Nature Centers Near Me in Springer
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
1008 West Second Street, Sulphur, OK
Tradition touches the present at Chickasaw National Recreation Area. You park your car and pursue the same diversions people enjoyed at the turn of the Twentieth Century— after parking their buggy or getting off the train. You no longer see women in full dresses and sunhats sidesaddle on mules, but you can still follow pleasant trails, enjoy a picnic or just people-watch. Surely that’s what attracted some of the folks who crowded the old train station and put up at Sulphur’s former grand and popular hotels and bath-houses.
Only the styles have changed. Tents have evolved from simple white cottons and poplins to pop-ups, umbrellas, and domes sewn of multicolored canvas or bright, lightweight nylons. And the campers have traded horse-drawn buggies for automobiles. But the tents are still pitched by families seeking a week of fun and relaxation in shaded woodlands threaded by clear-running streams and dotted with mineral and freshwater springs. The quaint old cars and campers foreshadow today’s recreational van which might be parked by the Lake of the Arbuckles.
First native Americans and then early settlers of the surrounding plains sought recreation here. Summer weekends still find family reunions picnicking at favorite spots in the Platt Historic District. Some have returned every year for more than half a century.
For over one hundred years the park has been a refuge for outdoor tradition; a protected niche of parkland where styles may change, but where recreation remains a relaxing way of life.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
32 Refuge Headquarters, Indiahoma, OK
About Us
Rising above the plains of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are a testament to the strength of ancient granite mountains. This unconquerable stone defeated the plow protecting one of the last remnants of the mixed grass prairie and providing habitat for bison, elk, white-tailed deer, and a variety of other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. From birding and biking, to hiking and hunting, the diversity of the landscape within the Public Use Area offers ample opportunities for recreation.
Wichita Mountains is one of the oldest, most prestigious national wildlife refuges in America. Set aside in 1901, Wichita Mountains was originally established a forest reserve. President Theodore Roosevelt redesignated the area in 1905 as the Wichita Forest and Game Preserve created “for the protection of game animals and birds and shall be recognized as a breeding place thereof.” Encompassing 59,020 acres (about 90 square miles), the refuge manages 22,400 acres for public use and 8,570 acres of Wilderness. Wichita Mountains and all refuges across the country are closed to all uses unless specifically permitted. Help protect your public lands and this priceless ecological treasure by following established rules and regulations.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Our Purpose
Every national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. Refuges are special places where wildlife comes first. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was established “for the protection of game animals and birds and shall be recognized as a breeding place thereof.” Preservation of Wilderness is also a purpose for those portions of the refuge designated as Wilderness.
Our History
1901-The refuge is established as a Forest Reserve by President William McKinley.
June 2, 1905-President Theodore Roosevelt further designates the area as the Wichita Forest and Game Preserve by presidential proclamation.
October 1907-Bison were brought back to the Wichita Mountains.
1908 - The Rocky Mountain Elk herd was introduced to the refuge.
August 1927-The longhorn herd was established.
June 1936-The Wichita Forest and Game Preserve, administered by the U.S. Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture, was transferred to the Bureau of Biological Survey, one of the predecessor agencies of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the Department of the Interior. Shortly thereafter, the area was renamed the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for administration under the National Wildlife Refuge System.
October 23, 1970-The Wichita Mountains Wilderness was established by Public Law 91-504, consisting of the Charons Garden Unit and North Mountain Unit.
Robbers Cave State Park
2084 NorthWest 146th Road, Wilburton, OK
Whether named for an unwooded creek or ironically christened by French trappers to ward off competition, the untamed woods, bluffs and springs of the Sans Bois mountains have beckoned to generations of explorers. Ancient tribes, trappers and outlaws have escaped to these ‘wood free’ mountains, carving the timeless sandstone cliffs and stoic pines from a sacred hunting ground, mining camp and hideout into a preserve dedicated to the natural beauty and history of the area, Robbers Cave State Park.
While the resource rich area has always drawn hunters, trappers and miners, the mountains surrounding Robbers Cave really achieved notoriety after the Civil War with legendary outlaws such as the Youngers, Daltons, Rufus Buck Gang, Jesse James and even Belle Starr utilizing the area’s natural amenities as a place to cool their heels from the long arm of frontier justice.
Kerr Arboretum and Botanical Area
U.S 270-59 and Forest Road 6007, Talihina, OK
Mary K. Oxley Nature Center
6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK
The Nature Center is a wonderful place to encounter the wildlife of the Tulsa area. Oxley Nature Center's 804 acres support a diversity of habitats along the south bank of Bird Creek. The flood-plain forest, comprised of giant cottonwoods, sycamores, oaks, pecans, and hackberry trees and many other smaller trees and shrubs, is home to many kinds of animals and wildflowers. Combined with open areas maintained as hay meadows or prairies and a variety of wetlands, the different habitats make especially rich combinations of conditions.
More than 200 kinds of birds may be found at the Nature Center during the year. Over 50 kinds of butterflies have been found so far, and other insects like dragonflies and aquatic insects are numerous. The most commonly observed reptiles are the red-eared pond sliders and other aquatic turtles that sun themselves near the water. No venomous snakes have ever been found at the Nature Center, but water snakes are very commonly seen (they have no venom, but are aggressive if captured or provoked.) If you are in the right place at the right time, you may find one of the many mammals that live at the Nature Center: deer, raccoon, bobcat, mink, skunk, coyote, flying squirrel, and beaver all make their homes here. It is more likely that you will find evidence of their presence instead: a track, a tuft of fur, a chewed tree, or a home.
Hundreds of flowering plants may be enjoyed. The first wave of wildflowers begins as early as February or March, peaking in May and June. Another wave begins in July and August, peaking in September and October. The best time to enjoy the colors of fall foliage ranges from mid-October to mid-November, although some plants begin to show color in August, and the peak of fall color sometimes delays until late November.
Sequoyah State Park
17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK
Sequoyah State Park is a haven for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 19,000 surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline on Fort Gibson Lake, the park attracts boaters and beach-goers alike. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, guided horseback trail rides, wildlife watching, nature center activities, golf, fishing and camping.
The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park is Oklahoma's largest set of state park lodges, with 104 rooms and 45 cottages. The variety of meeting rooms are popular for group functions and conferences. Wi-Fi is offered in the lodge lobby, media room and meeting spaces. Other lodging amenities at The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park include a bunkhouse with a great room and kitchen facilities. Pets are allowed in select cottages for a small fee. No pets are allowed in the lodge.
Cool off in the summertime at the zero-entry swimming pool and children's splash pad in the lodge courtyard or find your place in the sun at a lakeside swim beach. Please keep in mind that the lodge pool is only open to lodge and cabin guests. Enjoy the water by bringing your family boat or book a pontoon from Paradise Cove Marina. A recreation room, horseshoe pits, tennis court, basketball court and playgrounds complete your family fun time when visiting the park. Locally harvested firewood is conveniently available at three different automated kiosks throughout the park, so guests can do their part to help protect the forest from invasive insects and disease.
Camping facilities at Sequoyah State Park include RV and tent camping options. The Creek, Choctaw, and Paradise Cove areas offer tent camping. RV camping includes full hook-ups at the Choctaw and Seminole campgrounds with water and electric service only at Cherokee. All reservations must be made online with a 5pm check in and 2pm check out. Additional facilities include lighted boat ramps and picnic pavilions. The Sequoyah Group Camp has a dining hall with full kitchen and 10 A-frame cabins which can sleep a total of 98 people.
For more adventure, visit Sequoyah Riding Stables for trail rides or hayrides on wooded and open trails inside the park. Bring your group to Cowboy Camp at the stables.
The Three Forks Nature Center offers interpretive displays on native flora and fauna. At the Nature Center, guests young and old can experience native wildlife through the ambassador animal program. Learn more about the ecoregion’s distinct features with nature center staff.
The Sequoyah State Park Golf Course is a nine-hole course with Ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens, tees and fairways, well-placed sand bunkers and lake views. Facilities include a driving range, pro shop with cart, club rental, snacks, drinks and a gift shop. Book a tee time online with the booking link provided. View the rate sheet for this golf course under the "Maps & Resources" tab above. Sequoyah's course is one of the first in the state to offer FlingGolf as an option for course play. Golf course can be contacted by phone or via email at cheri.smith@travelok.com.
The full-service Paradise Cove Marina features boat rentals, boat sales, loading dock, gas dock, slip rental, paddle boats, personal watercraft, storage, bait and tackle supplies.
Bernice State Park
54101 E Hwy 85 A, Bernice, OK
Bernice State Park is located on the northwestern corner of Grand Lake. Known as the "Crappie Capital of the World," the park also offers fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and bluegill. Visitors will find semi-modern RV sites and tent campsites, comfort stations with showers, boat ramp, courtesy boat dock for loading and unloading, picnic areas, playground, one mile paved walking and jogging path that is handicap accessible, two wildlife watch towers, swimming and a Nature Center.