OSAGE HILLS STATE PARK
You can almost hear echoes of the Native past through the trees. Nestled in lush rolling hills, this area was once an Osage Indian settlement. When you've settled down in the comfort of your quiet, private cabin, you'll feel as if you've truly gotten away from it all. Osage Hills State Park is the gateway to Oklahoma's Tallgrass Prairie.
Osage Hills State Park offers 1,100 acres with picnic tables and shelters, 20 RV campsites and 8 cabins, swimming pool, hiking trails, ball field and tennis court. Abundant fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and perch can be found in Lookout Lake, or in Sand Creek at the south end of the park. Area has good opportunities for fall foliage viewing. Average cabin rate $$$ (65-100).
Established in 1935, the park is located in northeastern Oklahoma. It was built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. The CCC constructed trails, cabins and a swimming pool.
The area's natural beauty includes forests of oak and hickory trees along with sandstone bluffs. Wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats inhabit this region.
In addition to camping facilities, it offers recreational activities like hiking, fishing and picnicking for visitors year-round.
1. Osage Hills State Park offers a swimming pool for visitors.
2. The park's pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. Lifeguards are on duty during the operating hours of the pool.
4. Pool passes can be purchased at an affordable rate per person or family season pass options are available too.
5. Children under 12 must have adult supervision to use the swimming facilities in this state park.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two lakes within the area where guests can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and paddle boats. However, no motorized watercrafts are allowed to ensure tranquility in nature is maintained. Canoe rentals are available at the park office if you don't have your own equipment.
Enjoy fishing in two well-stocked lakes, home to largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. A valid license is required.
Osage Hills State Park is located near Bartlesville
Osage Hills State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Shelters can be reserved for larger gatherings.
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 1,100 acres of rugged terrain. Be aware that trails are shared with hikers.
The park offers several miles of mountain biking routes. However, these paths may be challenging for beginners due to elevation changes.
Cyclists should exercise caution on the steep and rocky sections found throughout the trail network in this area.
There's a bike rental service available if you don't have your own equipment but remember helmets aren't provided so bring yours along!
While cycling is permitted year-round, weather conditions could make some parts impassable during certain seasons; always check before setting out.
Remember: safety first! Always wear protective gear and follow posted rules while enjoying these scenic rides through nature's beauty.
1. Lake Trail: This is a 0.8-mile trail that loops around the park's lake, offering beautiful views of waterfowl and aquatic life.
2. Creek Loop: A moderate difficulty hike spanning about 1 mile, this loop follows Sand Creek with several scenic overlooks along its course.
3. Overlook Trail: At approximately one-third of a mile long, it leads to an elevated viewpoint providing panoramic vistas over Osage Hills State Park's rugged landscape.
4. Bluestem Prairie Nature Trail: An easy half-mile walk through tallgrass prairie land where hikers can observe native flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
5. Sandstone Ridge Hiking Trails: These trails are more challenging due to steep inclines but reward hikers with stunning sandstone formations across roughly two miles.
6. Woodland Interpretive Trial: It's just under a quarter-of-a-miles-long self-guided nature path highlighting various tree species within the forest ecosystem at Osage Hills State Park.
7. Lookout Tower Spur: Short yet rewarding .25 mile spur off from main hiking routes leading up towards old fire lookout tower site for expansive view points above treetops.
8. Bison Viewpoint Pathway: Although not technically classified as 'hike', this short pathway offers chance sighting bison herd grazing nearby fields; distance varies depending on location bison seen from day-to-day.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including woodpeckers, owls and songbirds. Trails offer prime viewing spots.
Woolaroc Museum, Bartlesville ? Tom Mix Museum, Dewey ? Price Tower, Bartlesville ? Frank Phillips Museum, Bartlesville ? Prairie Song-Indian Territory, Dewey ? Wah-Sha-She State Park, Hulah Lake ? Osage Historical Museum, Pawhuska ? Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Pawhuska
Bell RV Village1001 Northeast Washington Boulevard
Bartlesville, OK
918-214-8773
Osage Hills State Park
Hwy 60 W
Bartlesville, OK 74006
Located 11 miles W of Bartlesville on Hwy 60 from Hwy 123.