The Canadian River and North Canadian River drain Dewey County. The landscape is diverse, too: most of the area lies in the Gypsum Hills, while the western quarter is in the High Plains. Taloga sits in a horseshoe-shaped bend of the South Canadian River—a specific geographic landmark in the region.
River Landscapes and Nature
The Dewey County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) covers 212 acres. It is a lowland habitat in western Oklahoma and borders the Canadian River. Access is on foot only, from a parking area at the northwest corner of the area. Plan your visit with this walk-in access in mind.
Activities in the area have different focuses: the South Canadian River is the only place available for fishing. Bald eagles can occasionally be spotted along the Canadian River during the winter months. Fishing and seasonal wildlife watching are therefore tied to different sections of the river or different times of year.
Archaeological and Local History
The archaeological record extends back to before 6000 BC, when a Paleo-Indian site is documented. There are also 41 Archaic sites dating from 6000 BC to AD 1, 15 Woodland culture sites dating from AD 1 to 1000, and 35 Plains Village culture sites dating from AD 1000 to 1500. This chronology spans several millennia of regional history.
The Hanjy Mammoth Site became known after Gary Hanjy reported in 1983 that mammoth bones had been discovered on his father’s property. The courthouse is another notable historic building in Dewey County: it is the only courthouse in Oklahoma clad in stucco. The jail in the concrete building that houses the Dewey County Jailhouse Museum was used from 1922 to 1981.
In Vici, the M-K-T Depot Museum tells the story of the town and the railroad that contributed to its founding. The last Katy train passed through Vici in 1971; afterward, the tracks were removed. The name “White Rose Special” reveals another facet of local history: it was the name of a special, coarsely ground flour. The Boswell Museum preserves personal belongings of film star Darla Hood; the museum is a visitor attraction in Dewey County.
Recreation in Seiling
Seiling offers several different recreational options. Murray Park has walking trails, while the Seiling Golf Course is a 9-hole course with sand greens. The Seiling Splash Family Swimming Pool offers family-friendly water recreation. Pool operating details may vary seasonally, so check them before your visit.
Choose Accommodation to Match Your Interests
If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Dewey, first decide which aspect of the region you want to focus on during your stay: river landscapes and wildlife watching, archaeological and local history, or recreational options in Seiling.
Discover more destinations: Putnam, Wagoner County, Rogers County, Kay County, Logan County, Tulsa, Payne, Creek County.
For the main travel overview: Oklahoma.
