Alfalfa County
Description
Alfalfa County was formed in 1907 from Woods County. The county is named after William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, the president of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention and the ninth Governor of Oklahoma.
See the latest news from Alfalfa County
Events
JANUARY |
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| 7-8/14-15 | Eagle Watch 2010 | Great Salt Plains | 580-626-4794 |
| APRIL | |||
| 15-17 | Crystal and Birding Festival at Great Salt Plains | Great Salt Plains | 580-596-3575 |
| JUNE | |||
| 4 | Annual Youth Fishing Derby/National Trails Day | Great Salt Plains | 580-626-4794 |
| AUGUST | |||
| 26-27 | Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo | Cherokee | 580-596-3575 |
| NOVEMBER | |||
| 3-5 | NWOSU Ranger Rodeo | Alva | 580-327-8486 |
| 5 | Second Annual turnip Festival | Cherokee | 580-596-3575 |
| OCTOBER | |||
| 7-8 | Aline Fall Fair | Aline | 580-463-2563 |
Cities
Aline
ALINE hosts the Fall Fair on the second weekend in October. The celebration is kicked off Friday evening by firing a 100 pound anvil over 100 feet into the air. Afterwards, watch a movie under the stars. Saturday enjoy the parade, free soup, tractor pull and cake walk.
Just southeast of Aline is a very unique attraction that you don’t want to miss. At one time there were thousands of sod houses dotting the plains of North America. This “Soddy” built by Marshal McCully in 1894 is the only one still standing in Oklahoma that was built by a homesteader.
Marshal McCully made the Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893 staking his claim south of Aline, Oklahoma. He built his two room home with one half acre of thick buffalo grass sod and used alkali clay to plaster the inside walls. The house was completed in 1894, then Mr. McCully added a wood floor one year later in 1895. Today the museum encloses the original Sod House.
Byron
Byron State Fish Hatchery and Watchable Wildlife Area Located adjacent to a state fish hatchery that provides sportsfish such as saugeye, walleye, striped bass hybrids and smallmouth bass for statewide stocking, Byron WWA has an ever-changing variety of wildlife and blooming plants. Schools and citizens are encouraged to visit both sites to see what’s new. The WWA is open for self-guided tours daily during sunlight hours; weekday visitors also can tour the fish hatchery from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Website: www.wildlifedepartment.com/byron.htm
Cherokee
The picturesque town of Cherokee is located close to the world-class birding opportunities at the Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge. With its broad, tree-lined streets and quaint historic shopping district, Cherokee embodies the best of small-town American living. Enjoy the Crystal and Birding Festival in April at the Great Salt Plains and in November the Second Annual Turnip Festival in Cherokee. Be sure to visit the Alfalfa County Museum – open by appointment. Catch exciting events such as cutting horse, competitions, ranch sorting and rodeo at the Alfalfa County arena. Authentic western family fun!
To find out about events or activities in the Cherokee Area, contact Cherokee Main Street:
Cherokee Main Street
121 East Main Street
Cherokee, Oklahoma 73728
(580) 596-3575
Website: www.greatsaltplains.com
Jet
Selenite Crystal Dig The only place on Earth to dig for hourglass selenite crystals. A great, hands-on, get-dirty, fun-for-kids adventure! Crystal digging is permitted from April 1 through October 15, sunrise to sunset. 6 miles west of Jet on State Hwy 64 (look for a sign). 3 miles north on a sand road and 1 mile east on a paved road to the gate. Follow signs to dig area.
Website: www.fws.gov/saltplains/digging.html
Attractions
Great Salt Plains Reservoir and State Park
Oklahoma’s Best Bird Watching!
Just a few miles east of Cherokee, Oklahoma, sits one of the more unusual parks in North America, the Great Salt Plains. Not only does this area offer some of the most abundant bird watching anywhere in the country, but it is also the site for some pretty unusual digging – digging for selenite crystals.
Website: www.fws.gov/saltplains/
Website: www.greatsaltplains.com
Sod House Museum
The Sod House Museum preserves Oklahoma’s only sod house and interprets the early day lifestyles of a pioneer from the establishment of the Cherokee Outlet of 1893 up to 1920.
At one time thousands of sod houses dotted the plains region of North America. This “soddy ” built by Marshal McCully in 1894 is the only one still standing in Oklahoma that was built by a homesteader.
The museum encloses the original Sod House, which is the key exhibit. Visitors can enjoy the experience of walking through the “Soddy” and in the museum area view exhibits, artifacts, photographs and the homesteader’s root cellar. The artifacts and exhibits portray the daily life styles of the pioneers. The museum is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society along with an additional building that displays horse-drawn equipment, and period farm implements.
The museum offers exhibits, tours, educational programs and educational events. We recommend one hour minimum for your visit.
Directions:
From Cleo Springs: 4 1/2 miles north on State Hwy. 8. From US 412, 5 1/2 miles north on State Hwy. 8.
From Aline: 1 mile east, 2 1/2 miles south on State Highway 8
GPS: 36°47′22″N 98°42′60″W (1/2 mile north of E0380 Road, Alfalfa Co)
Admissions: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.
Members are free, non-member adults are $4.00, children 6 – 18 are $2.00, children under 6 are free. There are senior and group discounts for groups of 25 or more.
Phone: 580-463-2441
Contact person: Renee Trindle, Director
Email: sodhouse@okhistory.org
Website: www.okhistory.org (listed under Museums/Historic Homes)
Mailing address:
Sod House Museum
RR 3, Box 28
Aline, OK 73716
U Ranch Monument
This monument marks the headquarters of Major Andrew Drumm’s 150,000 acre ranch in the Cherokee Outlet.
Directions:
From Cherokee: 6 miles north and 2 1/2 miles east.
Great Salt Plains Vacation Outfitter:
The Newton Ranch of Oklahoma is nestled deep in the Gloss Mountains of Oklahoma within driving distance of six state parks: Little Sahara State Park, Gloss Mountain State Park, Boiling Springs State Park, Alabaster Caverns State Park, Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and State Park, Roman Nose State Park, as well as Canton Lake.
Imagine the possibilities! Horseback Riding (with our horse or your horse), camping, birding, fishing, digging selenite crystals and great dining. Not to mention peace, privacy and relaxation are all available to you.
Your time with us will be customized to fit your interests, itinerary and group size. We can also assist you with your trip by arranging side trips to other area attractions and give you our “insider” favorites.
Concierge, Step-on guide, and transportation services are available.
Website: www.glossmountainoutfitters.com
Sand Hill Guided Hunts
I have lived and hunted north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas the past 38 years. Not only do I know the hunting areas very well, but I have access to thousands of acres. Quail, Pheasant, Turkey and Deer are abundant and landowners have entrusted me with their land; we want to share that with you, the hunter.
You can be guided if you wish, or we will show you where the game is and leave you alone to enjoy the great outdoors – it is your choice. We know you are coming to hunt and expect to enjoy your stay with us while we show you why this area is a great place to live, as well as hunt. You won’t be disappointed with our hunting or hospitality. Thank you and good luck.
Joe Feely
Website: www.sandhillhunts.com