Explore Alva

05/07/2026

Right in our back yard is Alabaster Caverns State Park. When’s the last time you’ve been? Check out this fun info from Road Trip Queen and put it on your bucket list for this summer!

04/10/2026

Just east of Alva in Alfalfa County, you can visit the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and watch all kinds of wildlife.

We have eagle chicks! 🦅

Recently, we were able to confirm two Bald Eagle chicks in one nest. We are still monitoring the other two active nests. These eagles are still very sensitive to human disturbance. Please be mindful and do not harass or disturb them. Young eagles are called eaglets. Eaglets will stay in the nest for about 10-14 weeks until they learn to fly.

Photo: Two Bald Eagle chicks, Matthew Cloyd

04/07/2026

Whooping Cranes overwinter on refuge for the first time!

This past winter, volunteers and community scientists noticed something never recorded in whooping cranes. Eight of these endangered birds stayed in Oklahoma all winter long here instead of heading south to the Texas coast. These cranes stayed through snow and freezing temperatures before heading to Canada.

This species was close to disappearing in 1941, when only 16 whooping cranes were counted at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Thanks to decades of conservation work, habitat protection, and partnerships across the Central Great Plains, the wild population is now more than 550 individuals.

Read the full story to learn more about one of North America’s rarest birds: fws.gov/story/2026-04/whooping-cranes-winter-oklahoma

Photo: Three whooping cranes in flight, taken by and copyrighted by Michael Forsberg

04/03/2026

Located just 30 minutes East of Alva!

Crystal Digging Season open now!

View the unique 11,200-acre salt flats and collect your own free selenite crystal during the annual Crystal Digging Season, open from April 1 to October 15. The gate to the Dig Area is closed the rest of the year to protect endangered Whooping Cranes, as they migrate through the refuge.

Access to the salt flats is only allowed from sunrise to sunset and in the designated Dig Area. To visit, drive to the Selenite Crystal Digging Area located at: 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK 73728. Once inside the gate, drive about a mile on the marked road, and park in front of the orange “Dig Area” signs.

Visitors are allowed to collect up to 10 pounds of individual crystals and one large cluster for their personal use. Drones are not allowed on the Refuge. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash.

Make sure to bring: a shovel to dig, protection from the sun (sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen) and enough water to drink, rinse crystals and clean yourself after digging. There is a restroom available inside the gate at the Selenite Crystal Digging Area.

Photo: Visitor holding selenite crystal from Dig Area next to Dig Area sign, USFWS

12/16/2025

This Hidden Artesian Well In Oklahoma Has The Purest Water In The State 👇👇

10/17/2025

Head out to Bradt’s Menagerie today to explore Oklahoma’s LARGEST hay bale maze and experience the FUN!

The view from the boxcar…It’s a beautiful day to experience Bradt's Menagerie!
We’re open with the petting farm and day maze until 5pm today (Friday). Flashlight maze is 7 to 10pm.

Thanks to South Barber elementary for spending your morning with us!

06/29/2025

07/13/2024

Did you know Alva has TWO of the “Largests” in Oklahoma?

Plan to visit us this fall and let us surprise you!

*Largest Hay Bale Maze in Oklahoma
Open through October and November

*Largest FREE Car Show in Oklahoma
September 20-22, 2024

07/13/2024

Have you visited Bradt's Menagerie? Located just three miles west of Alva, they not only have an array of animals to pet and feed, but also a large farm-themed playground. They are open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm in the summer with expanded hours in the fall when their hay maze opens. Explore Alva today!

07/06/2024

Ahh, it doesn’t get much better than this. ❤️

Oklahoma Wheat. 🌾☁️🌈
Alva, Oklahoma
📸