Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Guide to Springs, Waterfalls, Bison, and Beyond

Chickasaw National Recreation Area in south-central Oklahoma is a water-based destination with beautiful natural springs, waterfalls, swimming holes, lakes, and scenic trails. The area includes two sections: the Platt National Park Historic District (formerly Platt National Park) and Lake of the Arbuckles.

After visiting nearby Lake Murray State Park and Turner Park Falls—and loving them—I didn’t think another park could compare. But I was completely wrong. Chickasaw National Recreation Area turned out to be one of the most memorable places I visited in Chickasaw Country.

Here are my highlights, and I hope they give you some ideas to help plan your perfect day at the park.

Travertine Nature Center

I started at the nature center to get my bearings and grab a trail map to the natural springs. But before heading out, I spent a few minutes exploring the exhibits inside. I learned about the park’s unique blend of two ecosystems—western prairie and eastern woodlands—as well as its deep connection to Chickasaw Nation heritage and history.

FYI: The park is managed by the National Park Service, but it’s named after the Chickasaw Nation.

Antelope and Buffalo Springs Trail

Starting at the Travertine Nature Center, this easy trail is one of the most popular in Chickasaw National Recreation Area. It follows Travertine Creek and leads to two freshwater springs: Antelope Springs and Buffalo Springs.

The main trail is about a mile round trip, but I also explored a few shorter, rustic loops (around half a mile each) that branched off along the way. I really liked the informational signs that pointed out the plants and animals I might see while hiking.

As I hiked along the trail, I kept my eyes peeled for wildlife. Chickasaw National Recreation Area is home to a variety of animals, including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Later that day, I was lucky enough to spot a beautiful blue heron while driving through the park. Keep an eye out as you explore—you never know what you might see!

A few spots along the side trails let me hop across the creek on rocks, and it made me feel like a kid again. The rushing water cascading over the rocks in some areas was pure bliss—one of my favorite things to hear in nature.

Even though the foliage hadn’t filled in for the season yet, I still found the area incredibly beautiful. I highly recommend this trail, and if you have time, take the side spurs—there are so many gorgeous spots to discover!

Buffalo Springs

Buffalo Springs, once part of Platt National Park, is a natural spring where—no surprise—buffalo used to splash around. As visitors began to overwhelm the delicate environment, the Civilian Conservation Corps stepped in, transforming the area into a rustic stone structure to help protect it.

I spent some time sitting by the spring, listening to the soothing sound of the gently bubbling water. It made me wish I had brought a picnic lunch—or even a book—so I could fully relax and soak in the peacefulness of this serene spot.

Antelope Springs

Antelope Springs stands out from the other springs in the park because it’s been left in its natural state. Fed by the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, the spring typically produces 1.5 million gallons of water a day. However, over the past 100 years, it has gone dry more than 22 times during periods of drought.

I think I prefer the natural setting of Antelope Springs over the more “improved” Buffalo Springs, though I do wish there was a spot to sit and reflect. Of course, I’m a big fan of anything built by the CCC, so I guess I’m torn!

Wonderful Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls along Travertine Creek, the most well-known being Little Niagara Falls, where the water forms a natural swimming pool. Water temperatures range between 62-64 degrees year-round, making it the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day. It’s not uncommon to see people jumping from the top of the falls into the pool below, so if you’re visiting in summer, bring a swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip!

While driving around the park, I came across a couple of other waterfalls: Bear Falls and Garfield Falls. They’re small waterfalls, but since they’re so close to the road, they’re definitely worth a quick stop if you’re passing by.

Bromide Hill Overlook

The Bromide Hill Overlook parking lot is easy to access from North West Perimeter Road. I think there’s a Bromide Hill Trail, but if you’re just after the view, you can drive straight to the top, where it overlooks the town of Sulphur.

From the parking area, I climbed the stone steps built by the CCC and made my way out to the rocky outcropping with its sweeping view of Sulphur. I didn’t venture too far onto the rocks (especially after seeing the warning signs), but I went far enough to take in the incredible panoramic view. Even though the landscape hadn’t greened up for spring yet, the view was still impressive. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in the fall.

Pavilion Springs

Pavilion Springs is one of several cold-water mineral springs in the park. It was once the heart of the park and called Seven Springs for its seven flowing vents, one of which was named “Big Tom” and flowed at 40 gallons per minute.

Fun fact: early visitors nicknamed the area “Buffalo Suck” because of the slurping sounds bison made while they drank from the springs.

Inside the covered pavilion, there’s a water analysis sign listing the mineral content in parts per million. It looks like an old CCC sign, so I’m not sure how accurate it is today. But this is one of the two mineral springs you can drink from—at your own risk, of course, since it’s not treated.

Since Chickasaw Country (who was hosting me) gave me a water bottle specifically to try the spring water, I figured I’d be fine. I’d already tasted spring water in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, and Hot Springs, Arkansas so I wasn’t too much of a scaredy cat.

It didn’t smell great, but hey—YOLO. I took a sip. Was it the best water I’ve ever had? Nope. But I’m glad I gave it a shot!

Bison Watching at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area has two bison pastures, and just before my visit, the herd moved to the East Pasture—something I discovered from a sign at the West Pasture Viewpoint along Highway 177.

Since it was late in the day, I decided to search for them the next morning. The best way to spot the bison in the East Pasture is by walking the Veterans Trail, which runs along the pasture’s fence line. There’s a parking lot at Pavilion Springs near the trailhead. Fair warning: the trail offers very little shade, so bring water (maybe even from the spring?) because it heats up quickly!

When I reached the pasture, I spotted the bison grazing in the distance and followed the fence line to get a closer look.

And wow—they are truly stunning. Even with the fence between us, their strength and power were undeniable.

The small herd in the park today is descended from just six bison brought in from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in 1920.

If you’re driving along Highway 177 and happen to see the bison, another option is to park at the gravel pull-off on the east side of the highway. Spaces are limited, but from there, you can walk along the sidewalk next to the pasture and follow the fence line to where they’re feeding. There’s also a pull-off across the highway at the West Pasture Viewpoint, but with traffic moving so fast, crossing the road isn’t safe—I wouldn’t recommend it.

Lake Life

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is home to two lakes: Lake of the Arbuckles and Veterans Lake.

For boating and fishing enthusiasts, Lake of the Arbuckles is a popular choice, offering boat ramps (permits required), campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and fishing docks.

If you prefer a quieter experience with no-wake boats, kayaking, or canoeing, Veterans Lake is a great option—and no permits are required.

Final Thoughts

I loved Chickasaw National Recreation Area! You can splash in a waterfall, hike quiet trails, see wildlife, or even taste fresh spring water straight from the source. Spending time here was one of my favorite experiences in Chickasaw Country! And with so much more to explore, I know I’ll be back for another visit.

Explore More of Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Country