Whether or not you’re a long-time resident or have simply moved into a brand new home in Oklahoma Metropolis, or presumably renting an condominium in considered one of its many neighborhoods, there are many thrilling locations to discover simply outdoors the town. From pure wonders to historic websites and out of doors 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, 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 affords an opportunity to flee the town and uncover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence. The refuge is residence 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 Drugs Park Historic District, an enthralling small city simply outdoors the refuge that’s price a go to for its quaint retailers, eating places, and structure.
2. Take a refreshing dip at Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space
Situated 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 can 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 take a seat and eat, campsites, and customer facilities to discover.
Enjoyable truth: the park’s springs are so clear that you may 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
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 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 out there for many who need to spend the evening. Turner Falls is residence 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
Situated 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 variety on this planet. Guests can discover the park’s climbing trails, look ahead to wildlife resembling bison and prairie canine, and be taught in regards to the space’s historical past on the park’s customer heart. The park additionally affords 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 this planet, making it an vital website for conservation efforts.
5. Escape to Lake Texoma for a day of sailing and fishing
Situated 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 well-liked vacation spot for anglers from everywhere in the nation. The lake spans over 89,000 acres and options over 600 miles of shoreline, making it a main 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 Nostril State Park is a novel vacation spot that provides a mix of pure magnificence and historical past. The park options beautiful pure springs, climbing trails, and alternatives for fishing and {golfing}. Guests may 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 affords 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 phenomenal vacation spot that provides a mixture of pure magnificence and out of doors 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 affords tenting and lodging choices, together with cabins and yurts.
Enjoyable truth: The park is residence to the most important out of doors 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 provides guests an opportunity to discover Oklahoma’s pure magnificence and stargaze beneath among the darkest skies within the nation. The park is residence to Black Mesa, the best level within the state, and affords alternatives for climbing and wildlife watching. Guests may participate in stargazing occasions and find out about astronomy on the park’s observatory. The park affords tenting and lodging choices, together with yurts.
9. Take pleasure in 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 provides beautiful mountain vistas, climbing trails, and alternatives for swimming and boating on Lake Altus-Lugert. Guests may get pleasure from {golfing}, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and different out of doors actions. The park affords 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 everywhere in 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 price a go to for its quaint retailers, 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 Mild, a vacation mild show that draws guests from everywhere in the state. The city is residence to the College of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, the state’s solely public liberal arts school.
