What’s there to do in Oklahoma? Hike the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve!
What is the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve and Harriet Barclay Visitor Center?
The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is a rare area of land for Oklahoma. It has large beautiful limestone bluffs, lush forests, and all kinds of wildlife. The visitor center holds many fossils and items that have been found in the preserve along with detailed information about the area.
The Harriet Barclay Visitor Center
To the left of the trail head is the visitor center. It is connected to the home on the grounds where an employee lives to protect the area and ensure no-one is there after hours.
The visitor center is one of my favorite aspects of the preserve. It holds many interactive activities and exhibits for all ages.
Inside you will find a large detailed model of the nature preserve with detailed information about the history of the area within the center.
Fossils and natural artifacts can be found for you to touch and learn about as well.
Visitor Center Hours & Cost
Friday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays through Thursdays
Cost : Free to enter
The Preserve
Preserve Hours
Open Friday – Sunday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays through Thursdays
You can see up to date official dates and hours at the Official Redbud Valley Nature Preserve Website.
Preserve Rules
They request that you do not do any of the following:
Ride your bike on the trails, Walk your dog or other pet, Play a radio, Have a picnic outside of the picnic area, Go fishing, Go hunting, Target practice with gun, bow or air rifle, Make a fire, Go swimming, Camp overnight,Use fireworks, Rock climb, Hike off trail
That is a lot of things to not do but that is because this area has thin soils and is easily damaged. Hiking off trails kills plants, and exposes bare soil causing erosion. But here are some things they request you do while there Hike, daydream, bird watch, visit with a naturalist , sketch, photograph butterflies, relax, study the wildflowers, forget things, look for fossils, remember things, sit, stare, listen and more. The main thing to remember is this area is special, do not disturb the life of the preserve.
The Trail
The trail is one mile long and it takes you through a variety of habitats.
Cash and Cale love hiking the trail with us. It’s not too long but has many unique aspects unlike other hiking areas we have found in Oklahoma. We always ensure to stay on the trail to protect the plants and wildlife in the preserve. We really love the limestone bluffs, and the creek beside it. There are many areas that our boys call “caves” and they love hiking here.
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The History of Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
In the 1960’s the Nature Conservancy bought the area. Dr. Barclay was a professor at the University of Tulsa (TU) and she pushed for the purchase of the area to protect it. She worked with the Tulsa Tribune to raise money to repay the Nature Conservancy. In 1990 the maintenance was transferred form TU to the City of Tulsa. Today it is managed by the Oxley Nature Center and in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy.
What to bring
Make sure to bring Bug Spray to prevent ticks. For a list of what we bring when hiking check out our Amazon Hiking List. For more information on tick prevention and handling check out our article all about that.
Events and Activities at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
Redbud Valley would be a great place to throw a birthday party! They also have all kinds of learning events. You can find more out about their current events on the Oxley Nature Center Facebook Page (They use this page to update info on Oxley Nature Center and Redbud Valley)
Come check it out for yourself!
Tell them Dylan from Family Travel Go sent you!
Map of Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
Here is a Map of the Park which is posted on site so you can view it in person as well.
Where is the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve?
Some people or signs say Rebud Valley is in Tulsa others say it’s in Catoosa. Either way its a place you must go if you love the outdoors.
Check out the map below to see where the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is and how to get there.
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Want to know more places to hike in Oklahoma from the articles below and check out our website section What’s there to do in Oklahoma Section!
Let us know what you think.
Have you ever been to Redbud Valley Nature Preserve or somewhere similar? Please let us know in the comments below?