Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge was established March 26, 1930, for migratory and breeding birds. The 32,197 acre refuge is located in north-central Oklahoma near Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Wichita. Over 315 species have been documented with a high diversity and abundance of waterfowl and shorebirds during fall and spring migration. About one third of the refuge is a 13,000 acre salt flat, the largest within the central lowlands.
Crystal Digging Season open April 1 through October 15

Dig for free selenite crystals during the Crystal Digging Season open April 1 through October 15 from sunrise to sunset. Crystal Digging is only allowed in the designated dig area, marked with bright orange signs about 1 mile through the gate at Selenite Crystal Dig Area located at: 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK 73728. The observation tower is open all year! Call 580/626-4794 for more information. 

Latest News

Mixed flock of geese flying off refuge.
Wildlife Management
Weekly Waterfowl Survey
Each week, October-March, the refuge performs a count of waterfowl and other bird species. Counts are usually conducted Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday depending on staff availability and access to count areas.
A big brown wooly animal with horns grazes in the snow at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge outside of Denver.
Wildlife Wonders
Weathering the Cold
Animals deploy a host of strategies to survive the cold. Some may surprise you.
A brown sheep with big curled horns gets its photo snapped by a trail camera at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona.
Science and Technology
Wildlife Selfies
Animals trigger candid snaps when they approach remote-action trail cameras. The surprisingly high-quality shots that result not only entertain; they also inform refuge science and wildlife management.
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Visit Us

People can participate in hunting, fishing, birdwatching, crystal digging, wildlife viewing and hiking. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is free of charge. Pets are permitted but must be on leash. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Visitor Center located two miles south of State Highway 11 along County Road 720.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 32,197 acres in north-central Oklahoma. The refuge is composed of mixed-grass prairie, rolling sand hills, forested riparian riparian
      Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

      Learn more about riparian       areas, herbaceous wetlands, open water (Great Salt Plains Reservoir), and salt flats.

      What We Do

      Many conservation tools like prescribed fire, heavy equipment, and chemical herbicides are used to manage the refuge for migratory and breeding birds, mammals, herps, fish and aquatic species. As well as connecting to the surrounding community and partners about environmental issues.

      Our Species

      Two large white birds with spindly legs and black tips on their wings coming in for a landing in a wetland
      Whooping Crane

      The whooping crane occurs only in North America and is North America’s tallest bird, with males approaching 1.5 m (5 ft) when standing erect. The whooping crane adult plumage is snowy white except for black primaries, black or grayish alula (specialized feathers attached to the upper leading end...

      FWS Focus
      Species
      Kingdom
      Animalia
      Taxonomic Rank
      Species

      Projects and Research

      The refuge has management programs focused on inventory and monitoring, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       and habitat. The Visitor Services Program focuses projects on outreach, education and partnerships.