If you happen to’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 mountain 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 youngsters and teenagers—accredited by a household who really 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 sort of an enormous deal. With 5,700 floor acres of water and miles of mountain 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 mainly a playground for all ages. Suppose paddleboarding, jet skis, water trampolines, kayaks, and basic mini golf. The youngsters 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 academic boat experience we took across the lake the place we realized the historical past of the realm. What I liked was how inexpensive the entire actions have been. Whats up, single mother price range 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 have 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 have been beautiful, and even your teen would possibly grudgingly admitted it was “fairly cool”.
Dinner with a View
After a full afternoon of solar and splashing, we have been prepared for some severe meals. Enter The Lookout Kitchen, conveniently positioned 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 examine 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 following time we go to they’re carried out renovating. At present the new 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 cute retro-style diner with purple vinyl cubicles and a menu filled with consolation meals. My nieces have 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 a way addictive it’s.
Float the Washita River
Present up in swimsuits as a result of there’s nowhere to alter at Washita River Floats. They’re additionally money solely. After they drive you up the river of their bus this can be 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 have been carried out in 2.5.
We packed a cooler with drinks and snacks and opted for an ice chest raft to maintain the whole lot dry. Alongside the best way, we may have stopped at sandbars for snack breaks and water fights, however the women had by no means floated earlier than, so we selected to maintain issues shifting alongside.
Don’t overlook your sunscreen and water sneakers—you’ll want them. And should you’re not a fan of surprises, convey a dry bag for telephones and valuables. It’s a laid-back, unplugged expertise that everybody liked.
Discover Downtown Sulphur
Put up-float, we dried off and went again to the resort to alter. Afterwards we made our option to downtown Sulphur for some exploring and lunch. It’s a captivating 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 have 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 very best I’ve ever had. I do know that’s a daring declare, however belief me. They have been smothered in simply the correct amount of sauce, hen fajita meat, completely tacky, and filled with taste. The chips and salsa have been contemporary, and the service was fast and pleasant.
In case your youngsters like tacos, quesadillas, or hen fingers (due to course), they’ll be completely satisfied 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 mountain 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 in addition extremely refreshing after a sizzling hike. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by rocks and shade timber. It’s like nature’s excellent swimming gap.
We swam, sunbathed, and repeated the cycle till everybody was waterlogged and completely satisfied. That is the sort of place the place you make core recollections with out even attempting.
On our manner forwards and backwards from the resort and Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space, we handed by the bison space which is a fenced off space of the park. One morning, we bought fortunate and ended up seeing 10 – 12 bison, together with two child bison!
Dinner at Fats Bully’s by the Lake
Dinner that evening was at Fats Bully’s by the Lake, an off-the-cuff spot with hearty meals and a neighborhood vibe. Suppose large burgers, loaded fries, and chilly drinks. It’s kid-friendly, laid-back, and the right option 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-Street Park
We checked out of the retreat middle however left our baggage with the entrance desk so we may head to Cross Bar Off-Street Park for one final adrenaline rush. If you happen to’ve by no means been off-roading, that is the place to attempt it. The park has 6,500 acres of untamed Arbuckle Mountain terrain, and you’ll convey your personal ATV/UTV or hire one on-site.
We signed waivers and hit the paths. Some paths have been simple sufficient for learners, whereas others have been bumpy, twisty, and downright thrilling. The youngsters have been giddy, and I used to be completely in my aspect.
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 no cease at Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies on our manner again dwelling? This place is known, and for good motive. We picked up each savory pies (pepperoni, hen and cheese) and candy pies (cherry, apple, chocolate). They’re handheld, flaky, and excellent for consuming within the automobile or taking again to your resort.
My private favourite? The pecan and the Tex-Mex.
Ultimate Ideas: Why Chickasaw Nation Is Good for Households
Chickasaw Nation hits that magical trip trifecta:
- Outside 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 via mountain terrain and chowing down on fried pies, this journey delivered the right mixture of enjoyable and rest. Whether or not you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended highway journey, Chickasaw Nation ought to be on the prime of your checklist.
We got here dwelling drained, sun-kissed, and already planning our return. Subsequent time, we plan to camp contained in the Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space. They’ve lots of campgrounds!
Plan Your Personal Chickasaw Journey
Right here’s a fast recap of the must-do spots in your itinerary:
Cross Bar Off-Street Park – off-road thrills and biking
Lake Murray State Park – mountain 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 – procuring, artwork, customer middle
Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space – mountain climbing, swimming, springs
Centenario Mexican Grill – unbelievable bean enchiladas
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies – candy and savory pie heaven
Fats Bully’s by the Lake – burgers and good vibes