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 among its many neighborhoods, there are many thrilling locations to discover simply outdoors town. From pure wonders to historic websites and outside 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 baggage 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
Situated 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 residence 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 beautiful granite peaks that make up the refuge’s panorama. Be sure you try the Medicine Park Historic District, an enthralling small city simply outdoors 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
Situated simply 90 minutes south of Oklahoma Metropolis, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a pure oasis that options crystal clear streams, pure springs, and lakes which can be excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing. Guests can take a dip within the mineral waters of the Little Niagara and Massive Vinn lakes, or hike alongside the scenic trails that wind by the park’s wooded areas. There are additionally loads of areas to take a seat and eat, campsites, and customer facilities to discover.
Enjoyable truth: 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 images.
3. Uncover Oklahoma’s hidden gem: Turner Falls
Situated 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 the plush forests, or discover the park’s many caves and rock formations. There are additionally loads of picnic areas, campsites, and cabins out there for individuals who need to spend the night time. Turner Falls is residence 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
Situated slightly below two hours north of Oklahoma Metropolis, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve 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 planet. Guests can discover the park’s climbing trails, look ahead to wildlife akin to bison and prairie canines, and study concerning the space’s historical past on the park’s customer heart. 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 among the most endangered on the planet, making it an vital web site for conservation efforts.
5. Escape to Lake Texoma for a day of cruising and fishing
Situated on the Oklahoma-Texas border, about two hours southeast of Oklahoma Metropolis, Lake Texoma is a well-liked vacation spot for individuals 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 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 may 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
Situated about an hour and a half northwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Roman Nose State Park is a novel vacation spot that gives a mix of pure magnificence and historical past. The park options beautiful pure springs, climbing trails, and alternatives for fishing and {golfing}. Guests may study concerning 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 wonderful vacation spot that gives a mixture of pure magnificence and outside recreation. The park options rolling hills, climbing trails, and alternatives for fishing and boating on close by lakes. Guests may 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 truth: The park is residence to the most important outside swimming pool within the state park system.
8. Stargaze and hike at Black Mesa State Park
Situated within the panhandle of Oklahoma, about 5 hours west of Oklahoma Metropolis, Black Mesa State Park is a novel vacation spot that gives guests an opportunity to discover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence and stargaze below among the darkest skies within the nation. The park is residence to Black Mesa, the very best level within the state, and presents alternatives for climbing and wildlife watching. Guests may 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
Situated about two and a half hours southwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Quartz Mountain Nature Park is a wide ranging vacation spot that gives beautiful mountain vistas, climbing trails, and alternatives for swimming and boating on Lake Altus-Lugert. Guests may take pleasure in {golfing}, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and different outside actions. The park presents tenting and lodging choices, together with cabins and lodges.
Enjoyable truth: The park is residence 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
Situated simply an hour southwest of Oklahoma Metropolis, Chickasha’s Historic District is an enthralling 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 Pageant of Gentle, a vacation gentle show that draws guests from all around the state. The city is residence to the College of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, the state’s solely public liberal arts faculty.