Insta-worthy Photos Spots in Chickasaw Country
Driving through the wide-open spaces and rolling hills of Chickasaw Country, you may want to stop and take some photos to remember your visit. Whether you are looking for fun roadside attractions, cool murals, or scenic vistas, here are some top photo spots in Chickasaw Country.
The Chickasha Leg Lamp, Chickasha
Fans of the movie "A Christmas Story” will need to make a stop in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Just off Interstate 44, less than 45 minutes south of Oklahoma City, you will be shocked to see a Leg Lamp Sculpture that has been modeled off of the movie's infamous prop.
Chickasha native Noland James created a leg lamp from an old mannequin while in art school. That lamp was admired by someone who later was on the production team that produced the leg lamp for the 1983 movie. This is why locals like to claim a connection to the Christmas Story leg lamp.
After first creating a giant inflatable leg lamp, the Leg Lamp sculpture was revealed in late 2022. Standing over 50 feet tall in a downtown park near the Rock Island Depot, the Chickasha Leg Lamp sculpture is waiting for you and your camera!
Just across the street, pose in front of the “Land that I Love” mural, painted by artist Jessica Skinner and located on the side of Brandi's Bar & Grill at 1st and Chickasha Avenue. Then grab some pizza and wine at The Flower Shop Pizzeria.
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, Davis
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies is a quirky roadside attraction that offers both tasty treats and fun Instagram photos. Whether you pose in the Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies cut-out sign out front, next to the Bigfoot cardboard cutout, or with the dinosaur and rooster-topped gas pumps in the background, you will surely get an interesting shot!
Located just off Interstate 35 at 4145 US-77 in Davis, Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies serves up over 20 flavors of Grandma Maude Pletcher's famous fried pies with sweet and savory options.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
With nearly 10,000 acres to explore, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of Instagrammable spots. If you are looking for a view, follow the signs to the scenic overlook at the top of Bromide Hill. From the hilltop, you can see for miles, including the entire downtown of Sulphur. This would be a beautiful spot to see one of Oklahoma's gorgeous sunsets.
Another special spot would be with the park's bison herd in the background. Check in at the Travertine Nature Center to find out the best place to find the herd, but they are often visible from the pullouts along Highway 177.
If you prefer a water background, Veterans Lake has many beautiful spots along the lakeshore, especially when the rosebud trees are in bloom.
The Butterfly Mandala Mural, Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley has a surprising amount of artistic talent for such a small town. Local legend Kevin Stark displays his wide-ranging talent at the Stark Art Studio and Gallery. You can also spot an array of local artists at The Vault Art Space and Gathering Place at 111 East Paul Avenue. On the side of The Vault, you can pose by the large Butterfly Mandala mural painted by Oklahoma-native Rick Sinnett.
Beyond art, Pauls Valley is the place to go for people who like pop culture…particularly cartoons, superheroes, fantasy, and science fiction. At the Toy and Action Figure Museum, you can pose with your favorite from among over 13,000 toys and action figures. The Museum was started by super-collector and artist Kevin Stark, who designed action figures for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons.
While you are in town, enjoy some delicious El Salvadorian food at Norma's (tip: try the pupusas!)
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan
Mix a little history with a photo opp at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. This interactive museum and art gallery tells the story of the cowboys that drove the Texas Longhorn cattle from Texas to Kansas, straight through Duncan, Oklahoma, on the Chisholm Trail. Outside, you can pose with the bronze “On the Chisholm Trail” sculpture by Paul Moore.
Inside, you might prefer the animal diorama featuring bison, wolves, and other animals that cowboys would have encountered on the trail, including the most dangerous…the prairie dog (which were prone to cause a stampede).
The kids will especially like a photo of them sitting on a horse sculpture attempting to rope a longhorn steer. Nearby, you can grab some lunch at the Camelback Corner Smokehouse. Don't be surprised by this nondescript convenience store, just follow your nose for delicious barbeque.