Educational Adventures in Chickasaw Country

Looking for ways to combine fun and learning on a family trip? Whether you're planning a getaway or seeking weekend adventures, Chickasaw Country offers the perfect blend of education and adventure for school-aged children. These must-visit destinations include cultural attractions and natural wonders that promise an enriching and unforgettable experience for your family.

Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur 

Your family’s educational adventure begins at the Chickasha Poya Exhibit Center at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Here, you can immerse yourselves in the history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation through sight, sound, touch and imagination. Wander through the enchanting Spirit Forest, where the treasured bond of the tribe’s cultural and spiritual identity with the natural world is beautifully recreated. Head outdoors to explore the Traditional Village, where hands-on activities bring traditional Chickasaw life to vivid reality. Don't miss the Aaimpa' Café, the Cultural Center’s onsite restaurant. Savor specialties like venison stew and pulled pork stacks, along with favorites such as the buffalo burger, offering a delicious taste of Chickasaw culinary traditions.

Travertine Nature Center, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur 

For an adventure in nature, the Travertine Nature Center serves as the Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s main educational facility. Here, you can discover animal exhibits that bring local wildlife up close and learn about the ecosystem in which they live. Kids are also welcome to join ranger-led programs that turn learning about nature into an interactive and engaging experience.

Fort Washita Historic Site, Durant 

Step into the past at Fort Washita Historic Site, where history comes to life. Built in 1842, this former military post maintained peace from outside threats for the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations. Now a National Historic Landmark, Fort Washita Historic Site hosts historical reenactments that paint a vivid picture of 19th-century fort life. Tour the old barracks and imagine the daily lives of soldiers and First Americans. Throughout the year, Fort Washita hosts events that celebrate its rich history, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s shared heritage.

Chickasaw National Capitol, Tishomingo

Head to the first capitol of the Chickasaw Nation in Tishomingo, where the Chickasaw National Capitol now operates as a museum, showcasing the governmental history of the Chickasaw Nation through captivating exhibits. While on the Capitol Square, you can visit the onsite Council House Museum to see the Chickasaw Nation’s original council house and explore artifacts and documents that chronicle the tribe’s history.

Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge, Tishomingo

Nature enthusiasts will find a haven at the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge. Open to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, this protected area offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation, where kids can see over 290 different species of birds, including the bald eagle, plus blue catfish, monarch butterflies and more in their natural habitats. Discover the beauty of the local ecosystem on the hiking trails and take part in educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation and protecting the environment.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan 

Saddle up for a journey into cowboy culture at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Interactive exhibits bring the legendary Chisholm Trail to life, engaging visitors of all ages. Kids will love the 4D theater, where they can experience the thrill of a cattle drive in a safe and educational setting through a sensory experience of smell, touch, feel and sound. You can also visit the Garis Gallery of the American West, which boasts one of the largest collections of western and First American art in the West.

Lake Murray State Park, Tucker Tower, Ardmore 

End your adventure at Lake Murray State Park’s Tucker Tower, a place where history and nature meet. As one of the most identifiable structures within any state park in Oklahoma, Tucker Tower houses historical exhibits that tell the story of Tucker Tower and Lake Murray State Park. Geological displays showcase fascinating fossils and rock formations. Wildlife exhibits offer a peek into the region’s biodiversity, and the observation deck provides breathtaking views of the blue waters of Lake Murray. Head to the Lake Murray Nature Center located at the bottom of Tucker Tower where you can explore displays and infographics that cover all topics about the lake.

Plan Your Educational Adventure Today 

Chickasaw Country is overflowing with opportunities for your kids to learn and explore. Each destination offers a unique experience that blends education with adventure, making it the ideal region for family travel. So pack your bags, ignite your curiosity and go on an educational adventure you and your kids will cherish for years to come.