Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma? Are you thinking of a trip to the South and wondering what to explore in Oklahoma? We’ve got you covered. In the vast and vast Great Plains of the South Central United States, Oklahoma is a beautiful state to explore, which visitors too often ignore. It is home to beautiful forests, lush prairies, high-flying rivers, and low-lying mountain ranges. It’s a joy to explore, especially with the famous Historic Route 66 passing through the heart of the state.
Though a small population, big and vibrant cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City can be found in the lush fields and agricultural land. In addition to being flush with an extensive Native American past, the former frontier state also has an exciting cowboy culture that tourists can explore, including various fascinating Wild West attractions. The top destinations in Oklahoma are gorgeous natural places and parks, where you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities.
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Route 66
Route 66 is one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma. The most famous and admired highway across the US, Route 66, meanders from Chicago, Illinois, towards Santa Monica in California. It travels through eight states. The “Mother Road” spans 3,940 miles, with Oklahoma having one of its most extended sections.
A trip on Route 66 Historic Route 66 has long been a favorite for visitors in the State, and there are significant and vibrant cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City to stop off at on the way. In addition, it traverses certain iconic American landscapes, including the rolling fields of corn and farms that lie on top of remote and rural communities and villages.
Oklahoma is also home to many unique museums and monuments devoted to exploring the famous highway. There is a museum in Elk City. For instance, there’s Elk City, which houses the National Route 66 Museum and focuses on those who lived, worked, and traveled on the route. The Clinton’s Oklahoma Route 66 Museum focuses on the iconic images and concepts connected to the nearly legendary Mother Road.
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Tulsa
Self-described as the ‘Oil Capital in the world, ‘ Tulsa can be described as the second-largest city within the state. It is located in northeast Oklahoma between the Great Plains and the foothills of the Ozarks. It is also home to the headquarters of numerous large energy firms and huge companies; it has impressive architecture and fascinating sights.
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The city is situated on the banks of the Arkansas River. Its sparkling city center with skyscrapers is not just home to sparkling corporate offices and an impressive assortment of beautiful art deco structures. It also has a thriving culture and arts scene that visitors can delve into, featuring stunning opera, ballet, and theater performances located along with two top art museums.
In part, thanks to all of the large corporations located there, Tulsa also has many exquisite dining and shopping opportunities and lively entertainment and nightlife. Additionally, there are numerous attractions related to Route 66. Historic Route 66 has gorgeous green spaces and parks for tourists to appreciate.
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Science Museum Oklahoma
The Science Museum of Oklahoma is among the most entertaining things to visit in the state. It has numerous exhibits and displays with different levels of interaction for visitors of all age groups.
It encompasses over 8 acres. It was first created in 1958 to address the most diverse of issues, including those that are not typically related to science.
In the Science Museum Oklahoma, you’ll see an impressive exhibit on the significant connection Oklahoma has with the nation’s space program in the space exhibit, which houses two actual spacecraft and an authentic astronaut-training device, the Mercury Capsule Simulator.
You’ll also find an active workshop, the Tinkering Garage, a spectacular planetarium, The International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, and a fantastic two-floor treehouse!
One of the most visited attractions for kids is Curio City, an indoor “city” spanning 20,000 square feet over 8 “neighborhoods,” each with distinctive attributes. The city was designed to offer a variety of learning opportunities.
There are live shows you can watch, such as the Tesla coil exhibit, films projected on the planetarium dome as well as the light and shadows show! Don’t forget to relax in the gorgeous gardens. There are also classes on botany and nature.
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Oklahoma City
It is located in the middle of the State of Texas. Oklahoma City is not just the capital city and the largest settlement but the heart of its economy and culture. It is located on the banks of the Oklahoma River. OKC (as it is sometimes called) is among the major cities and is, therefore, a great place for things to do and see. Do.
Many sights, like the magnificent Museum of Art and the moving Oklahoma City National Memorial, are located downtown. It’s worth exploring the surrounding areas. The Paseo is a former artist colony that houses many exquisite gallery spaces, Art Deco buildings, and boutiques. ‘Little Saigon is full of excellent Asian restaurants and stores.
Alongside its numerous architectural, cultural, and historical sites, OKC also sports the kid-friendly Frontier City, where exhilarating rides and other attractions transport you to the days of the Wild West. The Riverside parks and walks are plentiful in the city, with the breathtaking 7-story Myriad Botanical Gardens being only one of the city’s notable attractions.
Great Salt Plains State Park
Great Salt Plains State Park is one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma. It is situated on the shores of the beautiful, shallow, and salty lake with the identical title. Great Salt Plains State Park is located in North Oklahoma. The park is home to stunningly deserted landscapes that seem to go on forever. It is named for the beautiful plains of sparkling salt – everything that remains of a once substantial prehistoric ocean.
The endless salt landscape is stunning. However, the park offers a variety of great outdoor activities that visitors can delight in. In addition to hiking and mountain biking, and swimming, there’s a great time of water sports and boating that you can enjoy in the water, and great fishing or birdwatching.
Amazingly, Great Salt Plains State Park is the only location on Earth where you can mine your Selenite crystals. Thousands come to the state park from April through October to look for hourglass-shaped crystals. They also take in the stunning views and take in the activities available.
Natural Falls State Park
It is tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of The Ozark Highlands. Natural Falls State Park is located in the northeast part of the state, just from the frontier to Arkansas. It is also home to gorgeous wildlife, forest, and flora. It is most famous for the beautiful waterfall at the center of it all.
At its highest height of 75ft (23 meters), the stunning Dripping Springs Falls plunges a cliff face that is rocky before merging into a tranquil pool below. It is hidden in a small valley within the forest. It’s best seen from two observation platforms where you can take stunning photographs of the breathtaking waterfall.
Although the waterfall is the park’s highlight, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy an outdoor barbecue or picnic, and some guests can camp over the night within one of the 5 comfortable Yurts. Additionally, there are available volleyball and basketball courts and a picturesque walking trail that winds through the forest.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma. The area is situated on the outskirts of the city of Sulphur, located in south-central Oklahoma. Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor adventures that visitors can take pleasure in. It is nestled in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains. It boasts all kinds of water sources, from streams and springs to forests, lakes, and waterfalls.
More than one-quarter of this park is comprised of stunning waterways. Its babbling brooks and rushing rivers make them ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. The most expansive lake is the beautiful Lake of the Arbuckles, with beautiful picnic spots and campgrounds for guests to take advantage of.
Although the zone is dominated and defined by the waters, its lush woodlands are equally delightful to walk through, with numerous species of fauna and flora that you can discover. The Travertine Nature Center visitors will be able to learn more about Chickasaw’s National Recreation Area’s ecology and ecosystems with demonstrations and live demonstrations.
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
As among the most enjoyable destinations for vacation, The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden are among the 10 most enjoyable places to visit for animal lovers and nature fans alike.
It is home to more than 500 animal species, of which 100 residents of the state. They are carefully laid out across 11 unique “zones” and easily navigated sections.
Operating for more than 100 years for over a century, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden offers visitors the opportunity to get near and in-depth with some animals in behind-the-scenes events. There are also events such as feedings, shows, demonstrations, and touch tanks that you can take a look at.
There are even enclosures that you can safely traverse. There are also boat rides and trains to help you get closer to the action!
The animals you can anticipate visiting the zoo include gorillas, lions and tigers, wallabies, rhinos, giraffes, lorikeets and Gira, Komodo dragons and stingrays, bears, elephants, pandas from the red, and much more.
Also, look at areas reminiscent of those of the Ozark Highlands, Turner Falls, and in the Black Mesa and beyond. Make sure you check out the section on botanical gardens as well.
Beavers Bend State Resort Park
Beavers Bend State Resort Park is among the most well-known parks in Oklahoma, and it’s one of the beautiful spots you should include on your bucket list for things to see in Oklahoma.
If you’re looking for new ways to pass your time or enjoy a relaxing day of sightseeing, the park will offer a relaxing but satisfying getaway from the bustle and hustle.
Beavers Bend State Resort Park is located near Broken Bow, comprised of its Hochatown State Park and its own area. Cedar Creek Golf Course and Lakeview Lodge also call this park home. Other activities and events are scattered across the vast area.
The waters of Beavers Bend State Resort Park allow fishing and boating, and there are camping spots for RV drivers and tent-pitchers who plan to go on a vacation this weekend.
There’s also a birth center with various programs and activities for children of all ages. You can also explore the remainder of the park by hiking, taking rides on hayrides or riding horses, or even watching birds!
Bartlesville
Bartlesville is one of the best places to visit in Oklahoma. It is situated along the banks of the Caney River Bartlesville sits about 45 miles (70 kilometers) to the north of Tulsa, close to the frontier with Kansas. Since the discovery of oil in 1905, a large portion of the city’s life was controlled by Phillips Petroleum Company, which has large offices and employs many residents.
In the past, the corporation’s wealth has contributed to developing several magnificent museums and impressive structures in the city. Of them, the Woolaroc museum and the conservation area for wildlife of Woolaroc are undoubtedly the most impressive. It houses an extensive collection of paintings and animals, such as bison, elk, and Zebra.
Additionally, Bartlesville is noted for being home to the only tower designed for the purpose by Frank Lloyd Wright. At 220ft (67 meters), Price Tower stands in stark contrast to its surroundings and frequently hosts exhibits. In addition to architecture, art, and wildlife, this city has had some significant celebrations and cultural events, with the classic car show becoming very well-known.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Science Museum Oklahoma is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list about Best Places to Visit in Oklahoma.
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