5 Places to Explore Wildlife
Chickasaw Country is known for its natural habitats and scenic landscapes. Wildlife and animals play a large part in the great outdoors of south-central Oklahoma. We have rounded up five locations you can visit in Chickasaw Country to view and, in some cases, pet wildlife.
Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Center
Pauls Valley, OK
This facility is operated under the Bureau of Land Management and holds wild horse and burros providing a safe, natural environment for them to roam. There is a drive-up interpretation center for viewing the animals near the corrals and fences. Adoption events are held every second Tuesday of the month for anyone wishing to take one of the beautiful animals home with them.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Sulphur, OK
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a great place to see wildlife throughout the year. From small squirrels to turkeys and deer, wild animals roam in their natural habitat through the area. Take time to visit the Travertine Nature Center to learn more about the species native to this area.
Then head over to the Veterans Trail and the Bison Pasture Loop to see the small herd of bison roaming the pasture. The trails are mostly gravel so please wear appropriate footwear.
Magnolia Blossom Ranch
Newcastle, OK
A visit to Magnolia Blossom Ranch is one for the good of your mental and physical health. The alpaca ranch in Newcastle shares information about their animals, the fleece that is harvested annually and the value of the fibers produced from the fleece.
Not only can you pet these beautiful animals, but you can feed them and take photos to take home as keepsakes. Stop and shop in their gift shop for alpaca fiber products.
Crossed Arrows Alpaca Farm & Fiber Mill
Duncan, OK
A tour at Crossed Arrows Alpaca Farm and Fiber Mill is a chance to meet all of their ranch animals. You will see alpacas, Old English Southdown (Babydoll) sheep, Red Aberdeen Angus cattle, Donkeys and two Great Pyrenees guardian dogs.
The tour also takes you through the fiber mill where you can learn about the process of producing yarn. Crossed Arrows recently brought home six blue ribbons and Judge’s Choice for their yarns at the National Alpaca Education & Fiber Conference held in Burlington, KY.
Arbuckle Wilderness
Ardmore, OK
This drive-through safari park is field with hundreds of exotic animals roaming free on 200 acres. Bring the entire family to touch animals up close and personal in the comfort of your car. Purchase feed for the animals at the souvenir shop and meander your way along the gravel road.
Animals you may encounter include bison, zebra, deer, antelope, camels, emus, llamas, oryx, water buffalo and many more. Grab a souvenir from the gift shop to make the memories last forever!
And because we love a good extra tip: Check out the Selah community located just 10 miles south of Norman, where you will not only find the delicious Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen, but you can also pull off the road to see a small herd of Watusi cattle, named Loretta, Dolly, Willie and Hank, and more alpacas, named Tupac, Vanilla Ice, Biggie and Hammer.
Step into the great outdoors and discover the beauty of the wildlife in south-central Oklahoma.
Share your wildlife experiences with us by tagging us in your photos on social media using #VisitChickasaw.