• Little Niagra

    Chickasaw

    National Recreation Area Oklahoma

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  • Fox Found at Chickasaw National Recreation Area Tested Positive for Rabies

    During the week of June 10, park rangers at Chickasaw National Recreation Area caught and euthanized a sick fox that subsequently tested for disease, and found to be infected with the rabies. More »

Creating the Park: 1902-1910

 
Suspension bridge
The swinging bridge over Rock Creek.
NPS/Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The reservation officially opened to the public on April 29, 1904 and within two years, on June 29, 1906, was renamed Platt National Park. During these early years, overall park development was slow and complicated by a general lack of funds and the complicated process of purchasing and relocating the community of Sulphur outside the new park's boundaries.

The reason for Platt National Park's quick and early popularity was simple. First, it was a popular destination before it became a national Park. Second, it was the only National Park for hundreds of miles around. During the summer, in an otherwise hot and dry, barren prairie the park was a unique collection of mineral and fresh water springs with cool creeks hidden in shady valleys. While lacking great size or grandeur, Platt National Park offered a place of cool water and shade for the entire family to relax.

Did You Know?

Elk at Platt National Park

In addition to a bison herd, from 1920-1934, Platt National Park [the present-day Platt Historic District of Chickasaw National Recreation Area] was host to a small herd of elk. In 1934 most of the elk were slaughtered and fed to families needing relief from the Great Depression. More...