Chickasaw NRA was a surprise in south-central Oklahoma near the town of Sulphur. First, the setting was among rolling hills and pretty forests. Not my first thought about OK. Second, beside the lake which all NRAs seem to have, it has a northern section of ponds, streams, mineral springs, fresh water springs and nice views. Third, years ago it was a National Park, in fact it was Platt National Park until 1976. Who knew. Both the Santa Fe RR and the Frisco RR built spur lines to the park and Sulphur grew with hotels and infrastructure to accommodate the crowds of people. More people came in 1914 to Pratt NP than either Yosemite or Yellowstone. The current name honors the Chickasaw Indians who were relocated here in the 19th century and whose reservation abuts parts of the park.
A drive along the park road in the north led to the famous Lincoln Bridge built by the CCC and featured on the 2011 OK quarter. We stopped at overlooks, the bison park, some old springs and a steam as well as the bridge. There is a beautiful VC with enthusiastic staff who are very proud of their town and the park. Great visit.
The Lincoln Bridge was once the main entrance to the park. Not the towers with flag poles that you can walk up and around. There are four of these.
Travertine Creek
The Black Spring, one of many with elaborate coverings