The Black Kettle National Grasslands located in Roger Mills County in Oklahoma boasts over 31,000 acres in Western Oklahoma.

And what’s even better, it’s also rich in history.

In today’s article, I will discuss the points of interest and history of this Oklahoma playground so you will know what to expect when you arrive.

This section is a haven for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and observing nature.

Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article!

 

 

 

For more information on the Black Kettle National Grasslands, please check them out here.

 

 

 

The History of the Black Kettle National Grasslands

 

 

 

Who loves Native American History?

Well, then this article is for you!

The Black Kettle National Grassland was the original home to the Comanche tribe who camped and hunted in the area that we refer to today as Roger Mills County.

In 1868 Lt. Col. George Custer led an attack on a Cheyenne village here in what was called the Battle of the Washita.

The Grassland is named for Black Kettle who was prominent leader of the Southern Cheyenne during the American Indian Wars.

The Southern Cheyenne leader was killed in the river fleeing the attack. This area became part of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian reservation in 1867, but the treaty lands were partitioned and shrunk by multiple federal acts, including the Dawes Act- which carved the land into parcels owned by individual households, and eventually became open to private settlement in 1892.

 

 

The Dust Bowl’s Impact on the Grasslands

For several years, farmers enjoyed and capitalized on the good fortune during the unusually wet period, especially wheat, until the Dust Bowl years of the 1930’s.

With a combination of poor agricultural practices and conservation efforts, the grasslands were negatively impacted by the Dust Bowl.

Wind, drought, and rain stripped the area of its topsoil and the government stepped in and bought the land from these bankrupt farmers.

So, in 1938, the Soil Conservation Service began a campaign to start replanting and restoring what was lost. In 1960, it became a designated national grassland.

Today, this national grassland is used for recreation, oil, gas production, and cattle grazing.

 

Recreational Lakes

 

 

 

There are three developed recreational areas in this wildlife haven.

Dead Warrior Lake – pictured above, was previously named Dead Indian Lake. This stunning lake is located about three miles south of the tiny town of Roll, Oklahoma.

The Lake is around 80 acres in size and is managed by the Cibola National Forest.

 

Skipout Lake-

 

 

Skipout Lake is also managed by the Cibola National Forest out of New Mexico. It is located 2 miles south and 3 miles east of Reydon, Oklahoma.

It is approximately 60 acres in size and is particularly known for largemouth bass and white crappie. If you’re asking me, this is the perfect size kayaking lake.

This lake is open year-round and has picnic areas with excellent camping opportunities.

North of the Black Kettle National Grasslands is the South Canadian River. This river flows through a steep and beautiful canyon.

 

The Packsaddle

Any wildlife lovers out there?

Well, then you will love the Packsaddle Region of the grasslands!

This section of the Black Kettle National Grasslands covers more than 19,000 acres and you can catch a glimpse of Oklahoma’s wildlife territory.

Located right off of highway 283 in Arnett, Oklahoma, the Packsaddle will give you a chance to see the following species.

• Quail– Mainly Bobwhite quail. These birds are highly sought after and are high in numbers in the grasslands.
• Deer- White-tailed deer are present in fair numbers.
• Turkey- Rio Grande turkeys are typically found here in the grasslands.
• Rabbit- You can find some jackrabbits out here, but I have yet to see any. I have only seen the typical cottontail.
• Furbearers- It’s very common to see the coyote, raccoon, and bobcat here.
• Dove and Waterfowl- You will find an abundance of both during the peak migrations around the lakes and weedy fields.

 

The Four Canyons Preserve

 

Now, this is truly a slice of heaven located in Ellis County.

This region is rich in scenic value and has lots of wildlife opportunities.

These prairies provide a habitat for a number of rare birds that you can only find here in the grasslands.

Birds such as Cassin’s sparrow and the Swainson Hawk. Rare plants and the oak-lined canyons make a beautiful backdrop for people looking for solitude.

Named after the four canyons, Mulberry, Cinnamon, Horse, and Harsha, these canyons are protected by the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy.

Access to the public is going to be limited to field trip days by appointment only.

All in all, this is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature for stunning scenery and wildlife.

 

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

Well, that is going to conclude this portion of the Black Kettle National Grasslands. These grasslands are believed to be the most endangered ecosystem in North America. I love the fact that not only is this a place to go explore some of Oklahoma’s diverse landscape, but it also moves the needle when it comes to rich Native American history too. I hope you get to go out and visit the Black Kettle National Grasslands and dive into this gem in Western Oklahoma. Please share your experiences in the comment section below.

 

 

 

-CT