ashenHow does an adventure travel visit to a town with a population of only 500 sound? Could be tranquil for some, boring for most and intriguing to others. That was the population once in the town of Thackerville of South Central Oklahoma, the current statistics aren’t available. But you can be sure that it hasn’t grown exponentially. However, does this mean that it has nothing to offer to us adventurers? not really. While not all activities are exactly adrenaline filled, there are quite a few things in store for adventure lovers in this town. So here is our list of things to do in Thackerville OK.
But before we dive into that, let’s get to know a little trivia about where we are headed to. The founder of this secluded little space was Zachariah Thacker in the mid-1800s. Named after him, it is at the intersection of the U.S. Highways 77 and 153 with just an hour and a half north drive from Dallas and two hours south of Oklahoma City. The story is that Zachariah who was traveling from Arkansas to Amarillo, Texas camped one night at Wolf Hollow Creek in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory.
He and a few fellow locals started farming together and he even built a corn mill near the creek. The community moved southeast to where it is presently located after Thackers death in 1887. On July 5, 1899, the town was officially incorporated into Indian Territory as a result of a petition filed by the then citizens of this small community. That’s all there is to the history of Thackerville and how it came into being. Onwards with the sightseeing journey!
Red River Ranch RV Resort
Camping seems to follow us wherever we go. The Red River Ranch resort has plenty of well maintained camping space to ensure that you as a visitor get the best possible experience. The specialty of this resort is that it is located on the Oklahoma/Texas border near Lake Texoma and close to the Winstar World Casino. Great sites reserved for tent camping with gravel spread out and spacious with picnic tables and firepit. They got a pool/spa combination area and a well stocked store that supplies campers with the needful. The staff is pretty friendly and helpful too.
Thackerville Park
Thackerville Park is a public park located in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including a playground, a walking trail, a picnic area, a basketball court, and a disc golf course. It also has a pavilion and a gazebo for special events. The park is open to the public and is free to use. Great place to get to know some of the locals.
Love Valley WMA Camping Site
The more sophisticated camping site in Thackerville. It is a family-friendly campground that offers a variety of activities for all ages. The campground features a swimming pool, playground, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a fishing pond. There are also plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. The campground also offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. Amenities include a camp store, laundry facilities, and restrooms with showers. It spans 7,746 acres of south central and eastern Love County, located just east of Interstate 35. If you are a wildlife lover, you’ve hit the jackpot. Get to see Furbearers, Deers, Rabbits, Bobwhite quail and Waterfowls. Also, You can fish at Lake Texoma, known for stripers, catfish, crappie, and bass.
I-35 MX Park
Like we mentioned in the beginning, an adventure trip to a town like Thackerville in the first impression sounds boring. So check this out. I-35 MX Park is a motocross park located in Moore about 12 miles away from Thackerville. The park features a 1.2 mile long track with a variety of jumps, berms, and other obstacles. They also have a separate pit bike track and a practice track. The park is open to riders of all skill levels and offers lessons for those who are new to the sport. They provide everything required, including the gear, vehicle, and every other necessity. Have fun out in the dirt, just don’t hurt yourself.
Red River Fishing
Fishing in the Red River Thackerville is a great way to spend a day. The Red River is a great spot for anglers of all skill levels. The river is home to a variety of species including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. The river is also known for its excellent walleye and sauger fishing. Anglers can find plenty of access points along the river, including boat ramps, public parks, and private marinas.
Addison Ranch
Addison Ranch is a family-owned and operated ranch located in Thackerville. The ranch is home to more than 500 head of cattle, and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including horseback riding, hay rides, fishing, and more. The ranch also offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. It is said that Addison Ranch offers the best whitetail deer hunting in all of Oklahoma. There is a selection of hunts you can select from and the ranch supplies you with a full-time hunting guide.
Tucker Tower Views
Tucker Tower is a historic tower located in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The tower was built in 1932 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) as a memorial to the area’s first settlers, the Tucker family. The tower stands at a height of 50 feet and is constructed of native sandstone. It is topped with a copper-covered dome and features a spiral staircase that leads to an observation deck. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for tours. If you visit Lake Murray, make sure to climb Tucker Tower to feast your eyes in the glorious view of the lake from the top. The endless blue water is a sight to see.
Sad to say, these are the only activities that are close to being adventurous. Anyways, the post would be incomplete if we do not mention some of the family things to do here.
A Few of The Family Things to Do in Thackerville OK
- Palladium Sports Lounge
- Thackerville Information Center
- Farmer Jim’s Fresh Produce
- Love County Pioneer Museum
- WinStar Golf Course
I bet everyone already knows that Thackerville hosts the largest casino in the world, WinStar World Casino and Resort. You can have the gaming experience of a lifetime. The casino offers over 7,400 electronic games, over 100 table games, a 55-table poker room, and a 3,500-seat Global Event Center. The resort also features a 3,500-room hotel, a golf course, a spa, a pool, and multiple restaurants. WinStar World Casino and Resort is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Afterwards, you can head over to the Palladium Sports lounge to relax and chill, enjoy their delicious snacks, taste some of their outstanding cocktails or brews. You need to have reservations first though. If you want to experience more of Thackervilles cuisine, head over to Mickey Mantle’s. The restaurant offers a variety of classic American dishes, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines. The restaurant also features a full-service bar and live music on weekends.
As you can see, Thackerville has a whole lot to offer in terms of spending some quality time with your family. It may not have canyoneering or mountain climbing, but it sure qualifies as a great destination for a weekend getaway.
