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Alfalfa County, 12 miles E of Cherokee, OK
8,690 acres
Shoreline: 3,200 miles
580-626-4731
| The Salt Ford, flowing through the plain,
was known to the Osage Indians as "Nescatunga" (big salt
water). The Great Salt Plains have been the scene of many Indian
councils, in both war and peace. The value of the plains lies not
only in their salt, but in the rich hunting afforded by the animals
migrating there.
Local legend has it that a cache of gold was buried in the vicinity of the dam. In 1850, five men carrying 14 bars of gold were attacked by Indians. Three were killed; the other two are said to have buried the gold in a buffalo skin, marking the spot with an end-gate rod from their wagon. One of the men returned with a map and began a search for the treasure. In 1904, he reportedly recovered the hide and discovered traces of the gold but was forced to discontinue his search due to quicksand and shaft cave-ins. The salt plains covers about 40 square miles and consist of saltwater-saturated sand and encrusted salt. Channel catfish are abundant in Great Salt Plains Lake, although the salt content is very high. Striped bass, walleye, and blue catfish have been introduced into the lake in an attempt to diversify species. |
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PUBLIC |
FEATURES: |
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Jet Recreation Area *closed Oct 15-Apr 15 |
Boat ramp; Picnic area; Campsites; Drinking water; Restrooms; |
| North Spillway | Picnic area; Campsites; Drinking water; Restrooms |
| Salt River Road | Picnic area; Campsites; Drinking water; Group shelter; Restrooms; Showers; Change house; Dump station; Electricity; Nature trail; Marina |
| Sandy Beach | Boat ramp; Picnic area; Campsites; Drinking water; Group shelter; Restrooms; Showers; Swim beach; Change house; Electricity; Playground |
| South Recreation Area | Boat ramp; Picnic area; Drinking water; Restrooms; Cabins |
| South Spillway | Picnic area; Campsites; Drinking water; Restrooms |
| Cherokee RV Park
(privately owned) Cherokee, OK 580-596-3326, citycher@akslc.net RV hookups, restaurant, gift shop, visitor info, dump station, playground, cable TV, modem hookup, security
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| Great Salt Plains State Park Jet, OK 580-626-4731
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| Great Salt Plains
National Wildlife Refuge Jet, OK 580-626-4794 Fishing, hunting, camping, nature trails, crystal digging, Sandpiper Trail, fishing pond for disabled, auto tours, visitor center, limited public hunting, handicap access
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| Jack's Country Store Jet, OK jackslur@kanokla.net |
Last Updated:
06/30/2006
K Moon, Webmaster