe distance.

Leave no trace

This is the ancestral homeland of the Chickasaw and Choctaw peoples. Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles.

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