Tishomingo, Oklahoma, is the kind of place where your possibilities are endless. You might run into country music superstar Blake Shelton at his bar and nighttime hotspot, Ole Red Tishomingo. You may find intriguing artifacts at world-class museums, or wander the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. The town is also the Chickasaw Nation’s historic capital and the heart of the Blue River, home to destination-level trout-fishing.
Visitors can’t help but notice the picturesque Heffington Waterwheel, prominent as a Main Street attraction. It was commissioned about 15 years ago by longtime resident, real estate businessman and former Chamber of Commerce executive director Seigel Heffington – who can’t say for sure, but believes it’s likely the only active waterwheel in the country that’s a main street destination spot.
“I modeled it after the water wheel in downtown Estes Park, Colorado,” says Heffington. “I swore if I ever built an office that I’d put a waterwheel in, and I did. I ordered it from an elderly gentleman in West Virginia who makes them for a living.It’s become a real neat little attraction, especially when Miranda Lambert was here with her store, and everyone would come to see her and stand in front of my wheel.
“And little kids love it; they’ll turn back and toss a coin over their shoulders to make a wish, and the money goes to the 4H Club. In the spring, I will have extensive work on it, as it’s rolled for 14 years straight, and I need to get it ready for summertime.”
Locals and visitors alike appreciate the stirring nature of the Johnston County War Memorial, which is a series of granite markers in honor of Johnston County natives who died defending the nation in U.S. military engagements across history.
Prominent among the displays are the ‘can’t miss it’ sight of a restored Blue Angel flight demonstration jet flown by Navy Lt. Commander Clarence O. “Smokey” Tolbert, listed MIA in 1972 in Vietnam. Just across, there is a Howitzer tank from the Korean-Vietnam era said to have a firing range of 19 miles.
A picturesque destination itself, family-ran Old Silo Winery and Vineyards produces Oklahoma wines made and bottled in small batches. The winery offers a tasting room and is a part of Oklahoma agritourism as it accommodates special events and groups up to 20 people.
Located near the winery is Blue River Bells, a ‘glamping’ destination with large and comfortable rentalable tents, outfitted with mattresses and many amenities including air conditioning and heaters upon request, a coffee station, a mini fridge, ample games, a rack of firewood for the firepit and fully functioning bathrooms.
Additional Tishomingo attractions include Stone Bed and Breakfast, a golf course, Spa 211, antique shopping at Junk Stars and local favorites eateries including Nacho Mama’s Casa, Blue River Ribs, Fish Tales and, of course, Black Shelton’s Ole Red.
For More Information:
Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge
580-371-2402
fws.gov/refuge/tishomingo
Heffington Waterwheel
580-371-9885
Johnston County War Memorial
580-371-0222
Old Silo Winery
580-257-0400
oldsilowinery.com
Blue River Bells
580-634-2010
blueriverbellsok.com
