Dubbed an "Oklahoma Oasis" by the National Park Service, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area (nps.gov/chic/) is a natural haven with lakes, streams and mineral springs. The waters of Black Sulphur, Pavilion and Hillside springs and Vendome Well produce mineral water. Swimming is permitted at Travertine Creek and Rock Creek, while anglers can catch bass at Veterans Lake and Lake of the Arbuckles. Other activities include sailing, canoeing, skiing, camping and hiking. The park also features the Travertine Nature Center, where guests can participate in various activities and see displays of live reptiles, fish, amphibians and birds of prey.
The Bivens Dog Trade, a Sulphur flea market that began in the early 1940's, started when dog breeders, hunters and traders gathered on the banks of Rock Creek. These days, you can still find dogs for sale, but the flea market also includes a wide variety of other items such as antiques, tools, clothing, goats and chickens. The flea market, located on U.S. 177, is open Sundays from sunrise until noon.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center (chickasawculturalcenter.com) offers exhibits on Sulphur's history and the Chickasaw Indian culture. As the largest tribal cultural center in the nation, the center has interactive media stations, cultural classes, theater, gardens and nature trails. The center spans 109 acres and features outdoor gathering places and a cafe. Stop by the Chikasha Inchokka' Traditional Village, a recreation of a native Chickasaw village with structures such as two summer houses, a corn crib, two winter houses and traditional stockade fence. Participate in food festivals, tours, nature walks, demonstrations of blowguns and archery, spirit lessons and chunkey games.
The 6,000-acre Turner Falls Park (turnerfallspark.com) features a picturesque waterfall that cascades down 77 feet. Turner Falls Park is the oldest park in the state, according to the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can swim at the sandy beaches or at the base of the falls. Other activities include hiking, exploring caves, picnicking and camping. The park is located near Davis, 15 miles from Sulphur.
