Great Salt Plains State Park is a unique natural gem in Oklahoma featuring expansive salt flats and a vital refuge for diverse wildlife. The park draws outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for crystal digging, bird watching, and camping.
Located in northwestern Oklahoma, Great Salt Plains State Park offers visitors a rare chance to explore a unique environment dominated by vast salt flats created by the prehistoric sea that once covered the area. These distinctive features are not only captivating for photographers but also for those interested in geology, as they provide a rare opportunity to dig for hourglass selenite crystals found only here. The surrounding landscapes host a variety of habitats including prairie grasslands and wetlands, creating a home for over 300 species of birds, making it a hotspot for bird watchers. The park's history ties closely with the adjacent Great Salt Plains Lake, which provides ample opportunities for fishing and water recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking along trails that provide scenic views of the plains and the wildlife inhabiting them. The history of the region is reflected in its connection to Native American tribes and early settlers, adding layers of cultural significance to its natural allure.
Dig your own hourglass-shaped selenite crystals from the salt flats.
Spot rare and migratory bird species within the wildlife refuge.
Enjoy fishing and boating on the Great Salt Plains Lake.
Explore unique landscapes through a network of accessible trails.
These are sprawling salt flats where visitors can dig for crystals.
A large lake popular for fishing, boating, and bird watching.
Designated areas where visitors can dig for the rare hourglass selenite crystals.