I love discovering new things to do in Oklahoma! Even better, when it’s not far from home. I discovered the Selman Bat Watch in Oklahoma several years ago online. I can’t remember what lead me to the site, but I’m so glad I found it.

In July 2019 we finally got to go to the Selman Bat Watch! Let me explain why it took us so long to finally see the bats. Kids must be age 8 or older.

My first issue was remembering to go to the website at the correct time of year to print out the paper to put our names in the lottery to actually attend the bat watch. I finally smartened up and put a reminder on my calendar at work and one on my phone. Sign up is usually between May 28 and June 7. So check-in on the website on those dates.

Second, even if you do sign up and pay, it’s a lottery so you may not be chosen! That’s what happened the first time I applied.

The third issue. We got chosen the second time we applied (you are automatically chosen the second time you apply if you weren’t chosen the first time). So, the third issue, we got rained out! A storm moved in not long after we arrived at the Selman Bat Watch location, so we did not get to see the bats. Luckily, we were given a rain check and would automatically be chosen for the Bat Watch the following year. We had to apply again though.

Finally, Our Turn to Participate

We were so happy that the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky when we headed to the Selman Bat Watch Saturday evening.

We got a list in the mail of things to bring with us and recommendations on what to wear. Water is provided at the site and no outside water is allowed.

What we brought with us:

• We brought our comfortable folding chairs. Seating is available, but I would recommend bringing your own chair.
• Bring snacks and drinks for after the Bat Watch because nothing nearby is open when it ends.
• Insect repellent.
• Gass in your vehicle. Make sure you have enough gas to reach the nearest gas station. The one in Freedom will be closed after the Bat Watch.
• Do not wear sandals! Possible rattlesnake encounters.

Everyone meets at Alabaster Caverns State Park. They offer cave tours all day, so if you’ve never visited make sure to show up early to tour the cave. There are also camping spots available for tents and RVs. There are public restrooms at Alabaster Caverns.

What to Expect

• Everyone must check-in at the pavilion. Check-in began for us at 7:00 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.
• Orientation began at 7:30 at the park amphitheater. Learn all about the Mexican free-tailed bat.
• Around 8:00 p.m. Load on the busses to head to the Selman Bat Cave area.
• 10-15 minutes to reach the Selman Bat Cave.
• Divide up into groups and take a quick hike with lots of information about the area.
• Watch and listen to the wildlife.
• Porta potties are available on-site at the bat cave.
• Be Silent when the bats appear. It is the most awesome experience and will last several minutes. Hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats will fly over your head.

After the Bat Watch/Star Party

The University of Central Oklahoma in partnership with Northwestern OSU and the StarCreek Astronomical Society had a Star Party each Saturday night following the Selman Bat Watches at their Selman Living Laboratory Observatory, weather permitting. 

We were provided with written directions to reach the Star Party after the Bat Watch. It was not far from the bat watch site. There were several huge telescopes set up and astronomers willing to inform and show you the night sky through their telescopes. We saw the moon, Saturn, and Jupiter, along with several stars. It was a pretty cool experience! I highly recommend visiting.

If you are interested in Oklahoma travel, check out this round-up of Unique things to do in Oklahoma. All are personal experiences.