Johnston County: Nature, Water and Chickasaw History

Johnston County brings together a variety of landscapes: In the north, rock outcrops and the rolling terrain of the Arbuckle Mountains physiographic region shape the area. In the south, a northern arm of Lake Texoma extends into the county southeast of Tishomingo. The Blue River offers another point of reference, rising near Connerville and flowing southeast toward the Red River. When planning your trip, first consider whether water, nature watching or Chickasaw history will shape your stay.

Landscapes, Migratory Birds and Trails

Different habitats come together at the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge: A large part of the protected area lies in the Blackland Prairie ecosystem. The refuge was established in 1946 to protect habitat for migratory waterfowl along the Central Flyway. In fall, thousands of snow geese, Ross’s geese and white-fronted geese in particular visit the fields along the Wildlife Drive. Seasonal bird activity gives the area a different focus from the water activities the refuge offers in summer: fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking are among the options then.

Those who want to explore nature on foot will find self-guided trails through wildflower fields, forests and wetlands at the refuge. The Craven Nature Trail is a 0.75-mile loop; a 0.25-mile paved section leads to an observation platform at Dick’s Pond. The Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery is also located on Pennington Creek. Its facilities include 50 ponds, four rearing buildings and six raceways.

Blue River and Water Activities

The Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area covers 3,367 acres, with post oak and blackjack oak trees, scattered open areas and 6.25 miles of accessible, wadeable river. The Blue River is designated as a trout area from November to mid-March and is stocked with rainbow trout every week. This makes its seasonal fishing conditions different from the summer water activities at the refuge.

Kayak rafting trips are offered on the Blue River. The river is rated Class II–III; several rapids and rock ledges depend on seasonal water levels. If you’re planning to include this river trip, check water conditions before your visit. In Tishomingo, Pennington Creek Park offers a different way to spend time by the water: The 15-acre park lies along Pennington Creek and spreads three and a half miles of walking trails across seven short routes that follow the creek. The small dam and creek are home to a swimming spot that’s popular in summer, where swimming is free.

Chickasaw History and Culture

The Chickasaw Capitol Building was constructed in 1898 and served as the seat of the Chickasaw government until Oklahoma became a state. The Chickasaw Council House Museum preserves an original log cabin dating to 1855, where the Chickasaw Constitution was signed in 1856. The museum’s exhibits include historical artifacts about Chickasaw history and culture, as well as contemporary works by Chickasaw artists. Together, political history, cultural traditions and contemporary artistic expression offer different ways to explore Chickasaw heritage.

Other buildings and historic sites also tell the story of the region. The Wapanucka Female Manual Labour School was built in 1851–1852 by the Chickasaw Nation and the Presbyterian Church’s Board of Foreign Missions. The Rock Academy building was used by Confederate troops as a hospital and prison during the American Civil War. The Wapanucka Academy site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972; its registration number is NR 72001065. The Chickasaw Bank Museum is housed in a restored 1902 building that served as the Chickasaw tribe’s bank around the turn of the century and was added to the National Historical Register in 1992. The museum also houses the County Historical Museum, a research library for the county historical and genealogical society, a Victorian tea room and a gift shop.

Local Food and Evening Entertainment

Ole Red Tishomingo combines a restaurant, live music and retail, and welcomes walk-in customers daily for lunch and dinner; opening hours may change. The Doghouse hosts jams on Thursdays, live concerts on Fridays and a Saturday Shindig dance party. Check the schedule before visiting. At Old Silo Winery, the offerings include tastings of small-batch wines made from Oklahoma-grown fruit and grape varieties. The selection changes throughout the year, so seasonal offerings shape the tasting experience.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Johnston County, it helps to first decide which experiences matter to you: seasonal birdwatching, trails through diverse habitats, time by the water or Chickasaw history.

Explore more destinations: Tishomingo, Delaware County, Okfuskee County, Pittsburg County, Canadian County, Caddo County, Kay County, Sequoyah County.

For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.