Oklahoma has some great parks, from the historic landmarks of Washita Battlefield to the springs, streams, and lakes at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Written by Amber Reed

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Things to do at the Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Things to do at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
How to prepare to visit Oklahoma’s national parks

Load full table of contents

Not only are

Oklahoma

parks rich in pioneer, military, and Native American history, but they also offer spectacular views and fascinating wildlife. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Fort Smith National Historic Site, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Santa Fe National Historic Trail, and Washita Battlefield National Historic Site are the best parks in the Sooner State.

While Oklahoma doesn’t have an official National Park, the state is home to several sites run by the National Park Service. No Oklahoma road trip is complete without seeing some of these picturesque recreation areas, historic sites, memorials, or hiking trails.

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Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Location:

Sulphur, OK

Hours of operation: Outdoor areas are open 24 hours a day; the nature center is open seven days a week from 9 am to 4:30 pm

Admission price: Free

What makes Chickasaw National Recreation Area special?

Oklahoma’s oldest National Park area is actually two parks in one! Located at the edge of the Arbuckle Mountains,

Chickasaw

includes:

Platt National Park Historic District: This former National Park lost its status due to its small size, but it’s home to some amazing natural hot springs and acres of woodlands and wildlife.

Lake of the Arbuckles: True to its reputation as one of the best fishing spots in Oklahoma, this 2,350-acre lake has large populations of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, perch, and more.

Things to do in Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Whether you’re looking to go hiking, biking, boating, or fishing, outdoor adventures await at Chickasaw.

Nature center: The

Travertine Nature Center

is a great place to start your Chickasaw visit. Check out brochures and maps, or chat with helpful rangers if you need directions or information about park activities.

Cycling:

Bike

the paved loop around the park, or choose one of the dirt trails available to riders of various skill levels. Cyclists are welcome on all trails west of the nature center.

Watersports: Whether you want to bring your own

boat

orrent one, you can spend an afternoon soaking up the sun while you explore the lake.

Camping: If you want to stay overnight, you can choose from

six campsites

that accommodate both tents and RVs.

Swimming: Cool off in Rock Creek, Veterans Lake, Lake of the Arbuckles, or Travertine Creek. But there are no lifeguards on duty at Chickasaw, so

swim

with caution!

Hiking: Choose from several

hiking trails

that range from short, half-mile nature walks to longer treks of varying difficulty. All trails are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to bring any special equipment—other than a good pair of sneakers and some water.

Fishing:

Fishing

is permitted throughout most of Chickasaw, and visitors with fishing licenses are welcome to spend the day catching bass, panfish, catfish, and other species.

When to visit Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Visit Chickasaw National Recreation Area between April and September to get the most out of your trip to the park. April, May, and September offer mild weather and comfortable hiking conditions, while a June, July, or August visit might be ideal if you want to go swimming or boating.

The park is the busiest on weekends, so plan your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday if you want to avoid a crowd.

Pro Tip Dogs are welcome at Chickasaw, but they are only permitted on certain hiking trails. Be sure to check park signage or ask a ranger which trails allow pets.

MORE:

Haunted Oklahoma road trip

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Location:

Fort Smith

, AR

Hours of operation: Open every day, from sunrise to sunset

Admission price: $10.00 per person

What makes Fort Smith National Historic Site special?

Situated on the border between

Arkansas

and Oklahoma,

Fort Smith National Historic Site

includes the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The site preserves nearly 80 years of history (1817–1896) and offers opportunities to learn about the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Trail of Tears, and the Wild West.

Things to do at Fort Smith National Historic Site

Whether you’re traveling alone, in a group, or with

kids

, Fort Smith National Historic Site has something for everyone.

Belle Point: Walk up to the site of the first Fort Smith and enjoy a scenic view of the Arkansas River.

Trail of Tears Overlook: A 3/4-mile walking trail along the Arkansas River features exhibit panels that tell the story of what happened to five Native American tribes after they were forced off their lands.

Second Fort Smith grounds: Visit the oldest building at the site to see what a judge’s chambers would have looked like in the 1850s, and check out a replica of the Fort Smith gallows where many Wild West outlaws met an unfortunate fate.

Historic barracks, courthouse, jail buildings: Visitors can see a restored courtroom, tour the “Hell on the Border” prison, and explore exhibits on military history, Wild West outlaws, and how the federal court affected Native Americans.

Officer’s family garden: A recreation of an 1860s garden that would have been cared for by the officer’s wives and children.

When to visit Fort Smith National Historic Site

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors at Fort Smith National Historic Site—whether you’re walking the trail or simply making your way from one building to another—the best time to visit is when the weather is mild, during the spring or fall.

Parts of the grounds can get muddy, so if you have the option, avoid visiting while it’s raining.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Location:

Oklahoma City

, OK

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Admission price: Free (there is $15.00 per person cost to visit the museum)

What makes the Oklahoma City National Memorial special?

Standing on the ground where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood, the

Oklahoma City National Memorial

remembers the 168 lives lost on April 19, 1995. Take a quiet stroll around the memorial itself, or visit the museum to honor those who were killed, learn about rescue efforts, and re-visit the aftermath of one of the worst terrorist attacks in US history.

Things to do at the Oklahoma City National Memorial

Walking the grounds near the Oklahoma City Memorial is an opportunity for quiet reflection and moving experiences.

Self-guided tour: Grab

a map

and visit symbolic areas like the Field of Chairs, the Reflecting Pool, and the Rescuer’s Orchards to honor the people whose lives were changed by the events of 1995.

Oklahoma National Memorial Museum: For a $15 admission fee, the

museum

offers an interactive learning experience that focuses on the bombing and its aftermath. You can hear a personal account from survivors, first responders, and family members of the victims by signing up for one of the museum’s

Eyewitness Tours

When to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial

The best time to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial is when the weather is mild, during the spring or fall months. Pleasant weather conditions are also ideal for visiting nearby attractions such as the

Oklahoma City Zoo

or the

Bricktown Water Taxi

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Location: Boise City, OK

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Admission price: Free

What makes the Santa Fe National Historic Trail special?

Also known as the Great Prairie Highway, the

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

spans 900 miles and five states. It was used as a trade and commerce route by early settlers until trains came to the area in the 1880s. Travelers endured hardships like food and water scarcity, Native American attacks, illness, and severe weather.

Things to do at the Santa Fe National Historic Trail

If you’re in Oklahoma, the entrance to the Santa Fe National Historic Trail can be found in Boise City. Most people don’t traverse all 900 miles, but you can get on the trail to hike as much—or as little—as you like, or visit one of the two nearby historic sites.

Hiking: 127.5 miles of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail stretch through the state of Oklahoma.

Cimarron Heritage Center: This indoor/outdoor

museum

features exhibits on the history of Cimarron County, including the Sante Fe Trail. Visitors can travel back in time as they explore a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, homestead dugout, wash house, antique machinery, buggies, and more.

Autograph Rock: Visitors to these historic

sandstone bluffs

can see more than 200 signatures of people that navigated the Sante Fe Trail between the 1820s and the 1880s.

When to visit the Santa Fe National Historic Trail

If you plan to hike a short distance on the trail or visit one of the historic sites in Boise City, then the best time to visit is during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall. If you’re a more ambitious hiker and plan to journey a long distance on the trail, it’s a good idea to consult the

National Weather Service

to check forecasts for the regions you’ll be visiting.

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Location: Cheyenne, OK

Hours of operation: The overlook and trail are open every day, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; the visitor’s center is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Admission price: Free

What makes the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site special?

Located at the very edge of Black Kettle National Grassland, near the town of Cheyenne, Oklahoma,

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

remembers the 1868 battle between the 7th US Cavalry and Peace Chief Black Kettle’s village. This battle had a significant impact on history as it led to the tribes accepting life on the reservations, and ultimately marked the end of the Great Plains Wars.

Things to do at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

History enthusiasts will appreciate learning opportunities, exhibits, and leisurely walks along two beginner-friendly hiking trails.

Visitor’s center: See exhibits, browse the bookstore, or sit down and watch a 27-minute film on the battle and the events leading up to it. There’s also a touch table where kids can explore things that the Cheyenne tribe would have used.

Hiking: Two

hiking trails

include a 1.5-mile self-guided trail along the battlefield with 15 historically significant stops, and a half-mile trail around the visitor’s center that passes by a working windmill and a Cheyenne garden.

When to visit the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

The best time to visit Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is in May, June, or September. With average temperatures in those months ranging from the high 60s to the high 70s, you can enjoy the park’s two trails without the hassle of being uncomfortably hot or too cold.

Avoid crowds by visiting the site in the early morning or late afternoon.

MORE: How to check for Oklahoma road closures

How to prepare to visit Oklahoma’s national parks

Before you set off to see the beautiful parks and historic sites in Oklahoma, make sure you’re prepared with these tips from road trip expert and

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Stock up on

road trip essentials

like healthy snacks, audio entertainment, and a first aid kit.

If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, it’s a good idea to use a

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to avoid traffic jams or find the quickest route to your destination.

Before any long-distance drive, you should get your oil changed, have your battery tested, and check that your

car maintenance

is up to date.

Update your car insurance

before any major road trip.

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