Discover Oklahoma

Oklahoma can be explored through a wide range of themes: protected prairie and mountain landscapes, trails through forests and along waterways, museums about the state’s history, and Route 66. Culinary experiences are also part of the picture. Whichever of these aspects interests you most can give your trip a particular focus.

Prairie, Granite Mountains and Water

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects about 60,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, as well as ancient granite mountains, freshwater lakes and streams. The refuge is also known for roaming herds of bison, Texas Longhorn cattle and Rocky Mountain elk. The combination of grassland, rock and water gives the landscape its distinctive character. Hikers will find 15 miles of designated trails there.

Another landscape description helps put the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in context: it is a transition zone where eastern hardwood forest and mixed-grass prairie meet. Many trails in the Platt National Park Historic District, within this recreation area, pass through the forest, follow streams and go by rushing waterfalls. Some also run close to freshwater or mineral springs. When choosing a trail, both the changing landscape and the bodies of water along the way come into focus.

Hiking Trails and Water Activities

The 15 designated miles in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge give hikers a specific distance to work with when planning. In the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, by contrast, the trails are defined above all by their stretches and surroundings: forest, streams, waterfalls and springs. When comparing nature trails in Oklahoma, you can therefore distinguish between a clearly stated total length and a description of the trail landscape.

There are also different details to keep in mind for water activities. Veterans Lake is open to canoeing, kayaking and motorboating without creating a wake. Lake of the Arbuckles has boat ramps, and permits are required to launch boats there. These details apply to different lakes, so keep each in mind when planning your activities.

Museums and Cultural Topics

The Travertine Nature Center is the main visitor center for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Its features include a range of exhibits, live reptiles, amphibians and fish, and an interactive learning area. It offers another way to explore the area’s nature topics, while the trails in the recreation area bring the landscape outdoors to the fore.

The Oklahoma History Center focuses on the history of Oklahoma. The center is an 18-acre learning facility with 215,000 square feet of space and covers subjects including Indigenous culture, pioneers, aviation and commerce. The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French and German. Its broad range of themes makes the center a place to explore different historical and cultural aspects of the state in one visit.

The OKLA HOMMA exhibition at the First Americans Museum tells the stories of all 39 tribes in what is now Oklahoma and features artworks, interactive media and films. The museum’s 39 Restaurant also honors Indigenous foodways and explores the culinary innovation and artistry of the 39 tribal nations in what is now Oklahoma. Visitors interested in these subjects can focus on both an exhibition and a culinary expression of culture.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum offers a personal journey through the history of the famous highway. Rotating special exhibitions explore the Route 66 experience. If you are interested in the historical and cultural side of a trip, you can pair a visit to the museum with a look at the history of the road, which also plays a role in Oklahoma’s landscape.

Routes, Markets and Trip Planning

More than 400 miles of Route 66 run through Oklahoma. Of the Talimena National Scenic Byway’s 54 drivable miles, 36 are in Oklahoma. There are no gas stations along this scenic route. Keep this in mind when planning your drive, especially if you include the scenic byway in your itinerary.

For rail travel, the Heartland Flyer is worth noting: it is currently the only passenger rail service available in Oklahoma. If you are considering traveling by train, check the current service before planning your trip.

Local products can also shape your experience of a trip. At farmers’ markets in Oklahoma, many vendors offer fresh fruit and vegetables as well as handmade gifts from Oklahoma. Many wineries offer free tours explaining the winemaking process; availability may vary by winery.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Carter County, Kiowa County, Delaware County, Bryan County, Latimer County, Mcintosh County, Woodward County, Garvin County, Logan County, Washington County, Craig County, Creek County, Adair County, Cherokee, Choctaw, Stephens, Le Flore, Oklahoma, Kingfisher, Dewey, Tulsa, Ottawa, Custer, Muskogee, Cleveland, Jackson, Texas, Payne, Major County, Coal County, Canadian County, Rogers County, Sequoyah County, Beckham County, Kay County, Caddo County, Grady County, Comanche County, Okmulgee County, Okfuskee County, Wagoner County, Cotton County, Atoka County, Washita County, Seminole County, Marshall County, Oklahoma City, Mccurtain County, Mcclain County, Mayes County, Pottawatomie County, Johnston County, Pushmataha County, Pontotoc, Pittsburg County, Garfield County, Pawnee County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Murray County, Woods, Cimarron County, Love, Noble County, Tillman County.

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