Turner Falls Oklahoma & Collings Castle: Two Arbuckle Mountain Treasures

Turner Falls in the heart of Oklahoma’s Arbuckle Mountains

There’s something a little unexpected about the Arbuckle Mountains.

Drive south from Davis, Oklahoma, and suddenly the landscape begins to change. The road curves through rocky hills, trees crowd the mountainsides, spring-fed creeks wind through the valleys. Then tucked among it all is one of Oklahoma’s best-known natural treasures.

Turner Falls.

Most people come for the beautiful 77-foot waterfall.

But if you slow down and explore, you’ll discover that Turner Falls Park has a story that goes far beyond the falls — one that includes early Oklahoma history, ancient geology, hidden caves and a mysterious stone castle tucked into the mountainside.

And if you’re staying at Bluebird Cottage, all of this is just about a mile away.

The Story Behind Turner Falls Oklahoma

The 77-foot Turner Falls along Honey Creek in Davis, Oklahoma

Turner Falls takes its name from Mazeppa Thomas Turner, an early settler who moved to the area with his wife, Laura Johnson Turner, a Chickasaw woman, in 1878.

The couple settled in a cabin along Honey Creek, the spring-fed waterway that eventually tumbles over the rock ledge to create the falls.

The area had already been enjoyed for recreation before the Turners arrived, but the spectacular waterfall eventually became associated with the Turner name.

Today, Honey Creek makes its dramatic 77-foot drop into the natural swimming pool below, creating one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable waterfalls.

More Than Just a Waterfall

Turner Falls Park encompasses approximately 1,500 acres in the Arbuckle Mountains and is considered Oklahoma’s oldest park.

The City of Davis acquired the recreational area in 1919, and generations of families have been coming here ever since.

But there’s something else that makes this area extraordinary.

The Arbuckle Mountains themselves are incredibly old. Their exposed rock formations provide a glimpse deep into the geological past, creating the rugged cliffs, unusual formations, caves and spring-fed waterways visitors see throughout the area today.

Ancient rock formations and caves are part of what makes Turner Falls Park so fascinating to explore.

You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate it.

Sometimes it’s enough to stand beneath one of those towering rock formations and wonder just how long it has been there.

Then There’s the Castle…

Collings Castle, a 1930s stone landmark tucked into the hills of Turner Falls Park

Yes. There’s a castle at Turner Falls.

Hidden beneath the trees above the falls are the stone remains of Collings Castle, one of the most fascinating places to explore inside the park.

It isn’t a medieval castle, and no Oklahoma royalty ever lived there.

The unusual stone residence was built in the 1930s as a private retreat associated with Dr. Ellsworth Collings, a prominent educator at the University of Oklahoma.

Constructed from native stone, the property once included the main residence along with additional structures. Its parapets, narrow windows, low ceilings, tiny rooms and steep staircases gave the home the unmistakable appearance of a castle.

And the nickname stuck.

Today, the partially ruined stone structure feels worlds away from a traditional Oklahoma vacation home.

Walk through its openings, climb the stairways and look out through the old stone walls, and it’s easy to imagine what this mountainside retreat must have been like decades ago

A Place Made for Exploring

There’s more to Turner Falls than the waterfall — caves, trails and hidden corners make exploring part of the fun.

One of the best things about Turner Falls is that the waterfall doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.

Explore the castle.

Look for the caves.

Walk the trails.

Stop beside Honey Creek.

Take in the views of the Arbuckle Mountains.

And give yourself time to wander.

There’s something especially fun about squeezing through a rocky opening or climbing an old castle staircase and wondering what might be around the next corner.

A Few Turner Falls Fun Facts

• Turner Falls drops approximately 77 feet into the natural pool below.

• The park covers roughly 1,500 acres.

• Turner Falls is located along spring-fed Honey Creek.

• The area has been used for recreation since the 1800s.

• The City of Davis has owned the recreational area since 1919.

• Collings Castle dates to the 1930s and began as a private residence rather than an actual castle.

• There’s much more to explore than the waterfall, including caves, trails, swimming areas and unusual rock formations.

Turn Your Turner Falls Trip Into a Getaway

Bluebird Cottage — a colorful 1930s native-stone cottage just about a mile from Turner Falls

Here’s our favorite way to experience Turner Falls:

Don’t rush it.

Instead of driving in, seeing the falls and heading home, make a weekend of exploring the Arbuckle Mountains.

And when your day of waterfalls, caves and castle exploring is over, Bluebird Cottage is waiting just about a mile away.

Our own little piece of Arbuckle Mountain character is a colorful 1930s cottage with native-stone surrounded by trees and tucked close to the area’s biggest adventures.

Bluebird is quirky.

She’s colorful.

She’s cozy.

And she’s definitely not your cookie-cutter cabin.

From Adventure Mode to Relax Mode

After a day exploring Turner Falls, come back to Bluebird and relax beneath the trees.

This might be our favorite part of the day.

You’ve climbed the stairs.

You’ve explored the caves.

You’ve taken way too many pictures of Turner Falls.

Now it’s time to come back to Bluebird, kick off your shoes and sink into the hot tub beneath the trees.

Tomorrow’s adventure can wait.

Stay Near Turner Falls at Bluebird Cottage

Bluebird Cottage sleeps up to six guests and gives you a comfortable home base for exploring Turner Falls, Davis and the Arbuckle Mountains.

You’ll have two comfy queen beds plus a queen sleeper sofa, a full kitchen, Starlink Wi-Fi, a private hot tub, outdoor seating, a charcoal grill and plenty of colorful Bluebird personality.

And when the sun goes down...

Some of the best Bluebird evenings end around the fire pit under the Arbuckle Mountain sky.

Because some of the best vacation memories happen after the sightseeing is over.

A crackling fire.

A few marshmallows.

A quiet evening in the Arbuckle Mountains.

And nowhere else you need to be.

Come See the Story for Yourself

Turner Falls is beautiful in pictures.

Collings Castle is fascinating to read about.

But they’re both better when you’re standing there.

So come explore a little Oklahoma history, wander through the Arbuckle Mountains and see what makes this corner of southern Oklahoma so special.

Then come home to Bluebird.

Check available dates and book your Bluebird Cottage getaway.

Adventure is right next door.