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 condominium in one in every of its many neighborhoods, there are many thrilling locations to discover simply exterior town. From pure wonders to historic websites and outside adventures, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. On this article, we’ve rounded up 10 distinctive locations to go to close to Oklahoma Metropolis, good 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 town and uncover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence. The refuge is dwelling to over 50 species of mammals, together with bison, elk, and prairie canines, in addition to over 240 species of birds. Guests can take scenic drives, hike over 15 miles of trails, and discover the gorgeous granite peaks that make up the refuge’s panorama. Remember to try the Medication Park Historic District, a captivating small city simply exterior the refuge that’s value 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 good 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 via 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 which you can see all the way in which to the underside, making it a preferred spot for underwater pictures.
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 via the luxurious forests, or discover the park’s many caves and rock formations. There are additionally loads of picnic areas, campsites, and cabins obtainable for many who need to spend the evening. Turner Falls is dwelling to the Collared Lizard, a colourful reptile that’s discovered solely in Oklahoma and Texas.
4. Expertise the huge fantastic thing about Tallgrass Prairie Protect
Positioned just 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 type on the earth. Guests can discover the park’s mountaineering trails, look ahead to wildlife similar to bison and prairie canines, and be taught 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 earth, making it an essential 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 get pleasure from a day on the water. Lake Texoma is thought for its ample striped bass inhabitants, making it a preferred 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 gorgeous pure springs, mountaineering trails, and alternatives for fishing and {golfing}. Guests also can be taught 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 fantastic vacation spot that provides a mixture of pure magnificence and outside recreation. The park options rolling hills, mountaineering 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 Nineteen 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 dwelling to the most important outside 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 dwelling to Black Mesa, the very best level within the state, and presents alternatives for mountaineering and wildlife watching. Guests also can participate in stargazing occasions and find out about astronomy on the park’s observatory. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with yurts.
9. Get pleasure from gorgeous 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 wide ranging vacation spot that provides gorgeous mountain vistas, mountaineering trails, and alternatives for swimming and boating on Lake Altus-Lugert. Guests also can get pleasure from {golfing}, mountaineering, mountain biking, and different outside actions. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with cabins and lodges.
Enjoyable reality: The park is dwelling 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 sweetness 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 value 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 Competition of Mild, a vacation mild show that draws guests from all around the state. The city is dwelling to the College of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, the state’s solely public liberal arts faculty.
