Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering over 30,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and salt flats in Oklahoma. The landscape supports hundreds of bird species and diverse wildlife that migrate through or reside in the different habitats.

The area was protected in 1930 under President Herbert Hoover and received further designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1983. These protections secured the landscape for long-term conservation.

Indigenous peoples, particularly the Osage, depended on these salt flats for trade goods and subsistence resources for centuries. Today the refuge reflects how Native communities shaped and understood this landscape.

The refuge is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset with trails and observation areas for wildlife viewing. Spring and fall seasons offer the most active viewing as migratory birds pass through in large numbers.

This is one of the few places globally where visitors can dig hourglass-shaped selenite crystals from the salt flats. The crystal excavation is permitted seasonally in designated zones, drawing collectors and curious travelers from around the world.

Location: Alfalfa County

Inception: 1930

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/salt_plains

GPS coordinates: 36.75030,-98.22430

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41