Top Ways to Savor the Summer
Summer is finally here, and that means fun in the sun! Whether you are looking for a fun family day, weekend escape or relaxing way to beat the heat, Chickasaw Country has you covered.
Adventures
Want a summer adventure? Take a weekend trip to your favorite state park for a fun adventure. Turner Falls Park is your destination for a thrilling ride on 777 Zip, a zipline experience that takes riders 777 feet across the beautiful landscape of the park. Ride a jet ski out at Lake Murray Water Sports and Mini Golf, located in Ardmore, or hike your way on the many trails in the region, including at Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Any way you want to do it, create an unforgettable experience in Chickasaw Country!
People
Summer is all about celebrating special occasions with your family and friends. If you are looking for a place to go for the 4th of July or Memorial Day, make sure you check our event listings for inspiration. One of the best things about Chickasaw Country is the opportunity to connect with others. Take your friends or family on a hike, cast a line or even pitch a tent. The region is a mecca for outdoor living, with places such as the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Lake Murray State Park, Lake Texoma and many others. Catch up with friends around a campfire or share in awe a brilliant fireworks display with those you care about most.
Agritourism
Jump in the car and head to some of the best agritourism destinations in the state. Crossed Arrows Alpaca Fiber Mill is a full-service natural fiber mill, specializing in alpaca and llama fleece processing. They offer tours of the facility and have a shop with fiber products, such as rugs, accessories and clothing. Harvest your own gorgeous summer floral bouquet at Petal Pusher Farms in Purcell. Summertime blooms of zinnias, sunflowers, lavender and pansies brighten the pastures at this farm located just 30 miles south of Oklahoma City. And a quick tip: stop by in the morning or evening for the best time to cut your own flower arrangement. Lakeview Lavender Farm in Pauls Valley has been growing and making lavender products since 2016. They provide opportunities for photos, lavender picking and relaxation with natural aromatherapy!
Local Festivals
Spend a summer night playing carnival games, eating watermelon or listening to great red dirt music in Chickasaw Country. This region is bustling with local festivals year-round, with some of the most popular taking place in the summertime. One of those is the Okie Noodling Tournament and Festival in Pauls Valley. Watch noodlers vie for the largest fish in the tournament or just hang out at the festival, where there is music, vendors, inflatables, a catfish cook-off and a catfish eating contest. It happens every June! Pick out a juicy peach at the Stratford Peach Festival in July. The festival includes a 5k family fun run, free pancake breakfast, retail booths, carnival rides, all-day performances and so many more activities for the entire family. End the summer with the annual Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. This festival has been an annual event since 1948 and has over 20,000 festival visitors each year. Enjoy carnival rides, compete in a watermelon seed spitting contest and eat your weight in watermelon!
You can find all of the festivals here.
Make the days count and savor each second of the summer. Be sure to share your summer adventures on social media by using the hashtag #VisitChickasaw.