Murray County: Nature, Chickasaw Culture, and History

Murray County brings together a variety of travel interests: Lake of the Arbuckles offers water and fishing, Chickasaw facilities share history and culture, and historic places tell stories of past uses and names. To plan your trip, you can first decide which of these highlights you want to shape your stay. This makes it easier to choose the sights and activities you’d like to explore further.

The Lake, Landscapes, and Outdoor Activities

Lake of the Arbuckles has a 36-mile shoreline. It is also a popular fishing destination for catfish, bass, black bass, and crappie. This gives the lake two distinct highlights: its extensive shoreline and fishing for several named fish species.

For a view of the eastern bison pasture, Veterans Trail offers a perspective of its own. Visibility along the trail can change, so check current visitor information before your visit. If you’re looking for a different kind of outing, Cross Bar Ranch Off-Road Park offers 6,500 acres of terrain with more than 200 miles of off-road trails. These figures convey the scale of the off-road offering without specifying a particular route or difficulty level.

Turner Falls also makes a striking natural impression: the waterfall plunges 77 feet into a natural swimming pool. At Turner Falls Park, you can also explore the ruins of Collings Castle. The building was constructed in the 1930s as a private residence. The 777 Zip ride stretches 777 feet and offers views of Turner Falls from a 130-foot tower above Collings Castle. This means the same named destination offers distinct experiences: the ruins, the waterfall, and a scenic ride.

Arbuckle Wilderness offers another opportunity to encounter wildlife, with drive-through and walk-through areas, a petting zoo, and opportunities to feed animals from your vehicle. These formats are quite different: the park combines areas to drive through or explore on foot with a petting zoo and animal feeding from your vehicle.

Chickasaw History and Cultural Insights

The Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center spans a broad sweep of history: from early European contact and trade to Chickasaw warriors of today and the contemporary Chickasaw community. The Chikasha Inchokka' Traditional Village offers a different kind of interpretation, presenting a historically accurate 18th-century Chickasaw village. Stomp Dance and stickball demonstrations are offered there. Cultural interpreters may also present traditional arts, cooking, storytelling, and the Chickasaw language. These offerings may vary depending on the program.

The Travertine Nature Center serves as the main visitor center for Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Its offerings include exhibits, live reptiles, amphibians, and fish, as well as an interactive learning area. The design is another distinctive feature: natural stone and architectural lines reflect the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors interested in nature interpretation will find exhibits and live animals here, while architecture enthusiasts can also take note of the design elements.

There are also two distinct visitor information stops. Chickasaw Visitor Center provides information about local attractions and Chickasaw National Recreation Area. At Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center, visitors can use interactive kiosks to put together an itinerary from a hotel to attractions and restaurants. Since kiosk features can change, it’s worth checking which options are currently available when planning your trip. The Welcome Center’s Art Gallery features works by Indigenous artists of North America; the works on display may change.

Historic Names and Getting Around Davis

Historic names also differ. Today’s Platt Historic District was called Platt National Park from 1906 to 1976. Historic Downtown Sulphur Commercial District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Davis Santa Fe Depot has the same registry status. Together, these places offer different ways to explore history: through a former park name, a historic commercial district, and a depot.

Davis is located in Murray County. The city is served by Interstate 35, which runs two miles west of it, as well as State Highway 7 and U.S. Highway 77. This provides practical guidance for getting there, without implying that the interstate runs through the city center.

When looking for a hotel in Murray County, you can use your interests as a starting point: fishing and lakeside scenery, Chickasaw culture, historic places, or outdoor activities suit different travel plans.

Explore more destinations: Stephens, Marshall County, Noble County, Kingfisher, Craig County, Caddo County, Okmulgee County.

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