To kick off 2025, I visited the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Oklahoma. This place has vast grasslands and rich biodiversity, which I’ve long wanted to photograph. On December 30, I hitched up my travel trailer and drove to Osage Hills State Park, an ideal base for exploring this region.
Osage Hills State Park: A Natural Retreat
Osage Hills State Park in northeastern Oklahoma spans 1,100 acres of forests, rocky bluffs, and serene waters. Its dramatic terrain and rich history make it unique. Situated within the Osage Nation, the park offers hiking, fishing, camping, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. During fall, the foliage turns into a mix of yellows, oranges, and reds. In winter, the bare trees and quiet trails create a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for exploring and photographing nature.
Armadillos Steal the Show
When I arrived, I noticed many armadillos roaming around. They scurried through the undergrowth, their armored shells glinting in the light. These fascinating creatures were foraging in the undergrowth, seemingly unbothered by my presence. After setting up camp, I went for a walk and spotted one at the edge of a field. I observed as it rooted through the leaves, occasionally standing on its hind legs to sniff the air. Armadillos have poor eyesight, so it likely sensed something but couldn’t pinpoint me. This gave me a chance to photograph it without disturbing its behavior.
Capturing these moments was a great start to my photography adventure in a new area. Watching the armadillo’s movements and documenting its behavior felt like a unique opportunity to connect with Oklahoma’s wildlife.
Activities and Accommodations
Osage Hills State Park offers much more than wildlife photography:
- Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Trails wind through the park’s diverse terrain, where you can spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and more.
- Fishing: Lookout Lake and Sand Creek are perfect spots to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Rowboat rentals are available for an enhanced experience.
- Camping and Cabins: The park has RV and tent campsites, as well as eight historic cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These cabins retain their rustic charm while being modernized for comfort.
- Recreational Facilities: Amenities include picnic areas, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and ball fields, making the park suitable for families and groups.
Setting the Tone for a New Year
Photographing armadillos and exploring Osage Hills State Park set the tone for a new year of photography. It reinforced my appreciation for observing wildlife and staying patient, qualities that will guide my photography in the year ahead. This was my first experience in Oklahoma’s tallgrass prairie region, and it has already inspired me to dive deeper into its natural wonders. I’m looking forward to sharing more from this trip in the coming days.