SULPHUR, Okla. — Chickasaw National Recreation Area is inviting visitors to celebrate National Park Week,August 22–30, 2026, with a week of free programs and activities for all ages. Following is a schedule of activities for the week:
Saturday, August 22 – Kickoff Saturday Living History Program: “Mercy Me! The Waters of Sulphur,” 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Bridge.
Stop by anytime between 10:00 a.m. and noon to meet Orphelia Mae Thompson, a visitor from 1909, and hear stories about Sulphur’s mineral springs, early tourism, and the historic treatments that drew visitors to the area.
Sunday, August 23 – Safety Sunday Safety-Themed Nature Hike, 9:30 a.m., at the Travertine Nature Center.
Enjoy a one-mile hike focused on outdoor safety. No registration required.
Wednesday, August 26 – Watch Wildlife Wednesday Guided Bird Hike, 9:30 a.m., location at the Travertine Nature Center.
Discover the birds of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. No registration required.
Thursday, August 27 – Thankful Thursday The Story of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 1:00 p.m., at the Travertine Nature Center Retired Superintendent Bill Wright shares stories about the people and events who shaped the park.
Saturday, August 29 – Staff Saturday A Career with the National Park Service Presentation, 2:00 p.m., at the Travertine Nature Center.
Retired Chief of Interpretation Ron Parker shares stories from his NPS career and the many ways park employees serve visitors and protect national treasures.
Sunday, August 30 – Junior Ranger Day Celebrate Junior Ranger Day at the Travertine Nature Center with hands-on activities, crafts, wildlife discovery stations, and Junior Ranger fun for all ages. Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. to participate in Junior Ranger activities. The Friends of Chickasaw National Recreation Area will also be on site with refreshments and information about supporting the park.
Timed Programs:
•9:30 a.m. – Nature Hike
•1:00 p.m. – Owl Pellet Program
•1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. – Junior Ranger Actives For more information contact the Travertine Nature Center at (580) 622-7234.
