Celebrate National Parks Week at the CNRA
The National Parks Service annually commemorates National Parks Week each April. And Chickasaw Country has the perfect way to celebrate…at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area!
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CRNA for short) has a one-of-a-kind history. In 1902, the Chickasaw Nation ceded 640 acres to the U.S. Government to preserve the land. After this, the U.S. Government created Sulphur Springs Reservation. Only a few years later, in 1906, Congress re-designated the reservation as Platt National Park. The park was the seventh and smallest national park as well as the only national park in Oklahoma.
Soon, tourists from across the nation started visiting the new national park. In 1914, Platt National Park had more visitors than Yellowstone or Yosemite! As the years went by, the park began to change. In the 1930s, new infrastructure was built and many of these changes are still in the park today. In 1976, Congress abolished Platt National Park and it became the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Even though the park changed from a national park to a national recreation area, it is still operated by the National Park Service.
Three places to visit at the CNRA:
Travertine Nature Center
The Travertine Nature Center was built in 1969 near the Travertine Creek on the eastern edge of the Platt Historic District. This building serves as the park’s main educational center with many different exhibits including live reptiles and an interactive learning area. If you want to meet a park ranger, this is the place to go. Ranger-led programs are presented during the summer. These programs include exclusive hikes in the park!
Lincoln Bridge
The Lincoln Bridge was built in 1909 and it connects the Flower Park and the city of Sulphur to the mineral springs south of Travertine Creek. The bridge is the oldest structure in the park. It was dedicated on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday … hence the name. I mean just look at the photo below! It’s a beautiful place to explore.
Natural Springs
The natural springs around the park are a big draw to the area, mostly found in enclosed pavilions or pools. The central area of the Platt Historic District has the most springs with springs at the Hillside Spring, Pavilion Spring and Black Sulphur Spring. Located adjacent to Flower Park is the best-known well in Oklahoma, Vendome Well, which has an outflow of 2,500 gallons of sulphur water per minute! Bring your canteen to try this one-of-a-kind water. It is said to have therapeutic qualities.
National Parks Week is celebrated at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area from April 19 to 27, 2025. The week-long celebration is free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 19- Junior Ranger Day is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Travertine Nature Center. Enjoy a law enforcement display, ranger programs and a self-guided nature journaling walk.
Monday, April 21- Meet at the Travertine Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a cleanup of the native garden.
Thursday, April 24- Take a stroll with Superintendent Devon Bradley to Buffalo Springs. Meet at the Travertine Nature Center at 5 p.m. for this 30–45-minute walk.
Saturday, April 26—Join Ranger Julie and Ron for a guided Wildflower Walk at Veterans Lake from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the Veterans Lake Dam parking lot for this 1.5-mile walk. Do not forget to bring sunscreen and water!
Want to know more about exploring the CRNA? Check out this list of other ways to explore. Have fun exploring the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and remember to use #VisitChickasaw when posting your photos for a chance to be featured!
