Oklahoma is an authentic gateway to the west which offers an excellent combination of historic, cultural, outdoor, and family attractions.
This is the land where buffalos roam free and a land of red dirt. From visiting the iconic Route 66 to amazing scenery at the state’s parks – there are lots to explore in the state of Oklahoma.
Let us find out some of the best Oklahoma Vacation Spots that you can explore.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The vibrant city of Oklahoma has lots to offer to its visitors. The capitol building of Oklahoma City is a highlight of the town with its Greco-Roman architecture, 650 rooms, and more than 100 acres of land.
There are also many museums to check out. Families can enjoy the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the American Banjo Museum. For a bit of history about the city, head to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum and the Oklahoma History Center.
Riversport Adventure Park is a great place to visit with your family where you can enjoy tubing, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting making for an exciting getaway.
Art lovers can enjoy indulging their senses at the Civic Center Music Hall for ballet, opera, symphony concerts.
Route 66, Oklahoma
Also referred to as the Great American Road Trip, Route 66 is listed on many bucket lists. The full stretch of this road runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Route 66 is a 2,400-mile journey and it can get a little daunting to cover this entire journey. However, you can get a taste of the experience by driving the section of the Mother Road that bisects Oklahoma from Quapaw in the east to Texola in the west.
Roadside attractions along this road include Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton and National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City.
Also do stop by classic American Diner for burgers and milkshakes and see dozens of neon signs old classic truck stops, and kitschy Americana.
Needless to say, the whole experience can be a classic American one!
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa has some of the best outdoor adventures which makes it a great family-friendly city to visit. There are many attractions in the state like the Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Aquarium, and the fascinating Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium.
If you visit in summer, then you can enjoy outdoor concerts under the open sky with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra.
Art lovers will really enjoy the city as there are many attractions for them as well. Decide between the illustrious Philbrook Museum of Art, the Gilcrease Museum or just visit the galleries of the Brady Arts District.
Foodies will also have a great time here as there are many cuisines from around the world which you can find in Tulsa. American, Italian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Chinese are all available.
Do have a meal at Wild Al’s Food Truck, where you can find locally crafted sandwiches.
Ardmore, Oklahoma
This small town of Ardmore in Oklahoma is loved by visitors. Ardmore offers many historic and cultural attractions.
The 5700-acre Lake Murray is a water lover’s paradise, and visitors can enjoy by taking their water jets and paddle boats out to the lake. When out here, stop by at the Blue Heron Restaurant.
History lovers can tour the Military Memorial Museum, and the unique Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum.
You can also check out the Charles B. Goddard Center for theatre, music, and visual arts.
Lawton, Oklahoma
This vacation rental in the Great Plains is an interesting getaway destination featuring historic sites, scenic landscapes, and wide-open spaces.
Stop by at the Lawton’s Museum of the Great Plains, where you will be able to unlock treasures of the heartland. Here you will learn about the history of the region from geological formations to the Native American inhabitants.
Another great place to explore is the Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where you can catch all kinds of wildlife like free-range buffalo, longhorn cattle, elk and more.
For a change of gear, stop by and enjoy a theatre show at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium.
Enid, Oklahoma
Just 100 miles north of Oklahoma City, Enid is a great vacation stop for wine lovers and wine connoisseurs as the city is close to Indian Creek Village Winery and Plain View Winery.
Kids can have fun at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum/Adventure Quest for science and technology exhibits.
History buffs can head to Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center or the Leona Mitchell Southern Heights Heritage Center and Museum.
For a great end to your vacation, attend a concert at the Briggs Auditorium or visit the Enid Symphony Center.
Norman, Oklahoma
If you are a culture and art buff, then Norman can make for a fantastic vacation spot. Home to the renowned Miller and Chautauqua Historic Districts, this is where over 150 historic homes dating back to the 1920s are showcased.
Plus, there are numerous art museums are dotted throughout the city. Some notable ones to visit are Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art which has art from Asia and Europe, among other parts of the globe.
Also, stop by at the Jacobson House Native Art Center which focuses on the work of native people.
Families can head to the Discovery Cove Nature Center, the National Weather Center for a good time.
In summers, visit the Lake Thunderbird State Park for hiking and walking. Also, take time to tour the University of Oklahoma which has a lovely campus.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Tahlequah is a town that has the scenic landscape. This town is dedicated to preserving and showcasing a rich heritage of Cherokee culture.
Learn more about the Cherokee Culture at Cherokee National Capitol (1869), the Cherokee Heritage Center or the Cherokee National Prison Museum.
There are many waterways, forests, and lakes here so make sure to bring your canoe or kayak along. Lake Tenkiller has lovely sunny beaches where visitors can swim or simply enjoy the sun.
Also walk by the historic Downtown Tahlequah which has unusual shops, restaurants and much more.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Located in suburban Tulsa, Broken Arrow has lovely recreational attractions for visitors. The most loved of them all is the delicious Blue Bell ice cream facility.
Broken Arrow is also home to a Bass Pro Shop where you can shop till you drop. For a bit of history lesson, visit the Museum Broken Arrow, which is situated in the historic downtown near the original train depot.
Military History Centre is also a great place to visit. Another exciting visit is the Thunderbird Berry Farm, which is open only during late spring and summer. Visitors get the chance to pick their own blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
After this, you can shop at the Persimmon Hollow Village which is a recreated 19th-century Western frontier town with stores and music.
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Just 50 miles north of Tulsa lies the town of Bartlesville. This the land where the buffaloes roam free.
Bartlesville offers many exciting attractions for all ages. Start by learning more about the city by joining a Bartlesville Heritage Trail Walking Tour.
The Phillips Petroleum Company Museum and Johnson Park, explain the history of these companies, both of which are now a global giant.
A must-see is the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve where you can catch American bison, elk, and other native and exotic creatures. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to the Tallgrass Prairie Reserve after that.
Edmond, Oklahoma
Located north of Oklahoma City on Legendary Route 66 Edmond is a great base for exploring the interesting region of Route 66.
Learn about the Wild West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum which houses the largest collection of western artifacts in the country. After that, you can watch the real live rodeo at the Lazy E Arena.
Visitors can also go on a walking history tour with the Edmond Historical Society and visit the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum.
Before leaving, have some family fun at the Barnett Field Splash Pad.
Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma
Located in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains in McCurtain County this 22-mile long Broken Bow Lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Try numerous water sports by the lake, like speedboat, houseboat, jetskis at the Beaver Bend Marina.
There are numerous opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. Explore the 180-mile shoreline on foot along the Big Oak and Beaver Lodge Nature trails.
Trouting and fishing is another activity which you can do.
Mount Scott, Oklahoma
Located northwest of Lawton, Mount Scott is one of the most prominent mountains in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Reach the summit of Mount Scott by car and be rewarded by sweeping views of the refuge around you. Visitors can even take an RV with them.
A great place for mountaineering enthusiasts, try rock-climbing or dragging on the granite walls on the north side of the mountain.
Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma
Skydance Bridge is an iconic bridge located on the Oklahoma City skyline. It spans the Interstate 40 south of downtown.
This is a pedestrian bridge that is 380 feet long and is topped by an impressive 197-foot high statue inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher.
Take a leisurely walk on the bridge or just stop on one of the benches to appreciate the view. If possible, also visit the bridge at night when the landmark is covered by a succession of lights.
Turner Falls State Park, Oklahoma
The beautiful Turner Falls lies at the heart of Turner State Park in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Oklahoma.
The 77-foot falls can be visited when you visit the park. Here you can rent a cabin or park your tent on the campsite and enjoy the recreational activities here.
Choose from sandy beaches, wading areas, bathhouses, and a water slide to enjoy. Hikers can also set off to hike along the various routes to see the Falls from different access points.
Conclusion
Home to the Wild West, Oklahoma can be a very educational and exciting adventure for many. From cruising along Route 66 to checking out the cities of Tulsa – there is no dearth of things to do in Oklahoma.