CCC Celebrates 4 year anniversary, honored with travel website, newspaper awards

Since it opened four years ago, more than 250,000 guests from around the world have visited the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

Many have been impressed with all aspects of the campus, from the natural stone and copper clad buildings to the peaceful trickle of the many water features.

These visitors have helped the Chickasaw Cultural Center amass an impressive number of awards, honors and accolades. Three additional honors were recently awarded, all before the center celebrated its fourth anniversary last month.

Voters selected the Chickasaw Cultural Center as the top pick in The Oklahoman Reader's Choice "State Tourism Destination" for 2014 poll and guests helped the facility earn accolades from two travel websites, all this summer.

TripAdvisor recently awarded the Chickasaw Cultural Center with a "2014 Certificate of Excellence." Likewise, Yelp also honored the Chickasaw Cultural Center with a limited-edition "People Love Us On Yelp" recognition.

Guest reviews of the center have consistently been outstanding on both websites. Almost 90 percent rated the cultural center very good or excellent, with more than two of three reviewers giving the center the top rating on Trip Advisor. The average guest review on Yelp: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center earned high praise not only for the exquisite architecture and well-manicured grounds, but for exceptional customer service, high-quality food and methods used to tell the Chickasaw story.

With the latest technology, live demonstrations, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces, the Chickasaw Cultural Center tells the story of the Chickasaw people - from the ancient past to the present day.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said it is a true source of pride that the Cultural Center is fulfilling the dream Chickasaw people have shared for decades.

"For more than two decades, Chickasaw people shared their vision of what a cultural center should be," said Gov. Anoatubby. "This is truly a center of our living culture, because it is built on the ideas, imagination and creativity of Chickasaw people from all walks of life."

Many of the reviews mention personal connections guests made with the Chickasaw people.

A TripAdvisor contributor from Elk City noted the visit was a "true eye opener" for his wife and himself.

"Looking back in history, as seen through the eyes of the Native American is what we found at this cultural center."

"The greatest thing about the Center is it isn't just a Museum, but is a research facility and focus point for the Chickasaw Nation. Because their story is alive and on-going, not just ancient history," a Dallas guest commented on Yelp.

A 2014 Trip Advisor review entitled "Heritage, History & So Much More" said, "It was evident that everyone we met was proud of their heritage and the center. We learned so much of the Chickasaw people and their history."

Another reviewer on Trip Advisor plans another visit.

"There was so much to absorb that my wife and I plan to return and spend some more time in the exhibits."

Gov. Anoatubby said those responses are gratifying.

"We are pleased to know that people from around the world understand the pride we have in being Chickasaw and appreciate the opportunity to learn more about our culture and heritage," he said.

Visitors from the United States and countries including Nepal, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Russia and Bangladesh have journeyed to the campus since it opened in 2010.

During the past four years, The Chickasaw Cultural Center has also been awarded a top Oklahoma tourism honor, a RedBud Award for Outstanding Attraction of 2012.

Upcoming CCC Events

From genealogy and scrapbooking workshops to stomp dance and stickball presentations, the Chickasaw Cultural Center has something for everyone.

Upcoming 2014 events include:

Labor Day Celebration Aug. 30-31

Grandparents Day Sept. 6-7

Dug Out Canoe Exhibit Sept. 27-May 2015

Home School Day Sept. 20

Fall Festival Oct. 18

In addition, cultural instructors are always on-hand to educate visitors on crafts such as beadwork, basketry and pottery, tanning hides, bow making and flute making. Guided group tours are also available upon request.