Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in Chickasha, OK

  • Published 2022/07/22

Chickasha, Oklahoma, is a city that’s both beautiful and historic.

It is home to the renowned University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

Chickasha was founded by Hobart Johnstone Whitley, who was also instrumental in helping build railroads through the Indian Territory.

He helped establish a post office in 1892, eventually becoming the city’s first industry.

That’s not all! When you visit Chickasha, don’t forget about the art destinations.

There are plenty of galleries and artists’ studios throughout the city that showcase different types of art from around the world.

To ensure the best travel experience, check out this list of the best things to do in Chickasha, Oklahoma!

Relax at Shannon Springs Park

Arched stone bridge at Shannon Springs Park

JJ Francais, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shannon Springs Park is a must-visit attraction in Chickasha.

It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your friends and family while playing with your pets,

This park offers the convenience you need in a public tourist spot.

You can find playground equipment, pavilions, picnic tables, and shelters—even a space to play sports.

Shannon Springs Park boasts gorgeous landscapes, ADA accessibility, and amenities such as an agility course and amphitheater when not hosting the Festival of Lights.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Lake Chickasha

Sail away to Lake Chickasha!

It is a city-owned and man-made reservoir located in Caddo County.

Lake Chickasha offers recreation such as swimming, boating, water sports, hiking, camping, and playground usage.

Here, kids can enjoy the 10-mil coastline featuring the natural beauty of Lake Chickasha, or you can try boating on its 820 acres surface.

If you want to do other activities such as camping, this beautiful spot can also accommodate you.

It also features a playground for kids who want to try their hand at sailing boats or dragon boats.

The lake is generally safe and fun to visit, so you don’t have to worry about drowning or getting lost while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Tour around Browns Farm and Garden

When you think of Oklahoma, you probably think of cowboys and Indians, but there’s so much more to it.

One of the most recommended spots to explore is Browns Farm and Garden in Chickasha.

Spanning 42 acres of land, Browns Farm and Garden features a selection of pumpkins in every shape and size.

It also carries maize stalks, straw, gourds, and Indian corn, among other products.

Browns Farm and Garden is the ideal place to shop for fresh and festive fall home decor, full of options at ever-so-affordable prices.

Have Fun at Bushwood Golf and Country Club

The next time you’re in Chickasha, Oklahoma, stop by Bushwood Golf and Country Club to play a round of golf.

You can also play at the nine-hole course that’s part of this facility.

Bushwood Golf and Country Club also houses fancy restaurants for hungry golfers.

If you want to keep playing after dinner, they also host events at this facility all year long.

Stroll around Centennial Plaza

Stop by Centennial Plaza for an ultimate Chickasha shopping experience.

The whole place is crazy-cool with lots of different stores and restaurants.

You can even find a pet store here.

If you’re searching for something exciting to do with your children, there is a mini-park on-site with various amusing playground equipment.

They even have an obstacle course.

You can also find seating areas throughout the plaza where you can sit down and relax after shopping or eating lunch.

Read about Chickasha’s History at Chickasha Public Library

When you’re in Chickasha, Oklahoma, you can expect to do so much.

Chickasha Public Library is ADA accessible, which means that it has ramps and wider entrances for wheelchair users and people with strollers.

There’s also a bicycle rack inside, so you can bring your bike to read while enjoying a lovely day at the library.

You can hire meeting facilities at the Chickasha Public Library, including an auditorium with up to 240 seats.

Additionally, the library has free WiFi throughout the building and restrooms with baby-changing tables.

Watch Popular Sports at Chickasha Sports Complex

If you’re looking for a fun, wacky, and engaging way to spend your time in the city, Chickasha Sports Complex is your next stop.

This complex is home to many sports, including baseball, basketball, softball, and football.

Chickasha Sports Complex offers plenty of activities open to anyone interested in playing a game.

There are fields where people can go golfing or throw around a frisbee.

If you want to get active on your terms, plenty of fitness classes are offered at the complex, as well as yoga and Tai Chi sessions—all free of charge!

Learn about Local Farming at Grady County Farm Tours

A day at the farm is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

Chickasha’s Grady County Farm Tours are here to help you enjoy all that Chickasha has to offer.

They can help if you’re searching for a fun family activity, a unique way to learn about local agriculture, or simply want to experience what it’s like to live on a farm.

The farm offers tours of local working dairies and current oil or natural gas production custom tours.

There are available guides who will take you on an educational journey through the area’s history and explain how our farms have thrived over time.

You’ll learn about the different crops grown in Oklahoma and see firsthand how they are grown.

You don’t need special skills or experience—just come ready for an adventure!

Witness the Chickasha Festival of Light

Colorful lights during the Festival of Lights

EBThompson04 / Shutterstock.com

Have you heard about the Chickasha Festival of Light?

If not, you need to learn more about it to pique your interest.

Hurry over to Chickasha to witness the annual 3.5 million beautiful lights, including the most awaited Christmas tree lighting every year!

Be one of the average 250,000 tourists who enjoy this festival while making most of their time with family.

Not only will you appreciate the beauty, but also the technology of how the locals put up this show.

You can also buy different local handicrafts for your souvenir.

Several gift shops, souvenirs, and food stalls are put up to cater to all who attend the festival.

Go Back in Time at the Grady County Historical Society Museum

Chickasha, Oklahoma, is a great place to spend a few days.

It’s home to the Grady County Historical Society Museum, housed in an antique department store building renovated by a local business owner.

The building features a wide array of historical artifacts from the first settlers of Grady County, including photographs dating back to 1895.

The museum features several artifacts from World War II and the Korean War, as well as archival materials relating to the founding of Oklahoma.

It also has a barn and homestead house exhibit that allows visitors to see what life was like on farms during different times.

Go Boating on Lake Burtschi

Lake Burtschi is another place to enjoy the day with fun and outdoor activities in Chickasha.

There are two boat ramps, five fishing jetties, two fishing piers, many picnic tables and grills, restrooms, and other amenities.

There are robust populations of largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and saugeye, a popular newcomer.

There are three kilometers of shoreline and 180 acres of the lake surface.

The lake is recognized for providing exceptional fishing opportunities year-round.

Large fish populations make the lake an excellent choice for fishermen seeking an exciting fishing experience.

Catch an Event at the Grady County Fairgrounds

The Grady County Fairgrounds is where you can find culture and entertainment.

It receives an average annual attendance of up to 500,000.

This location hosts various events, including community gatherings, concerts, sporting contests, and the county fair.

On their grounds, you’ll find indoor and outdoor arenas, spacious showers, and RV hookups, among other amenities.

Its purpose is to assist the community by providing activities and facilities to ensure its welfare.

Find Something Vintage at the Muscle Car Ranch

The Muscle Car Ranch is a 100-year-old dairy farm in Chickasha, Oklahoma, that’s become a mecca for classic car lovers.

You can find vintage cars, motorcycles, and even an oil and gas museum here.

The main attraction at the Muscle Car Ranch is the neon sign museum.

There are over 30 signs on display, some of which date back to the 1920s.

There are also open-air displays of rare muscle cars and bikes if you’re interested in seeing them up close.

They’re not just beautiful—they’re also educational!

You’ll learn how different models came about and what type of person would have owned one.

Have Lunch at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant serves the best Mexican cuisine in Chickasha.

Begin your meal with a basket of chips and salsa, with a sample of the restaurant’s hot salsa for something extra spicy.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find better chips anywhere else.

You should not pass up this incredible opportunity to sample some of the best Mexican dishes in Chickasha and enjoy the city’s beautiful sceneries.

End your meal with La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant’s specialty sopaipilla—it’s served with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle!

Dinner at Mama Carol’s Kitchen

Mama Carol’s Kitchen is a fantastic place to eat if you’re in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

It is a small restaurant that serves homemade food from scratch with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.

The menu contains delicious options, including wings, burgers, and salads.

Vegetarian options are also available for those who prefer to have their meals meatless and prepared with vegetables.

The atmosphere at Mama Carol’s Kitchen is cozy and friendly, so come prepared to have some fun!

Buy Something at the Perrefitte Home & Gifts

What’s not to love about Chickasha, Oklahoma?

First and foremost, why not check out Perrefitte Home & Gifts?

This store is your one-stop shop for all your holiday decorating needs.

They also have a great selection of gifts for men and women.

You’ll find everything from wreaths, garlands, lights, and ornaments in their wide selection of holiday decorations.

They also stock clothing and jewelry, making any room feel like a warm, cozy home away from home.

Visit the Rock Island Depot

Exterior of Rock Island Depot

Crimsonedge34, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rock Island Depot is a must-see for any traveler.

Stop by the Covered Performance Area when you’re done with your tour.

If you want to get out more, check out the Historic Rock Island Depot Station.

You can ride on their train or explore their museum while learning all about the depot’s history.

There are plenty of other tourist spots to visit around Chickasha—just make sure to pack some comfortable shoes!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Enjoy a Unique Movie Experience at the Chief Drive-In Theatre

You can’t visit Chickasha without hitting a drive-in movie theater.

Go back to the 1950s and enjoy some old-fashioned family fun.

The Chief Drive-In Theater was built in 1949, and it’s one of the oldest and last standing drive-ins in the state of Oklahoma.

Located in the neighboring town of Ninnekah, the drive-in theater is less than 10 minutes away from Chickasha.

It offers covered seating, full concessions, and clean restrooms, so it’s perfect for families looking for a fun night out under the stars!

Final Thoughts

It’s not hard to find reasons to come over to Chickasha.

There is always something new to do and see, from exploring its top-notch museums to enjoying its beautiful nature parks.

Why not stop by Chickasha on your way down from Oklahoma City?

Of course, there’s also the option to make it your primary travel destination.

You won’t regret it!

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