For those who’ve ever dreamed of getting your loved ones off their units and right into a real-life out of doors journey (with out having to bribe them with limitless display screen time after), permit me to introduce you to Chickasaw Nation in southern Oklahoma. Only a few hours’ drive from Dallas or Oklahoma Metropolis, this hidden gem is full of pure magnificence, quirky meals finds, epic climbing, and sufficient water actions to exhaust even essentially the most high-energy tween.
That is your go-to itinerary for an unforgettable Chickasaw journey with children and youths—accredited by a household who truly did it.
Day 1: Lake Life, Trails, and Tasty Bites
Lake Murray State Park – Ardmore, OK
We began our journey at Lake Murray State Park, which is the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma. Translation: it’s form of a giant deal. With 5,700 floor acres of water and miles of climbing trails, Lake Murray is paradise for nature-loving households.
Subsequent up: water enjoyable. We headed to Lake Murray Water Sports activities and Mini Golf, which was principally a playground for all ages. Suppose paddleboarding, jet skis, water trampolines, kayaks, and basic mini golf. The children liked bouncing round on the floating obstacles and mentioned that this was their favourite exercise out of all of the issues we did. They particularly liked the tutorial boat experience we took across the lake the place we discovered the historical past of the realm. What I liked was how inexpensive all the actions had been. Good day, single mother finances pleasant!
One other factor to do right here is go to the Lake Murray Nature Middle, the place interactive reveals gave the youngsters some much-needed context for all of the timber, critters, and rocks they had been about to see. From there, you’ll be able to hike to Tucker Tower, a historic lookout level perched above the lake. The views had been beautiful, and even your teen may grudgingly admitted it was “fairly cool”.
Dinner with a View
After a full afternoon of solar and splashing, we had been prepared for some critical meals. Enter The Lookout Kitchen, conveniently situated proper within the park. The menu had one thing for everybody—burgers, wings, steak sandwiches, salads—and the lake view made it really feel like a mini-vacation inside a trip.
Keep: Chickasaw Retreat and Convention Middle
After dinner, we drove about 45 minutes to test in on the secluded Chickasaw Retreat and Convention Middle in Sulphur. Nestled within the Arbuckle Mountains, this place was beautiful and peaceable. Spacious rooms, panoramic views, and simply sufficient luxurious to make it really feel like a retreat for the adults too. There’s even a spa if you wish to sneak in some “me time” later within the journey. Hopefully the subsequent time we go to they’re completed renovating. At the moment the recent tub and pool are closed for a re-do.
Day 2: Rivers, Recreation & Ridiculously Good Enchiladas
Breakfast at Boomerang Diner
We began our morning with breakfast at Boomerang Diner in Davis. Image an lovable retro-style diner with crimson vinyl cubicles and a menu stuffed with consolation meals. My nieces had been in heaven. Pancakes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked to order—you identify it. I had a biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, which ought to most likely include a warning label for the way addictive it’s.
Float the Washita River
Present up in swimsuits as a result of there may be nowhere to alter at Washita River Floats. They’re additionally money solely. After they drive you up the river of their bus it is a self-guided float journey. This four-mile journey alongside the Washita River is ideal for households. The river is calm, the views are beautiful, and the float itself is stress-free and simply adventurous sufficient to maintain teenagers . They mentioned it may take as much as 4 hours, however we had been completed in 2.5.
We packed a cooler with drinks and snacks and opted for an ice chest raft to maintain all the pieces dry. Alongside the best way, we may have stopped at sandbars for snack breaks and water fights, however the ladies had by no means floated earlier than, so we selected to maintain issues shifting alongside.
Don’t neglect your sunscreen and water footwear—you’ll want them. And in the event you’re not a fan of surprises, carry a dry bag for telephones and valuables. It’s a laid-back, unplugged expertise that everybody liked.
Discover Downtown Sulphur
Publish-float, we dried off and went again to the lodge to alter. Afterwards we made our strategy to downtown Sulphur for some exploring and lunch. It’s an enthralling space with loads of native taste. We checked out:
- The ARTesian Gallery & Studios for a peek at native artwork and some kid-friendly crafts
- The Chickasaw Customer Middle for historical past and maps
- Okie Tornado Co. for Oklahoma souvenirs and items
Lunch at Centenario Mexican Grill
We had been ravenous after the float and exploring, so we grabbed a late lunch at Centenario Mexican Grill. Let me simply say this: their Centenario bean enchiladas are the perfect I’ve ever had. I do know that’s a daring declare, however belief me. They had been smothered in simply the correct amount of sauce, rooster fajita meat, completely tacky, and stuffed with taste. The chips and salsa had been contemporary, and the service was fast and pleasant.
In case your children like tacos, quesadillas, or rooster fingers (due to course), they’ll be joyful too. Sadly my nieces aren’t as passionate as I’m about consuming Mexican meals.
Mountaineering + Swimming in Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space
Fueled by enchilada power, we headed to Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space for some afternoon climbing and swimming. This park is a lush mixture of forests, creeks, and pure springs. We explored trails close to Travertine Creek and visited the Travertine Nature Middle, which had interactive reveals for the youngsters and useful rangers. We hiked the Antelope Spring Path.
Then got here the spotlight: swimming in Panther Springs and Little Niagara Springs. These spring-fed swimming pools are shockingly chilly (like, gasp-out-loud chilly), but additionally extremely refreshing after a scorching hike. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by rocks and shade timber. It’s like nature’s good swimming gap.
We swam, sunbathed, and repeated the cycle till everybody was waterlogged and joyful. That is the form of place the place you make core reminiscences with out even attempting.
On our method forwards and backwards from the lodge and Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space, we handed by the bison space which is a fenced off space of the park. One morning, we received fortunate and ended up seeing 10 – 12 bison, together with two child bison!
Dinner at Fats Bully’s by the Lake
Dinner that night time was at Fats Bully’s by the Lake, an off-the-cuff spot with hearty meals and a neighborhood vibe. Suppose big burgers, loaded fries, and chilly drinks. It’s kid-friendly, laid-back, and the proper strategy to wrap up a protracted day of exploring.
We sat on the patio and recapped our day whereas I loved a spicy margarita.
Day 3: Off-Roading Adventures
Cross Bar Off-Highway Park
We checked out of the retreat middle however left our baggage with the entrance desk so we may head to Cross Bar Off-Highway Park for one final adrenaline rush. For those who’ve by no means been off-roading, that is the place to strive it. The park has 6,500 acres of untamed Arbuckle Mountain terrain, and you’ll carry your personal ATV/UTV or lease one on-site.
We signed waivers and hit the paths. Some paths had been straightforward sufficient for inexperienced persons, whereas others had been bumpy, twisty, and downright thrilling. The children had been giddy, and I used to be completely in my component.
If off-roading isn’t your factor, there’s additionally 3,000 acres of mountain biking trails, or you’ll be able to simply calm down and watch the extra adventurous members of your crew kick up mud.
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies
Now, what’s a visit to Chickasaw Nation with out a cease at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies on our method again residence? This place is famous, and for good cause. We picked up each savory pies (pepperoni, rooster and cheese) and candy pies (cherry, apple, chocolate). They’re handheld, flaky, and ideal for consuming within the automobile or taking again to your lodge.
My private favourite? The pecan and the Tex-Mex.
Last Ideas: Why Chickasaw Nation Is Excellent for Households
Chickasaw Nation hits that magical trip trifecta:
- Out of doors journey that doesn’t require tenting in a tent or carrying bear spray
- Unforgettable experiences that don’t contain screens, crowds, or lengthy strains
- Precise high quality time
From swimming in pure springs and floating a lazy river to off-roading by way of mountain terrain and chowing down on fried pies, this journey delivered the proper mixture of enjoyable and rest. Whether or not you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended highway journey, Chickasaw Nation needs to be on the high of your record.
We got here residence drained, sun-kissed, and already planning our return. Subsequent time, we plan to camp contained in the Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space. They’ve quite a lot of campgrounds!
Plan Your Personal Chickasaw Journey
Right here’s a fast recap of the must-do spots in your itinerary:
Cross Bar Off-Highway Park – off-road thrills and biking
Lake Murray State Park – climbing, nature middle, water sports activities, mini golf
The Lookout Kitchen – dinner with lake views
Boomerang Diner – retro breakfast joint
Washita River Float – scenic, lazy river float journey
Downtown Sulphur – buying, artwork, customer middle
Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space – climbing, swimming, springs
Centenario Mexican Grill – unimaginable bean enchiladas
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies – candy and savory pie heaven
Fats Bully’s by the Lake – burgers and good vibes
