• Little Niagra

    Chickasaw

    National Recreation Area Oklahoma

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Travertine Nature Center

Line drawing of the nature center showing architectural elements
 

The Travertine Nature Center, located on Travertine Creek near the eastern edge of the Platt Historic District, serves as the parks main educational center. The nature center contains exhibit dioramas, live reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey, and an interactive learning area for visitors of all ages.

The Nature Center also contains an information desk and bookstore with books on nature, geology and history, and a variety of interesting nature posters and postcards. A one-hundred seat auditorium at the Nature Center provides opportunities for ranger-led nature programs and video presentations on a variety of topics.

Exhibits at the Travertine Nature Center highlights the Forest/Prairie ecosystem of Southern Oklahoma, the significant water resources of springs, creeks, and lakes of Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the diversity of wildlife and plants located in the park.

Ranger-led programs are presented daily at the Nature Center in the summer. These programs include hikes to Antelope and Buffalo Springs, creek walks, night hikes, and a variety of talks associated with the nature and wildlife of the park.

The Travertine Nature Center was built in 1969 during the National Park Service environmental education initiatives in the later 1960s and early 1970s. It is built in a unique rock work design. The Nature Center sits on top of Travertine Creek offering visitors a relaxing view of the mix of water, stream, and forest.

Travertine Nature Center is open year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Did You Know?

Structural drawing of the Lincoln Bridge

Completed in 1909, the Lincoln Bridge in the Platt Historic District [the former Platt National Park, 1906-1976] of Chickasaw National Recreation Area was designed to be "strong enough to hold up under the stress of a four horse team at full gallop." More...