Travertine Nature Center: Best Guide 2024
The Travertine Nature Center is located in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near the heart of Sulphur, Oklahoma. It serves as the primary focal point and educational hub for the recreation area, offering a variety of exhibits and programs that focus on the region’s natural and cultural history.
We make a point to visit often throughout the year when hiking and swimming in the area to check for updates and see new items in the gift shop.
Travertine Nature Center Overview
Combining the area’s rich history with its ecological diversity, visitors have much to learn when visiting the park’s Travertine Nature Center. Situated over the Travertine Creek, the walkways around the center provide beautiful views of the creek below, while overlooking wooded trails surrounding the building.
Before You Go You Should Know:
Travertine Nature Center Operating Hours
➡️ Summer Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
➡️ Fall, Winter, & Spring Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm (Labor Day – Memorial Day)
➡️ Open year-round except closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day. Unexpected closures may occur due to weather. It’s advisable to check the current hours of operation before planning a visit.
Travertine Nature Center Tickets
Entry is FREE!
Travertine Nature Center Swimming
Swimming is not allowed by the Travertine Nature Center and anywhere east of the Little Niagara. Swimming IS allowed west of the Little Niagara, in the various waterfall areas & along Travertine Creek.
Travertine Nature Center Accessibility / Restrooms
The center is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, with restrooms on the southwest end of the building.
How To Get To The Travertine Nature Center
📍 Google Maps Location: Travertine Nature Center
The Travertine Nature Center resides partially over Travertine Creek, a picturesque waterway known for its clear, cool waters and beautiful travertine formations.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area travelers usually drive from I-35 and exit onto Highway 7. Drive east along Highway 7 until reaching Highway 177 in Sulphur, OK. Drive south on Highway 177 to enter the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Turn east (left) on Perimeter Road. The road winds along Travertine Creek until reaching the Travertine Nature Center.
Best Things To Do At The Travertine Nature Center
1. Exhibits:
The center features interactive displays that educate visitors about the local wildlife, plant species, geology, and hydrology of the area. These exhibits include dioramas, panels, and hands-on activities that are engaging and informational. A kids’ corner provides snake skins, turtle shells, insects, and feathers for children to explore. A large travertine rock is on display as well!
2. Live Animals:
Visitors can observe live reptiles, amphibians, and fish, providing an up-close look at various species that can be found in the area. We recently saw live snakes, turtles, fish, & frogs on display. Large picture windows provide views of the outside world. Relax, sit, & watch awhile as birds native to the area visit feeders stationed just outside!
3. Junior Ranger Program:
Request a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet and your children may complete the activities for their age group. Once finished, return it to the park ranger at the center. Children can then be sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive badges!
4. Ranger-Led Programs:
Staff at the nature center provide a range of educational programs, including guided hikes, nature talks, and wildlife viewing sessions. These programs are designed to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the natural environment. A 100-seat auditorium is available for video presentations. We once enjoyed a thorough presentation about the area’s beaver population.
Check out event updates on their Facebook page.
5. Gift Shop & Bookstore Section:
Although small, this area of the building offers a colorful array of books, stuffed animals, games, puzzles, trinkets, and puppets, for example. Regardless of age, you’re bound to find something of interest! It’s a favorite stop of ours.
6. Trailheads:
The nature center is the starting point for trails that wind through the beautiful landscape of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The Antelope Springs Trail and Travertine Creek Trail both offer opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the park.
🥾 Antelope Springs Trail & Buffalo Springs Loop: Easy / 1.5 miles roundtrip / This trail follows the creek to the springs.
🥾 Travertine Creek Trail: Easy / 1.5 miles one-way / This trail runs along the creek between the Travertine Nature Center & Pavilion Springs.
7. Small Aquariums:
A highlight of the Travertine Nature Center is its small aquariums, which showcase fish and other aquatic life native to the local streams and lakes. This allows visitors to get an up-close look at the underwater ecosystem of the area. Various amphibians and reptiles can be seen too, as well as examples of wildlife in the area.
8. Ranger Assistance:
Rangers and volunteers at the center’s information desk are available to provide information, answer questions, and assist with trip planning. They offer valuable insights into the best spots to visit within the recreation area and can help visitors make the most of their experience.
9. Environmental Stewardship:
The center emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation. Through its programs and exhibits, it encourages visitors to respect and protect the natural resources of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
10. Seasonal Events:
Check the park’s calendar or call the main office to find out about seasonal events throughout the year!
Every October, the park hosts a Historic Candlelight Tour over one weekend. This self-guided tour features costumed interpreters who share the park’s rich history as you stroll through its scenic paths lit by candle structures. The experience is wonderful for visitors of all ages.
History Of The Travertine Nature Center
The center was built in 1969 during the National Park Service’s conservation education efforts. It was one of the last major additions to Platt National Park, but was the first nature center built by the National Park Service west of the Mississippi. Its unique structure was inspired by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Now a part of the Platt Historic District within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the center continues to serve as an educational focal point for all who visit the area. Learn more about the Chickasaw National Recreation Area here.
Best Places To Stay Near The Travertine Nature Center
Fortunately, you’ve got options when it comes to finding the best places to stay in Sulphur, OK near the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Check out our recommended resources!
➡️ Booking.com
➡️ VRBO
Wrap-Up: Exploring The Travertine Nature Center
The Travertine Nature Center is an excellent destination for anyone looking to learn more about the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Surrounded by rippling waters and a wooded oasis, the area serves as a transition between the eastern woodlands and the western mixed-grass prairie.
It’s the perfect destination to begin your excursions in the area and a great resource throughout your stay.
