Boiling Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boiling Springs State Park |
|
|---|---|
Spring-fed pond in Boiling Springs State Park
|
|
 Boiling Springs State Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Woodward County, Oklahoma, United States |
| Nearest city | Woodward |
| Area | 820 acres (330 ha) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Visitors | 283,261 (in FY 2016) |
| Governing body | Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department |
Boiling Springs State Park is a cool place to visit in Woodward, Oklahoma, USA. It's about 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of the city. Young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build this park in the 1930s.
Contents
Park History
This park started in the 1930s. It was named for its special springs. The park gets its name because the sandy-bottom springs look like they are boiling. This happens because water rushes up from underground. But don't worry, the water is actually cool!
Early Visitors to the Area
Many different groups have visited this land. Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and pioneers all spent time here. Spanish explorers from Mexico might have visited as early as 1541. They were part of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s search for the famous "Seven Cities of Gold".
In 1641, another Spanish explorer, Juan de Oñate, found Native American camps here. They liked the cool springs and thick forests. Later, in 1823, U.S. Cavalry General Thomas James set up a fur trading post. Captain Nathan Boone, son of Daniel Boone, explored the area in 1843. He came from Fort Gibson in eastern Oklahoma.
When pioneers came to this area in 1893, they found it great for farming and hunting. By the early 1900s, local people started to enjoy the area for fun.
Building the Park
In 1935, the City of Woodward bought much of this land. They wanted to create a place for everyone to enjoy. The main work on the park was done by young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This group, Company 2822, worked from 1935 to 1939. There is a monument in the park to honor their hard work. They helped make the park a wonderful place for many people.
Park Geography
The park covers 820 acres (332 hectares) and has a small lake. It is northeast of Woodward. This part of Oklahoma has a dry climate and not many plants.
Nature and Wildlife
However, the park itself has many trees. You can find hackberry, walnut, soapberry, oak, and elm trees here. These trees attract lots of wildlife. You might see whitetail deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and coyotes. Other animals include bobcats, beavers, badgers, skunks, and opossums.
Northwestern Oklahoma has three main natural areas. These are the Sandstone Hills, Gypsum Hills, and High Plains. The "boiling" springs are caused by water rising quickly from underground streams.
Park Activities
Boiling Springs State Park offers many things to do. You can stay in cabins, RV sites, or tent campsites. There is also an 18-hole golf course. The park has hiking trails for exploring nature.
More than 200,000 people visit the park each year. There are two camping areas for all types of campers. Cabins are located right next to the park's 5-acre (2-hectare) lake. You can also find group camps and picnic spots. Other fun activities include swimming, fishing, and watching wildlife.
