Content Produced in Partnership with Chickasaw Country
My absolute favorite thing to do is introduce you to hidden gems in your own backyard and to turn the notion of “flyover states” into must-stops. Nowhere has this been more apparent lately than Oklahoma, which is way more than just OK. Yes, landlocked Oklahoma City has one of the best riverfront districts in the country, and tiny Tulsa has one of the best parks in the country, which was credited withtransforming the entire city. But let me tell you about another place in Oklahoma that’s going to blow your mind – Chickasaw Country.
An enormous territory, Chickasaw Country basically spans from Oklahoma City to the Texas border, encompassing 13 counties, five ecosystems, and over 7,000 square miles along a road trip byway designed for explorers. A true “choose your own adventure” destination, there’s everything from nature and wildlife to the largest waterfall in the state, casinos, cute downtowns, spas, and boutiques. Here are a few of the not to miss attractions:
Chase Waterfalls
Turner Falls is Oklahoma’s largest waterfall. There are several ways to explore and see the park, whether you want to cool off or stay on dry land. Bring your floaties and post up with a picnic because you can swim in a number of the areas, camp, and stay overnight. There are three caves to climb to and a random castle. The best view is actually from outside the park at777 Zip Line(more like a seated, quickly moving gondola than a traditional zip line). Get a bird’s eye view as you take the 77-second ride over the 77 ft. tall falls or drive up and take in the landscape from the overlook, complete with locks of love and binoculars.
Pro Tip:Pay for the VIP parking in advance online to avoid the shuttle bus. There are three levels of attractions, and it does sell out and get very busy on weekends.
Get Back to Nature
Chickasaw National Reserveis Oklahoma’s oldest and largest outdoor region. A combination of two protected park areas, Platt National Park and Arbuckle Recreation Area, there are nearly 10,000 acres to hike, splash around, and see the wildlife. The biggest draw isLittle Niagara, which was a little too crowded for my liking, but there are plenty of side creeks and crevasses to relax and cool off without a soul around. Pack a picnic, bring a floatie, and enjoy the day.Veteran’s Lakeis another popular spot for fishing and watersports, or work up a sweat with miles of trails, hittingBromide Hillfor the views. You don’t want to missBison Overlook, where buffalo roam right along the road. The whole herd was super close to the fence, just chilling with their brand new babies who could barely walk (insert squeal of cuteness here).
Pro Tip:The parking lot closest to the waterfalls fills up fast, so keep in mind you may have to hike in. Arrive early or visit midweek to avoid disappointment.
Walk (Drive) on the Wild Side
Arbuckle Wilderness Parkis a drive-through safari where you can get up close (and very personal) with dozens of species from all five continents in a variety of recreated habitats and landscapes. The exotic and domestic animals will come right up to your window waiting to be fed, which is crazy how little fear they have.
Once you get over the shock of their hangriness and get a little more comfortable with the interaction, you shouldn’t get over the awe of how close you are to be able to hand feed buffalo, emu, and zebra. If you’re not careful, a crafty creature will even grab the cup right out of your hands like the camel did to me (but don’t feel too bad as you can see how many other victims there were evidenced by the number of discarded cups). It’s a bucket list experience for sure, but is important to maintain a healthy fear and respect for the animals as they are still wild. I also wouldn’t attempt it without a 4×4 car as the roads are pretty rough, which all adds to the safari ambiance.
Honor a Country Musical Legend
Tishomingo is Blake Shelton’s adopted hometown and where the first of his fourOle Redswas opened four years ago. The bar, grill, and music venue is adoringly dedicated to his dog and an homage to the singer’s upbringing while cementing his local legend status. If you’re a country music fan, there are crazy details and memorabilia you’d never know existed if you didn’t think to ask, like shoes gifted by Miley Cyrus and animal heads he personally hunted. They often have live music fromVoiceperformers and friends and serve Southern classics like burgers, catfish, and fried chicken.
The venue is a family endeavor with his mom manning Junk Stars, the gift shop (which is really a shrine to him and another must-see). The retail shop used to be owned by Miranda Lambert with her former B&B, Ladysmith, right across the street (RIP, but living for the tea and celeb gossip). Fun Fact: Blake still owns the building and uses it when Gwen’s family and kids are in town. No word on when she’ll be getting in on the family business, though…
Eat Unique
Some of the most memorable meals come in the strangest places.Arbuckle Mountain Fried Piesis one of those life-changing gas station foods (up there in my book with Buccee’s BBQ and Quiktrip breakfast pizzas). They’ve developed into a cult phenomenon for their fruit and chocolate filled hand pies, but it was the pizza that did it for me as their savory selections are all made to order and come out warm and bubbly filled with tomatoey goodness. One of the best brunches came fromthe Table,tucked inside Mix Mercantile, one of the downtown boutiques. Owned by a 25-year-old, she is just the sweetest Southern thing and makes pure magic and cakes out of just a sliver of a kitchen.
Another town gem isFlower BluffManor,as much for the steaks as the historic home it’s housed in. An early 1900s manor, the building was once famously owned by the mayor and is supposedly super haunted. A tunnel underneath actually goes to the building across the street where his mistress lived. They will be adding a B&B component soon if you’re brave enough to spend the night among the spirits, or just pop by for a ghost tour or murder mystery dinner theatre.
For a sweet treat, don’t missBedre Café, a 50s style ice cream shop named after the town’s signature chocolate factory that offers dipped cones, cookie-bottom sundaes, and decadent shakes. Gor an adult pick-me-up,Old Silo Wineryis a small-batch tasting room on the Oklahoma Wine Trail, which will have you sipping and swirling inside a grain silo. They produce 200 cases a year on-site based around the Chambourcin Oklahoma grape, and modeled after the garage Oregon winery concept.
Get Some Retail Therapy
Downtown Sulphur is an adorable and walkable few blocks. Shop ‘til you drop atMix Mercantile, where you’ll find everything from Amish butter and homemade jams to kitchenware, a chocolate counter, clothes, and accessories. MakeBromide Mountain Company your go-to for cute clothes dedicated to the local area, gear, and camping must-haves with an outdoorsy chic aesthetic. My favorite stop, though, was theSpice and Tea Exchange,which has custom blends of just about everything and is therapy for your olfactory muscle. We simply love bringing home local spices as a souvenir and taste of the area.
Stay Luxe
The Artesian Hotel and Casinois luxury from another time and feels like an homage to the opulent Gatsby days with oversized crushed velvet furniture, elegant black and white tiling, glamorous wainscoting and wallpaper, and grand pianos. Besides the comfy accommodations, one highlight is definitely the indoor-outdoor pool and bathhouse with a gigantic clover-shaped hot tub that could easily fit a dozen of your closest friends. For the night owls, the casino is always hopping for endless late-night entertainment.
Retreat to the Floating Cabins
Island time, in Oklahoma? Yup, if rustic and homey is more your vibe, theLake Murray Floating Cabinsare pure magic right in the middle of the country. Easily accessible right off the highway in Oklahoma’s first and largest state park, it’s not exactly off-the-grid backcountry, making it more glamping than camping, but perfect for a family reunion with the kiddos or relaxing couples retreat. There is a restaurant/bar and watersports on-site with everything from an 18-person lodge to two-person pods. The park is also on the National Register of Historic Places, with unique stone structures and towers scattered throughout for the intrepid explorers.
