Little Sahara State Park

Little Sahara State Park
A photo of sand dunes in Little Sahara State Park
Dunes in Little Sahara State Park
A map of Oklahoma showing the location of Little Sahara State Park
Location Woods County, Oklahoma, United States
Nearest city Waynoka, OK
Coordinates 36°31′59″N 98°52′55″W / 36.533056°N 98.881944°W / 36.533056; -98.881944Coordinates: 36°31′59″N 98°52′55″W / 36.533056°N 98.881944°W / 36.533056; -98.881944
Area 1,600 acres (6.5 km2)
Governing body Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4581

Little Sahara State Park is a state park located in Oklahoma, named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert.The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits, remnants of prehistoric times when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area.[1]

Little Sahara was founded in the early 1950s as a city park by Grace Ward Smith, head of Alva's Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, the dunes were primarily seen as a nuisance, encroaching on Highway 281, requiring the road to be re-routed. Smith named the park to lure visitors, hired locals to guide and act as outlaws, and in 1958 purchased a pair of camels. In September 1960, the state of Oklahoma purchased the 339 acre parcel for $12,500. Later that year, 4,000 visitors viewed a Christmas pageant starring the camels. By 1963, the park had expanded to 1,600 acres. That spring, a local auto dealer rode the dunes in a "makeshift steampunk vehicle with wide rims and balloon tires, topped by hay-rake wheels serving as roll bars." This activity quickly gained popularity and local businesses continue to offer rentals.[2]

Little Sahara State Park is located in northwest Oklahoma, south of Waynoka. The park offers over 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) of rideable sand dunes ranging in height from 25 feet (7.6 m) to 75 ft (23 m). Amenities include showers, picnic areas, 86 RV hookups with electric/water and 143 tent sites. Seasonal concessions provide refreshment, and fuel and grocery are located nearby. As of 2017, each passenger as well as drivers must pay $10.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Little Sahara State Park". Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Alexander, M.J. (February 2017), "A Big Idea: Little Sahara", 405 Magazine, Oklahoma City, OK: Open Sky Media, vol. 3 no. 2, pp. 24–26


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