Oklahoma is a beautiful state to visit that is all too frequently ignored by travelers. It is located in the vast and expansive Great Plains of the South Central United States. It is a treat to explore, with stunning grasslands, lush forests, roaring rivers, and low-lying mountain ranges, and famous Historic Route 66 crossing directly through its centre.
Large and bustling cities such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City can be found interspersed among its fertile fields and countryside, despite the fact that it is lightly populated. Along with a rich Native American history, the former frontier state offers a fascinating cowboy culture to explore, complete with thrilling Wild West attractions. Beautiful natural parks and wilderness areas, where a variety of amazing outdoor activities can be enjoyed, are among the best places to visit in Oklahoma.
1: Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City, which is practically exactly in the center of the state, is not only its capital and most populated town, but also its economic and cultural core. OKC (as it is known) is one of the Great Plains’ major urban centres, with enough to see and do for visitors. It is located on the banks of the Oklahoma River.
While numerous attractions are located in downtown, such as the magnificent Museum of Art and the moving Oklahoma City National Memorial, it is also worth traveling further away. The Paseo, a historic artists’ colony, is lined with fine art galleries, Art Deco buildings, and boutiques, while ‘Little Saigon’ is brimming with outstanding Asian restaurants and shops. Also, read Best Places to Visit in Alabama.
2: Route 66
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Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and is one of the most well-known and revered roads in the United States. The ‘Mother Road’ spans 3,940 kilometres and passes through eight states, with Oklahoma having one of the longest segments.
Visitors to the state have long enjoyed road trips along Historic Route 66, which includes stops in large and vibrant communities such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Furthermore, it goes through numerous iconic American landscapes, including rolling cornfields and farms, as well as rural and distant countryside towns and villages.
3: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
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The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which spans a large expanse of southwest Oklahoma, is located approximately north of Lawton. It was founded in 1901 and protects a wide range of landscapes as well as numerous species of animals and flora.
It is quite mountainous, with steep ravines and sweeping valleys as well as flower-filled meadows and woodlands. There are 13 manmade lakes scattered around the park, as well as numerous scenic hiking trails and rock climbing routes. It’s a great spot to go camping and fishing, and there’s some great bird and wildlife watching to be had.
4: Tulsa
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Tulsa, dubbed the “Oil Capital of the World,” is Oklahoma’s second-largest city, located in the state’s northeast, between the Great Plains and the Ozark foothills. While many significant energy firms and large businesses have their headquarters here, it also has some beautiful buildings and unique sights.
Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, the city’s gleaming skyscraper-studded downtown features not just gleaming corporate headquarters, but also a stunning collection of magnificent art deco structures. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, which includes magnificent ballet, opera, and theater facilities as well as two world-class art museums. Also, read Best Places to visit in Massachusetts.
5: Natural Falls State Park
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Natural Falls State Park is located in the northeast of the state, near the Arkansas border, and is tucked away among the breathtaking landscape of the Ozark Highlands. While it contains beautiful woodland, animals, and vegetation, it is best renowned for the magnificent waterfall at its centre.
Dripping Springs Falls, which reaches a height of 75 feet (23 metres), cascades down a rocky cliff face before merging with a tranquil lake below. It is best observed from one of two observation platforms hidden in a short valley in the forest, where wonderful images of the amazing falls can be taken.
While the waterfall is the park’s most famous feature, it’s also a perfect spot for a picnic or a BBQ, with some tourists opting to spend the night in one of the five cosy yurts. A basketball and volleyball court, as well as a lovely hiking track through the woods, are also available.
6: Chickasaw National Recreation Area
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located on the outskirts of the small town of Sulphur in south-central Oklahoma, offers a multitude of wonderful outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy. It is nestled in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, with springs, streams, forests, lakes, and waterfalls.
Because waterways make up more than a quarter of the park, its murmuring brooks and rushing rivers are ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Lake of the Arbuckles is the largest body of water in the area, including scenic picnic areas and campers for visitors to enjoy.
While water dominates and defines the recreation area, its lush woodlands are just as enjoyable to walk through, with a broad range of wildlife and flora to uncover. Visitors can learn about Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s nature and ecosystems through displays and live classes at the Travertine Nature Center. Also, read Best Places to visit in Texas.
7: Great Salt Plains State Park
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Great Salt Plains State Park is located in northern Oklahoma, on the banks of the same-named picturesque, shallow, and salty lake. It is named after the lovely plains of shimmering salt – all that remains of a once large prehistoric ocean – and is home to delightfully lonely landscapes that appear to go forever.
While the never-ending salt scenery is breathtaking, the state park also offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities. Aside from mountain biking and hiking, the lake offers fantastic swimming and boating, as well as good fishing and bird watching.
The only spot on Earth where you can dig for your own selenite crystals is Great Salt Plains State Park. Thousands of visitors visit the state park from April to October to look for hourglass-shaped crystals, enjoy the breathtaking vistas, and participate in the recreational activities.
8: Beavers Bend State Park
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Beavers Bend State Park is located in the gorgeous southeast of Oklahoma and is one of the most popular and picturesque parks in the state. It was founded in 1937 and is home to the gorgeous Broken Bow Lake, which is named for a dramatic bend in the lovely Mountain Fork River.
The park provides spectacular vistas and sceneries, with verdant forests embracing its lakeshores and riverbanks, tucked away among undulating hills and low-lying mountains. With several hiking trails and mountain bike lanes flowing through the woods, the rugged and rustic scenery is a delight to explore.
Its rapid river and picturesque lake are ideal for a variety of exciting outdoor activities, with fishing, swimming, and canoeing among the most popular. Many tourists choose to camp in the park overnight or stay in one of its cosy cottages, where they may enjoy archery, mini golf, and tennis at the park’s nature centre. Also, read Best Places to Visit in Oregon.