Cleo Springs OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cleo Springs, Oklahoma.
1. Sod House Museum
HISTORICAL PIONEER STRUCTURE
The Sod House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an Oklahoma Historic site located north of Cleo Springs. This historical museum showcases one of the few remaining authentic sod houses, providing visitors with a glimpse into pioneer life on the Oklahoma prairie. Visitors can explore this unique structure and learn about the challenges and resourcefulness of early settlers in the region.
2. The Square
TRANQUIL COMMUNITY PARK
The Square is a picturesque city park in Cleo Springs that serves as a peaceful retreat for locals and tourists alike. This expansive green space features vibrant flowers, towering trees, and well-maintained lawns, providing an idyllic backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. The park often hosts community events and gatherings, bringing a lively spirit to this tranquil oasis.
3. Cleo Springs City Hall
TOWN HISTORY CENTER
Cleo Springs City Hall serves as a resource for those interested in learning more about the historical small town. Visitors can hear about the legendary healing springs and American Indian maiden the town was supposedly named after. Guests can also discover the town's historical railroad roots before exploring other local attractions.
4. Eagle Chief Creek
HISTORIC WATERWAY TRAIL
Eagle Chief Creek, known to the Cheyenne people as 'Maheonekamax', empties into the Cimarron River near Cleo Springs. This historic waterway offers scenic views and opportunities for nature photography along its winding path. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and learning about the creek's significance to Native American history in the region.
5. Gloss Mountain State Park
STUNNING MESA LANDSCAPE
Gloss Mountain State Park features a series of mesas capped with a shiny selenite gypsum that gives them their distinctive gloss. Visitors can climb a staircase to the top of Cathedral Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding plains and unique geology. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and excellent photography opportunities in a striking landscape unlike anything else in Oklahoma.
6. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
CRYSTAL DIGGING ADVENTURE
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is home to a unique natural phenomenon where visitors can dig for selenite crystals in designated areas. This 32,000-acre refuge is the only place in the world where hour-glass shaped selenite crystals naturally form. Beyond crystal digging, the refuge offers excellent bird watching with over 300 species recorded, including endangered whooping cranes during migration seasons.
7. Little Sahara State Park
DUNE RIDING PARADISE
Little Sahara State Park features over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, some reaching heights of 75 feet, creating a desert-like landscape in Oklahoma. Adventure seekers can rent dune buggies and ATVs to explore the vast sandy terrain for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The park also offers camping facilities for those wanting to extend their stay and enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise views over the dunes.
8. Great Salt Plains Lake
SALTWATER RECREATION HUB
Great Salt Plains Lake offers unique recreational opportunities on its brackish waters spanning over 8,700 acres. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing for catfish and sand bass, and swimming in designated areas around this distinctive salt-water lake. The surrounding shoreline provides excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography of the striking white salt flats that border the water.
9. Roman Nose State Park
CANYON PARADISE GETAWAY
Roman Nose State Park, named after a Cheyenne chief, is nestled in a beautiful canyon featuring natural springs, lakes, and unique gypsum rock formations. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking trails, swimming pools, camping sites, and an 18-hole golf course set against stunning canyon backdrops. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and paddleboat rentals on the park's two lakes for a complete outdoor experience.
10. Alabaster Caverns State Park
UNDERGROUND GYPSUM WONDER
Alabaster Caverns State Park features the largest natural gypsum cave in the world that is open to the public, extending three-quarters of a mile. Guided tours take visitors through chambers adorned with rare black alabaster, pink, and white gypsum formations that create an otherworldly underground landscape. The park also offers wild caving opportunities for the more adventurous, allowing exploration of undeveloped caves with proper permits and equipment.
11. Fairview's Threshing Bee
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Fairview's Threshing Bee is an annual event celebrating the agricultural heritage of Major County with demonstrations of antique farm equipment and threshing techniques. Visitors can witness historical farming practices, enjoy tractor pulls, and explore displays of vintage machinery that shaped Oklahoma's agricultural development. The festival includes food vendors, craft displays, and family activities that provide entertainment while educating about the region's farming traditions.
12. Boiling Springs State Park
NATURAL SPRING OASIS
Boiling Springs State Park features a natural spring that appears to boil as sand is pushed up by the flowing water, creating the illusion of boiling though the water remains cool. The 820-acre park offers camping, hiking trails, fishing in a spring-fed lake, and swimming facilities nestled among ancient elm and cottonwood trees. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species while exploring this tranquil natural setting.
13. Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum showcases the rich cultural history of Northwestern Oklahoma through extensive exhibits on Native American heritage and pioneer settlement. Visitors can explore artifacts from the region's indigenous peoples, displays on the land runs, and exhibits about the development of agriculture and the oil industry. The museum also features rotating art exhibitions and hosts educational programs that bring regional history to life for all ages.
14. Covington Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE PARADISE
The Covington Farmers Market offers a vibrant selection of locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and homemade foods from regional farmers and artisans. Visitors can interact directly with growers while shopping for fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and specialty items unique to this part of Oklahoma. The market creates a community gathering space where locals and tourists alike can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and the authentic flavors of northwestern Oklahoma.
15. Crystal Beach Park
FAMILY RECREATION CENTER
Crystal Beach Park offers a comprehensive recreation area featuring an aquatic center with water slides, swimming pools, and splash pads perfect for summer enjoyment. This expansive park includes sports facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a historic carousel that has delighted visitors for generations. The park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations that bring together residents and tourists.