07 June 2025, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma

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Today, we planned to hit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to see the museum and get my passport stamps and stickers. The park consists of 10,000 acres. Directions to the visitor center took us into town. The visitor center is right outside the park entrance. When we arrived, we saw that a large artisan's festival was underway. The parking gods shone on us, and we found a spot right across the street. The visitor center features a small museum, and I was able to get my passport stamped; however, no stickers were available. One of the salespeople told me to go to the Travertine Nature Center inside the park, and they have stickers. 

We decided to wander through the festival. The artists were mainly American Indians. All the art, jewelry, materials, baskets, and mosaics were so colorful and beautiful. We watched a few tribes perform dances, which I always love. The tribal clothing was amazing; the colors so vibrant. After exploring all the booths, we found the food truck area and grabbed a bite to eat while we people-watched. After a bit, it was getting warm, so we decided to head out to the park. 

We found the Travertine Nature Center. The displays inside were educational, and it was a pleasure walking around the museum. I was able to add a different stamp and get my stickers. The park is very shady and maintains over 20 miles of hiking trails. There are lakes for boating, waterskiing, and fishing, as well as camping areas (no RV hookups) and picnicking. We saw lots of families enjoying themselves. It is a beautiful park. We found the buffalo area, but only saw one. We did see two bucks happily bouncing through a meadow. We have yet to see a "live" armadillo. I was hoping we might see one in the park, but unfortunately, we didn't. 

Guess what was next on the agenda? BINGO.... you're right, a cemetery! Byrds Prairie Cemetery is outside of Tupelo, about an hour's drive. I have McCurdys buried there: Thomas J. McCurdy and his wife, Margurett M. (spelling is correct). I need to conduct further research on the McCurdy line. So many genealogy things to do, and my list keeps growing. I added the GPS coordinates to Find A Grave since they were missing. I've been trying to remember to do that at all the cemeteries we have visited. 

















We almost missed the sign





Thomas J McCurdy
Byrds Prairie Cemetery, Tupelo, Oklahoma


Margurett M. McCurdy
Byrds Prairie Cemetery, Tupelo, Oklahoma










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