Facility Activities

There are many activities available at this refuge including: hunting, fishing, driving the auto tour, birding, watching wildlife, photography and selenite crystal digging. 

The Selenite Crystal Digging Area is open for crystal digging April 1 through October 15 from sunrise to sunset and is located 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK 73728. During this time and in specific areas, anyone can dig for free selenite crystals on the salt flats. Visitors are permitted to remove up to 10 pounds of crystals, plus one large cluster for their personal use. Visitors can still view the salt flats when the dig area is closed from the observation tower.

Hunting

More information about regulations, locations, and species can be found with the refuge hunting brochure. White-tailed Deer and Spring Turkey hunting are only allowed via permit with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunting Program. Hunters must apply directly with...

Fishing
Fishing (Open April 1 - October 15)

All fishing follows Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) regulations with additional refuge regulations. Special regulations apply to Bonham Pond and Great Salt Plains Lake. Fishing trails are only open during the fishing season.

Areas open to...
Auto tour

Overall, it was named after Harold F. Miller, a local resident who devoted 38 years to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Drive 2.5 miles one-way north through managed wetlands to see many different birds and wildflowers. This is a great place to see waterfowl and eagles. Hike the short trail...

Birding
Overall

Three hundred and fifteen species have been observed since 1930. 

Best Time and Places to SeeWhooping Cranes - October through early November, and late March at Eagle Roost Trail and Cottonwood Point.Sandhill Cranes - October through April at Eagle Roost Trail, Cottonwood Point,...
Wildlife watching

Many fish and wildlife species use the refuge throughout the year. Some common species are the white-tailed deer, red-eared slider, and nine-banded armadillo. Most wildlife species are most active around sunrise and sunset. The best places to view them are on designated refuge trails, the Harold...

Photography

There is a variety of wildlife and landscapes to capture. Overall, there are two photo blinds and three observation decks. Photo blinds are more covered and allow photographers to get closer to wildlife. The photo blinds are at Eagle Roost Trail and Casey Marsh Trail. While the observation decks...