Editors' Picks: 18 of the Best Things to Do in Oklahoma!
"Oh…..kalohma....where the wind comes sweeping down the plain." Yup, the Sooner State is an intriguing mix of wild weather and cultural milestones. It's the home of Will Rogers and Route 66, beautiful nature spots and wild cowboy culture.
Celebrities from Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton to Dr. Phil and Brad Pitt hail from Oklahoma -here are 18 of the coolest things to do in the state. Those stars have probably done at least one or two of them….
Ride Route 66
The longest stretch of this iconic highway runs through Oklahoma. Along the way, make a pit stop at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. (Clinton)
Woolaroc Ranch
See where the deer and the antelope - and the elk and the bison - play at this magnificent 3,700 acre stretch. Bring your camera to photograph them from your car. (Bartlesville)
Natural Falls State Park
Located in the scenic Ozark region, the centerpiece of the park is a serene 77-foot tall waterfall. There are several observation platforms and picnic areas. If the falls look familiar, they were featured in the 1974 movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows." (West Siloam Springs)
The Azalea Festival
Each April, Honor Heights Park bursts into bloom with 600-plus types of colorful azaleas. You can either walk or drive the paved roadways, taking in one of the most popular springtime events in the country. (Muskogee)
Medicine Park
Back in 1908, this cobblestone town opened as the state's first resort. The area is known for its healing powers, and, back in the day, attracted everyone from Al Capone to Bonnie and Clyde (who probably couldn't stay very long).
Broken Bow Lake
It's considered by many to be one of the prettiest lakes in the state, surrounded by acres of forest. Whether you indulge in fishing, boating, swimming or just taking in the scenery, it's worth a visit.
Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Learn more about one of America's greatest humorists through many of his fascinating personal artifacts, speeches, videos and more. He's more timely now than ever. (Claremore)
Little Niagara
This pretty waterfall on Travertine Creek is a popular swimming spot in the state. The water tends to remain around 65 degrees all the time -perfect for cooling off when the temperature soars.
Give Handfishing A Whirl
Forget the fishing pole: every summer, the Okie Noodling Tournament offers prize money to the fishermen who can nab the biggest catfish using only their bare hands. (Pauls Valley)
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The cowboy looms large in American culture, and this wonderful museum captures many aspects of the lifestyle and history. Besides artifacts, there's a full-sized replica of a Western town that's fun to explore. Saddle up and ride! (Oklahoma City)
The Marland Estate Mansion
E.W. Marland was an Oklahoma oil baron and the 10th governor of the state. His palatial mansion, dating to 1928, features 55 rooms, luxurious outbuildings and gorgeous grounds. (Ponca City)
Survive A Night At The Stone Lion Inn
This charming, historic B&B is also one of the most haunted places in Oklahoma. Check in for the night, climb into your creaky antique iron bed, pull the covers up to your chin….and see what happens. (Guthrie)
Drive the Talimena National Scenic Byway
This winding, 54-mile stretch of road is a favorite in the state for leaf-peeping. The dazzling colors of the changing leaves create an "oh, wow" moment around every curve.
The Woody Guthrie Center
He was a writer, a musician, an activist…this center celebrates the life and legacy of the man who wrote "This Land Is Your Land." (Tulsa)
Ride the Largest Man-Made Snow Slope
Do some snow-tubing - and take it up a notch by riding this enormous slope that's set up in Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. (Oklahoma City)
Fried Oysters
Warm up your winter with a healthy dose of all-you-can-eat fried oysters, courtesy of the Frederick Fantastic Oyster Fry & Craft Show. People throughout the state show up for oysters pulled straight from the Gulf of Mexico and cooked via secret recipes. Yum. (Frederick)
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Anyone who loves photographing wildlife will want to take a drive here during the quiet winter months. It's one of the most popular sites for capturing shots of everything from bison to deer. (Indiahoma)
Chickasaw Cultural Center
You'll learn so much about the Native American traditions of the area, from weaving to beadmaking to dancing. (Sulphur)
