Whether or not you’re a long-time resident or have simply moved into a brand new home in Oklahoma Metropolis, or probably renting an house in certainly one of its many neighborhoods, there are many thrilling locations to discover simply exterior the town. From pure wonders to historic websites and out of doors adventures, there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. On this article, we’ve rounded up 10 distinctive locations to go to close to Oklahoma Metropolis, excellent for day journeys and weekend getaways. So pack your luggage and prepare to hit the wild west, as a result of these locations are to not be missed.
1. Uncover wildlife and hike scenic trails in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Positioned simply an hour and a half southwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge presents an opportunity to flee the town and uncover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence. The refuge is house to over 50 species of mammals, together with bison, elk, and prairie canine, in addition to over 240 species of birds. Guests can take scenic drives, hike over 15 miles of trails, and discover the beautiful granite peaks that make up the refuge’s panorama. Be sure you try the Medication Park Historic District, a captivating small city simply exterior the refuge that’s price a go to for its quaint outlets, eating places, and structure.
2. Take a refreshing dip at Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space
Positioned simply 90 minutes south of Oklahoma Metropolis, the Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space is a pure oasis that options crystal clear streams, pure springs, and lakes which might be excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing. Guests can take a dip within the mineral waters of the Little Niagara and Large Vinn lakes, or hike alongside the scenic trails that wind by means of the park’s wooded areas. There are additionally loads of areas to sit down and eat, campsites, and customer facilities to discover.
Enjoyable reality: the park’s springs are so clear that you could see all the best way to the underside, making it a well-liked spot for underwater images.
3. Uncover Oklahoma’s hidden gem: Turner Falls
Positioned in Davis, about two hours south of Oklahoma Metropolis, Turner Falls Park is a 77-foot pure falls state park surrounded by pure swimming pools and scenic cliffs. Guests can take a dip within the clear, cool waters, hike by means of the luxurious forests, or discover the park’s many caves and rock formations. There are additionally loads of picnic areas, campsites, and cabins accessible for many who need to spend the night time. Turner Falls is house to the Collared Lizard, a colourful reptile that’s discovered solely in Oklahoma and Texas.
4. Expertise the huge great thing about Tallgrass Prairie Protect
Positioned slightly below two hours north of Oklahoma Metropolis, the Tallgrass Prairie Protect is a protected space that encompasses over 39,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, making it one of many largest remaining tracts of its form on the planet. Guests can discover the park’s mountain climbing trails, look ahead to wildlife resembling bison and prairie canine, and study in regards to the space’s historical past on the park’s customer middle. The park additionally presents guided excursions and occasions all year long, together with a bison roundup within the fall. The protect’s tallgrass prairie ecosystem is likely one of the most endangered on the planet, making it an vital website for conservation efforts.
5. Escape to Lake Texoma for a day of sailing and fishing
Positioned on the Oklahoma-Texas border, about two hours southeast of Oklahoma Metropolis, Lake Texoma is a well-liked vacation spot for many who like to fish, boat, or simply take pleasure in a day on the water. Lake Texoma is understood for its ample striped bass inhabitants, making it a well-liked vacation spot for anglers from all around the nation. The lake spans over 89,000 acres and options over 600 miles of shoreline, making it a major spot for water sports activities and leisure actions. Guests also can hike alongside the lake’s scenic trails, discover close by parks, and even take a sundown cruise on a paddlewheel boat.
6. Expertise the pure magnificence and historical past of Roman Nostril State Park
Positioned about an hour and a half northwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Roman Nostril State Park is a novel vacation spot that provides a mix of pure magnificence and historical past. The park options beautiful pure springs, mountain climbing trails, and alternatives for fishing and {golfing}. Guests also can study in regards to the park’s wealthy historical past, which dates again to the nineteenth century when it served as a retreat for Cheyenne Chief Henry Roman Nostril. The park additionally presents lodging choices, together with cabins and a lodge.
7. Uncover the majestic Osage Hills State Park
Simply over two hours northeast of Oklahoma Metropolis, Osage Hills State Park is a ravishing vacation spot that provides a mixture of pure magnificence and out of doors recreation. The park options rolling hills, mountain climbing trails, and alternatives for fishing and boating on close by lakes. Guests also can discover the park’s historic buildings, which date again to the Thirties when the park was constructed as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with cabins and yurts.
Enjoyable reality: The park is house to the most important out of doors swimming pool within the state park system.
8. Stargaze and hike at Black Mesa State Park
Positioned within the panhandle of Oklahoma, about 5 hours west of Oklahoma Metropolis, Black Mesa State Park is a novel vacation spot that provides guests an opportunity to discover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence and stargaze underneath a few of the darkest skies within the nation. The park is house to Black Mesa, the best level within the state, and presents alternatives for mountain climbing and wildlife watching. Guests also can participate in stargazing occasions and study astronomy on the park’s observatory. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with yurts.
9. Get pleasure from beautiful vistas and watersports at Quartz Mountain Nature Park
Positioned about two and a half hours southwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Quartz Mountain Nature Park is a panoramic vacation spot that provides beautiful mountain vistas, mountain climbing trails, and alternatives for swimming and boating on Lake Altus-Lugert. Guests also can take pleasure in {golfing}, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and different out of doors actions. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with cabins and lodges.
Enjoyable reality: The park is house to the Quartz Mountain Resort, which hosts an annual Arts and Humanities Convention that draws artists, writers, and musicians from all around the nation.
10. Discover the wonder and historical past of Chickasha’s Historic District
Positioned simply an hour southwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Chickasha’s Historic District is a captivating small city that’s price a go to for its quaint outlets, eating places, and structure. Guests can discover the historic downtown space, which options over 100 buildings on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. The city additionally hosts occasions all year long, together with the Chickasha Pageant of Gentle, a vacation gentle show that draws guests from all around the state. The city is house to the College of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, the state’s solely public liberal arts school.
