Lake & Trail Country Region, OK Land for Sale

Lake and Trail Country includes the south-central area of the state, bordering Texas to the south. It is also known as Chickasaw Country. The region centers on the Arbuckle Mountains, an ancient, eroded range which stretches around 70 miles across the region, surrounded by rivers and lakes. The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma covers the eastern third of the region, and includes the tribal capitol building in Tishomingo and headquarters in Ada. Ardmore is the largest city in the region, with other large cities being Ada, Durant and Pauls Valley, and much of the region remains largely rural. A large portion of the region is cross timbers region transitioning from heavily wooded area to a rolling savannah area in the west, with trees scattered here and there.

The region has some of the highest oil and gas production in the state, with Carter County being the largest producer in Oklahoma. Additionally, wind power also contributes to the energy industry. Other industries include agricultural manufacturing and related bioscience research. Ardmore serves as the cultural and economic center of the region, with a number of manufacturers and retailers based there. Large employers in Ardmore include an auto parts manufacturer, healthcare system and a large retail discount store's distribution center. East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the second largest higher education institution in the region, and Murray State College are located in the region.

In addition to the Arbuckle Mountains being a defining geographical element in the region, there are many lakes throughout the region, at times shaped by the irregular topography of the Arbuckle Range. The largest lakes are Lake Texoma, 89,000 acres, and Lake Murray, 5,700 acres, both man-made. Fishing, boating and swimming are popular, especially on Lake Texoma, which is the second most popular lake in the United States. Oklahoma's largest waterfall is in the region, Turner Falls. The area's proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth makes it a popular weekend destination for those looking for a respite from congested North Texas. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, known for its mineral springs, cool water. flora, fauna and wildlife, Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and Fish Hatchery and Lake Texoma State Park are protected areas in the county. Other popular outdoor attractions include Chickasaw Community Gardens, Turner Falls Park, featuring the largest waterfall in the state, Lake of the Arbuckles, Pennington Creek Park, Rock Creek Park, Blue River, Lake Chickasha, and Washita River Valley. Other attractions in the region include Chickasaw Cultural Center, Chickasaw National Capital Building, built in 1898 out of local red granite, Greater Southwest Museum, Boggy Depot Park, Fort Washita Historic Site and Museum, built in 1842, Gene Autry Museum, Healdton Oil Museum, Military Memorial Museum, National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools, several wineries and vineyards, nearly 20 golf courses and nearly 20 casinos and gaming centers.

Bryan County is located in the southeast corner of Oklahoma's Lake and Trail Country, and borders Texas to the south. Durant is the only city and the county seat, and there are nearly 30 other towns, census-designated places and unincorporated communities. The county is also divided in to 10 townships. Is named for William Jennings Bryan, a Populist politician and US Representative in the early 1900s. Headquarters of the Choctaw Nation are in this county, in Durant. The county is located in the Coastal Plains region, and is mostly drained into the Blue River. Lake Texoma forms much of the southern boundary of Bryan County. The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and distribution. Major employers in the county include the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a large meat processing facility, Durant Historic Central Business District and Retail District, a glass manufacturing facility, a national discount retailer's distribution center, and two local bank chains. Lake Texoma is a huge draw for tourists, featuring record-setting fishing of catfish and small-mouth bass, and also bass, crappie, sunfish, striped bass and white bass. Other attractions include Fort Washita Historical Site, featuring Civil War and WWII reenactments, Three Valley Museum, a large casino in Durant and the World's Largest Peanut and World's Oldest Monument in Durant City Hall. There are also a number of sites in the county on the National Register of Historic Places.

Marshall County is located in the south-central part of Oklahoma's Lake and Trail Country, just west of Bryan County, and also borders Texas to the south. It is the smallest county in the state by land area, and the third smallest by total area. It is named after the mother of George Henshaw, using her maiden name, a member of the 1906 Oklahoma Constitutional Convention. Madill is the only city and the county seat, and there are less than 10 other towns, unincorporated communities and one census-designated place. The Red River drains the county and forms the southern boundary of the county, and a large portion of Lake Texoma is in the county, forming the southern and eastern boundary. The county's economy is based on agriculture and ranching, with largest crops being rye, oats and peanuts. Other significant industries include wood products, manufacturing, specifically livestock trailers, and tourism. Lake Texoma is a large draw for tourists in this county as well, and part of the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is in the county as well. Some other attractions include the Museum of Southern Oklahoma, Madill FFA Rodeo, the oldest rodeo in Oklahoma, which occurs in April each year, and a championship golf course.