Return trip to the Station will include a stop in the Arbuckle Mountains for short hikes, photographs, and viewing the flora and fauna. In 1899, the Territorial Legislature of the future state of Oklahoma mandated the founding of a natural history museum on the campus of the University of the Territory of Oklahoma in Norman, now the University of Oklahoma. Since that time, the existing museum has had a long and distinguished history, acquiring over 5,000,000 objects that belong to the people of the state of Oklahoma. Over 300 million years of Oklahoma s natural history can be seen in a 195,000 square foot facility. Five galleries feature thousands of artifacts in 50,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.
The ancient Arbuckle Mountains, the oldest mountain range in North America, are an area of low to moderate hills in Murray, Johnston, and Pontotoc Counties in south-central Oklahoma. Although the relief in this mountain area is not great, it is still impressive because it is six times greater than any other topographic feature between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Texas. Waterfalls and hot springs abound in the area, as well as major fossil deposits. Wear comfortable but sturdy clothing considered customary for hiking conditions. A hat, sunscreen and water bottle are a good idea, as well as a camera and binoculars.