Oklahoma may not top your vacation bucket list, but there are so many interesting things to do in the state! No matter if you are interested in Native America culture, western heritage, diverse landscapes, or the nostalgia of historic Route 66, Oklahoma has something for everyone. Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Oklahoma City
As Oklahoma’s largest city, OKC serves as the state’s capitol. As a result, there’s tons to do during your visit.
Museums
Make time to visit several of the city’s wonderful museums – there’s something for everyone:
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – includes exhibits, artifacts and art featuring cowboys, Native American culture, rodeos, and western films.
- First Americans Museum – explore the history and culture of the 39 Native American nations of Oklahoma through exhibits and demonstrations.
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art – featuring art from around the world but with a focus on American art and postwar abstraction.
- Science Museum Oklahoma – featuring interactive exhibits on space, aviation, and the mysteries of science.
- Museum of Osteology – unique museum dedicated to the study of bones with over 300 skeletons of various animals.
- American Banjo Museum – showcases the banjos role in American music and features the world’s largest collection of the instruments.
Bombing Memorial
No visit to OKC is complete without honoring the 168 victims of the 1995 bombing at the National Memorial & Museum. Walk through the Field of Empty Chairs, each symbolizing someone who died in the bombing. Gaze at the Reflecting Pool as you pray for the victims’ families. Then find joy viewing the Survivor Tree which withstood the bombing. The adjacent museum tells you the story of the bombing, its aftermath, and how the community rallied and recovered.
Outdoor Activities
Visit Myriad Botanical Gardens, featuring 17 acres of plant species, a tropical conservatory, and interactive water features. You can also spend time at the Wheeler District and take a spin on the Ferris wheel. The area also offers hammocks, outdoor games, eateries, and greenspace. The Boathouse District features terrific options for the thrill seekers, such as RIVERSORT Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking facility, SandRidge Sky Trail & Sky Zip adventure course, and many other options. Do them all with a RIVERSPORT Adventure Pass.
There are many great places to stay in Oklahoma City. There are also many other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
If you love the great outdoors, head to Sulphur, Oklahoma. Here you will find the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Known for its springs, streams, and lakes, the recreational area is a terrific place for aquatic activities. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Little Niagara Falls swimming hole, or wade through the spring-fed Travertine Creek. You can also swim, boat, fish, and enjoy beaches and coves at Lake of the Arbuckles.
The park is home to a herd of bison, so make sure you stop by Bison Pasture to see them. Make a stop at the Travertine Nature Center to learn more about the park’s ecology. Then take some time to see the park’s historic Bromide Pavilion and Lincoln Bridge. There are also great hikes and nature trails to take advantage of. And don’t miss taking a scenic drive through the park or the loop around the park’s main sites.
Chickasaw Cultural Center
While you are in Sulphur, take the time to visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center. This world-class facility showcases the history, art and culture of the Chickasaw Nation. One highlight of the center is the Spirit Forest, an outdoor space representing the natural environment of the Chickasaw homeland. There’s also a tribal village including a council house, summer and winter houses, gardens, greenhouses, and a replica ceremonial mound.
Nearby State Parks
If you love the great outdoors, two other Oklahoma state parks are located less than an hour away. Turner Falls State Park features the tallest waterfall in the state and is located in the beautiful Arbuckle mountains. There are also three caves to explore and a walk-in stone castle built in the 1930s.
For even more aquatic activities, visit scenic Lake Murray State Park. Visit Lake Murray Nature Center for exhibits on the park’s ecology. It also offers access to the Tucker Tower, a 65 foot building that provides panoramic views of the lake.
There are plenty of opportunities to stay in the recreation area and state parks (Chickasaw | Turner Falls | Lake Murray). There are many great places to stay in Sulphur. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Tulsa
Tulsa is a vibrant city boasting a thriving arts scene, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful outdoor spaces. It’s definitely worth a stop on your Oklahoma itinerary.
Art Scene
The Philbrook Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of European, American, Native American, African, and contemporary art. The setting is just as stunning. The collection is housed in a historic Italian-Renaissance-style villa and the adjacent gardens feature formal landscaping, water features, and sculptures.
Another fantastic place to see art is the Gilcrease Museum. This museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of American art and artifacts focused on the American West and Native American history. Its gardens feature themes reflecting different periods of American history.
After you tour these museums, check out Tulsa’s happening Arts District. Featuring a multitude of shops, restaurants, bars. museums, music venues, and galleries, you won’t lack for things to do!
Outdoor Spaces
While you are in the Arts District, take some time to relax at Guthrie Green. This greenspace is a great place to see concerts, participate in community events, and feast on a variety of cuisine served from food trucks. A short walk will take you to the Center of the Universe. This spot features an acoustic phenomenon. Stand in the concrete circle which measures a bit more than 8 feet in diameter. Any noises you make are loudly echoed, but no one outside the concrete circle can hear it.
The Gathering Place urban park spans the Tulsa riverfront and offers playgrounds, sport courts, skate parks, and trails. Voted as the 2024 Best City Park by USA Today, the park regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and community events.
For even more outdoor spaces, check out Tulsa Botanic Garden. This 170 acre garden features floral terraces, a children’s garden, a lotus pool, and seasonal foliage. Active types will enjoy the garden’s nature trails, including a Lakeside Promenade that encircles the 7 acre lake.
History & Culture
Tulsa’s history is rich but checkered. Learn all about it at the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum located inside the historic Travis Mansion. Exhibits include information about the city’s oil boom, Route 66, and the Tulsa Race Massacre. Take a deeper dive into the African American history of Tulsa at Greenwood Cultural Center. Located in what was formerly known as “Black Wall Street,” the center honors the legacy of the African American community in Tulsa.
Another interesting historical site is the network of underground tunnels beneath downtown. These tunnels were built in the early 20th century to allow oil barons to move from building to building easily. Take a tour to see the tunnels and learn all about the oil boom in Tulsa and the interesting characters who became oil magnates.
Atop the tunnels are many gorgeous Art Deco buildings. Take a self-guided walking tour or book a guided tour. Highlights include the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, the Philtower Building, and the Tulsa Union Depot.
There are many great places to stay in Tulsa. There are other fun things to see and do while in the city as well.
Route 66
Route 66 is a historic highway that played a pivotal role in the development of the American West. As one of the original highways in the US, it allowed for the transport of people and goods throughout the country. Today, travelers nostalgically drive down Route 66 to rediscover a bygone era.
Route 66 bisects Oklahoma straight through the center part of the state passing both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. We’ve already covered the highlights of those two cities, but the drive takes you by many other museums, sites, and manmade wonders:
- Coleman Theater (Miami) – this opulent circa 1929 theater hosts tours, shows, and movie screenings.
- Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum (Miami) – view the earliest Harley-Davidson motorcycles, exhibits on motorcycle history, and other motorcycle memorabilia.
- Totem Pole Park (Foyil) – feast your eyes on these colorful elaborate totem poles created by folk artist Ed Galloway from 1937-1961.
- Will Rogers Memorial Museum (Claremore) – Oklahoma born Will Rogers is celebrated at this museum dedicated to his career.
- Blue Whale (Catoosa) – built to mark a swimming hole in the 1970s, this giant blue whale still marks the spot of a great place to fish and picnic along Route 66.
- Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum (Chandler) – located in a circa 1924 gas station, the museum features vintage motorcycle memorabilia.
- The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum (Sapulpa) – view the world’s tallest gas pump as well as a collection of class and vintage cars and Route 66 memorabilia.
- Round Barn (Arcadia) – this unique round structure was built in 1898 and houses history exhibits, live music, and craft fairs.
- Pops 66 Soda Ranch (Arcadia) – see a giant soda bottle and choose from over 700 types of soda at the adjacent diner.
- Lucille’s Service Station (Hydro) – this class 1920s gas station is known as “Mother of the Mother Road.” It’s not operational but is a fun photo stop.
- Route 66 Museum (Clinton) – learn all about Route 66 and it’s impact on American culture.
Where to Stay
There are several great places to stay along Route 66: Miami, Foyil, Claremore, Catoosa, Chandler, Sapulpa, Arcadia, Hydro, and Clinton. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area: Miami, Foyil, Claremore, Catoosa, Chandler, Sapulpa, Arcadia, Hydro, and Clinton.
Spelunking & Sand Duning
Two unique state parks are located less than an hour away from each other in northwestern Oklahoma.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns State Park is home to the only gypsum show cave in America. Take a guided tour of the 3/4 mile cavern. If you want more of a thrill, try wild caving in one of the four caves maintained for this purpose. During certain times of year, the park is home to several species of bats. You can watch them take flight from the caves at dusk.
The park also features recreational activities such as a horseshoe pit, volleyball court, camping areas, picnic tables, and hiking areas. If you don’t want to camp in the park, there are other great places to stay in nearby Freedom. There are other things to do and see nearby as well.
Little Sahara State Park
Nearby you will find the other-worldly Little Sahara State Park. With over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, this park is a fun place to experience a desert-like environment in a temperate climate. Rent an ATV, dune buggy, or dirt bike to ride across the sand dunes, some of which reach up to 75 feet high. You can bring your own vehicles or rent one off-site.
The park offers camping facilities. Campers are treated to a terrific opportunities for stargazing on clear nights. If you don’t to camp, there are great places to stay in nearby Waynoka. There are also other fun things to do and see in the area.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
Spiro Mounds is a prehistoric Native American archeological site that was once a major center of Mississippian culture 1,000+ years ago. It consists of one burial mound, two temple mounds, and nine house mounds. It also has a village area.
The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center features a vast array of art and artifacts from the site. Learn more about the culture and religion of these ancient Americans through interpretive exhibits and guided tours. Explore interpretive trails and a half-mile nature trail as well.
There are many great places to stay in Spiro. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Powhuska is the world’s largest tallgrass prairie. Spanning 40,000 acres, the preserve has more than 700 plants, 300 bird species, and 80 mammals. Take the 50 mile roundtrip drive starting and ending in Powhuska to view it all. Or focus in on herds of bison on the 15-mile driving loop. There are also hiking trails so you can immerse in the natural beauty of this rare ecosystem. Stop by the visitor’s center for docent talks about the area’s history, ecology and wildlife.
While you are in the area, take the 30 minute drive to explore the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve in Bartlesville. Woolaroc was oilman Frank Phillips’ ranch retreat established in 1925. Today it houses a museum with Western and Native American art and artifacts as well as historical exhibits. The 3,700 acre wildlife preserve is a working ranch containing over 30 animal and bird species. You can also experience the life of an 1840s fur trader onsite at the Mountain Man Camp.
A 45 minute drive from Powhuska in the opposite direction will take you to Ponca City. Here you can tour oil tycoon E.W. Marland’s beautiful Italian Renaissance-style mansion. Referred to as the “Palace on the Prairie,” the E.W. Marland Mansion is filled with period furniture and art. As you explore the estate, you will learn the fascinating history of Marland’s rise and fall in the oil industry.
You can stay in any of these three cities (Powhuska | Bartlesville | Ponca City). There’s also many other things to do and see nearby (Powhuska | Bartlesville | Ponca City).
What’s on your Oklahoma itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Oklahoma. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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