Chickasaw National Recreation Area
The cool spring-fed waters of Chickasaw National Recreation Area create an oasis in the rolling landscape of southern Oklahoma. This park is known for its natural springs and clear streams. For generations, people have come here to cool off in the water and relax beneath the trees.
This swimming area is one of the reasons why Chickasaw is so popular. The flowing springs and creeks are a popular swimming spot in a landscape that can be hot and dry. Cold mineral springs emerge from the ground throughout the park, feeding streams, waterfalls and swimming holes.
These springs were considered valuable and healing by Native peoples, including the Chickasaw Nation. The area became widely known during the late 1800s for its mineral waters, and visitors traveled here believing the springs had restorative and medicinal qualities. Bathhouses, resorts and swimming areas gradually developed around the springs as tourists increased.
The park’s history is also closely tied to the Chickasaw Nation. In recognition of the cultural importance of the area, the land was originally protected in 1906 as Platt National Park, one of the earliest units of the National Park system. It was named after Senator Orville Platt, who helped preserve the springs from private commercial development. In 1976, Platt National Park was renamed Chickasaw National Recreation Area to better reflect its recreational use and its connection to the Chickasaw people.
Read More From Nancy
Chamizal National Memorial
The Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso is not a memorial of war or conflict, but one that marks the peaceful resolution of a long-standing international dispute. The land known as: “El Chamizal” became contested in the mid-1800s when the Rio Grande shifted its course, changing the boundary between the United States and Mexico. What […]
Petroglyph National Monument
Walking among the dark volcanic rocks outside of Albuquerque, is where Petroglyph National Monument is found. Centuries ago, there were people who stood in this landscape carving symbols and images into the stone. The monument preserves one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America, with designs created by Native peoples and later Spanish settlers […]
Padre Island National Seashore
On one of our seminars in Texas, we took the time to drive down to Padre Island National Seashore. The landscape changed as we approached the coast. Texas roads gave way to stretches to water and salt air. Padre Island National Seashore protects the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, nearly seventy miles of […]
