Though the Panhandle and Northwest Oklahoma may be majestic, alive with the beauty of the "wind sweeping down the plains," there are a few other undeniable truths that exist. First, it's hot - really hot. Second, things to do in these parts tend to be few and far between. Finding adventure in your own backyard can require creativity and sometimes a short road trip.
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| "Look, Mom! Treasure!" |
Northwest Oklahoma offers a vast array of unique and interesting State Parks, such as The Little Sahara State Park, Boiling Springs State Park and today's destination: The Great Salt Plains State Park. The barren landscape of the Great Salt Plains is comprised of salt left over from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the saltwater lake in the park, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean.
Bring your shovel! In designated "dig areas", you can sift through the wet dirt and find buried treasure! Just beneath the surface, water travels through the salt-saturated ground and comes to the surface where it evaporates, leaving a layer or crust of white salt. This concentrated saline solution combines with gypsum to promote selenite crystal growth in a portion of the salt flats.
Not only is this a great family outing, but makes a great geography and history lesson as well.
Click here for more information about the Great Salt Plains and don't forget about the treasures in your own backyard!
