Often overlooked by tourists, Oklahoma is a captivating mix of Western history, Native American culture, natural landscapes, and Southern charm. Known for its expansive plains, wildlife watching, and iconic Route 66 landmarks, this landlocked state is perfect for a road trip!
Oklahoma is dotted with small-town gems, but big city destinations like Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer a wealth of world-class attractions. Nature is abundant in Oklahoma as well, with a long list of beautiful state parks offering outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and swimming.
You can add Western museums to your itinerary, including getting a glimpse of cowboy culture at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Home to the largest Native American population in the United States, you can learn about the state’s rich heritage at the Chickasaw Cultural Center or admire Native American art in the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve.
There are so many things to see and do in the “Sooner State” that it’s difficult to narrow down the best of the best. We’ve done the planning for you, compiling a list of the absolute top things to do in Oklahoma.
Our Oklahoma bucket list covers all of the state’s most memorable destinations, including the best family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural must-sees you should add to your route!
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25 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Oklahoma
1. Take a Drive on the Iconic Route 66
One of America’s most iconic highways, Route 66 is a 2,400-mile-long route that runs from Chicago to California. It’s an iconic piece of American history, with Oklahoma boasting more miles of Route 66 than any other state.
While there’s plenty to do and see, you’ll want to make a pit stop at Clinton’s Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, which offers a look at the history of Route 66 and how it changed America. Elk City is home to the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum, where you can see interactive and hands-on displays and some of the quirky roadside attractions that made this road so famous.
You’ll probably get hungry along the way. Pull over to Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger in Miami (Oklahoma’s Miami, that is) for a unique dining experience. You can drive through or sit down at this quirky eatery that looks like a cuckoo clock from the outside.
If you’re a fan of sugary treats, add Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia to the list. You can see the 65-foot-tall soda bottle made of LED lights and get a sugar rush with over 700 kinds of soda.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore is another must-see, where you can learn about the life of Will Rogers, a famous performer and a cowboy from Oklahoma. Other pullover must-sees include Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro, which was built in 1929, and Totem Pole Park near Chelsea.
Photo ops are popular at the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a beloved landmark that is 20 feet tall and 80 feet long. There’s a reason a Route 66 road trip is one of the most popular things to do in Oklahoma!
2. Explore Oklahoma’s Capital City
Oklahoma City is a sprawling destination with a long list of premier Oklahoma attractions, including fun entertainment districts, modern museums, and family-friendly parks. Exploring this city, which is known as “the Big Friendly,” is a must on your Oklahoma bucket list!
Bricktown offers endless entertainment options in the revitalized downtown district, including a chance to see the sights from a water taxi. Immerse yourself in the city’s proud Western roots at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, then explore one of the largest collections of Dale Chihuly glass pieces at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Children are in for a treat at the Oklahoma Zoo, which is considered one of the top family-friendly zoos in the country, while Frontier City Theme Park features gravity-defying roller coasters, and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is an action-packed water park. Families can also visit Historic Stockyards City to get immersed in authentic cowboy culture at one of the largest livestock markets in the world.
History enthusiasts can visit the Oklahoma History Center to learn about oil barons, pioneers, and American Indians through its interactive installations that tell the story of Oklahoma’s most notable figures. On a more somber note, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum memorializes the 1995 bombing with moving oral accounts and artifacts.
3. Spend a Day in Bricktown
You can’t visit the capital without putting Bricktown on your Oklahoma City itinerary, as this former warehouse district is filled to the brim with restaurant, nightlife, and entertainment options. There are plenty of things to see and do here, offering enough activities for an entire day of exploration.
Set in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, Bricktown offers family fun in two entertainment complexes. Brickopolis features an 18-hole mini golf course, a 7,500-square-foot laser tag arena, an arcade, and bungee trampolines. Alternatively, HeyDey has 10 lanes for bowling, an arcade, billiards, and golf simulators.
During the day, you can take a leisurely cruise along the Bricktown Canal or catch an Oklahoma City Dodgers game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. If you’ve got extra time, head north of Bricktown to the Deep Deuce District, which was the heart of Oklahoma City’s African American community in the 1920s and ‘30s and became known for its jazz scene.
Adults looking to enjoy some of the city’s buzzing nightlife when the sun goes down will find plenty of live music venues and clubs to choose from. Michael Murphy’s Dueling Piano Bar is a hotspot with live entertainment, while Jazmo’z Bourbon Street Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor dining overlooking the canal.
If you’re a country music fan, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill features home-style favorites like fried bologna sandwiches, fried catfish, and Southern sweet tea.
4. Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
One of the best things to do in Oklahoma, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution dedicated to Western culture, history, and art. Located in Oklahoma City, it’s home to more than 28,000 objects, boasting an eclectic collection of exhibit galleries.
In addition to showcasing a variety of Western paintings and sculptures, you’ll find exhibits on rodeos and Western performers, military and firearms, and Native American culture. There’s also a replica of a 19th-century Western pioneer town.
Don’t miss Prosperity Junction, which is a step back in time at a turn-of-the-century cattle town. The American Cowboy gallery is the most extensive collection on the working cowboy in the United States, with cowboy equipment on display, while the American Rodeo section highlights the sport’s evolution throughout history.
Focused on the second half of the 19th century, the Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms showcases about 100 rare and historical pieces. If you’ve got the little ones in tow, head to Liichokoshkomo’, a 100,000-square-foot space designed for family fun with a train depot, cliff dwelling, and trade post.
The museum’s calendar includes temporary and traveling exhibitions throughout the year, as well as regular educational events. Pick up jewelry, apparel, home decor, and books at the Museum Store and dine on-site at the restaurant overlooking the landscaped gardens.
5. Visit Oklahoma’s Second-Largest City
Tulsa is a buzzing metropolis and Oklahoma’s second-largest city, home to a long list of world-class attractions, including fascinating museums, trendy nightlife, leafy parks, and shopping options. This walkable city offers Southern hospitality mixed with a collection of bustling urban districts that appeal to all types of travelers. Spending some time in Tulsa is easily one of the top things to do in Oklahoma!
Start your Tulsa journey at Blue Dome Entertainment District, a downtown district with a long list of eateries, pubs, indie boutiques, and nightlife. Win big at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, then head to Utica Square, a shopper’s parade with boutiques, specialty shops, and department stores.
Catch a live show at the iconic Cain’s Ballroom, which has hosted everything from Western swing to rock-n-roll, or see a performance by the Tulsa Ballet at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. BOK Center is a massive arena that headlines big-name performers, while The Vanguard is an intimate venue popular with indie artists.
Outdoor lovers looking for the best views of the downtown Tulsa skyline can head to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, a 300-acre gem with trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Tulsa Zoo is a hit with families, while the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium are other top-rated museums.
6. Enjoy the Outdoors at the Gathering Place
Worth a mention on its own, the Gathering Place is located along Tulsa’s waterfront and is easily one of the top Oklahoma attractions. Not only is it free to visit, but the adventure park offers nearly 70 acres of scenic landscapes and outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy.
It has something for everyone, whether you’re a family with kids or a nature lover looking for a quiet escape. Families love the unique playgrounds here that boast fun features like tunnels, play gardens, pirate ships, towers, bridges, and slides, while the Skate Bowl and BMX Pump appeal to older kids who want to skateboard and bike.
You can also stretch your legs along the Midland Valley Trail, which winds through the park and meets the scenic River Park trails. When you work up an appetite, the park has three on-site dining options, the Vista at the Boathouse, Redbud Cafe, and The Patio.
At ONEOK Boathouse, you can head to the uppermost level of the building to the Overlook Deck, which offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and downtown Tulsa. You can actually check out paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes from the lower level and paddle along Peggy’s Pond for a leisurely excursion and view of the park!
7. Learn About a Music Icon at the Woody Guthrie Center
The Woody Guthrie Center is dedicated to folk music icon Woody Guthrie, who wrote the popular American song “This Land is Your Land.” Located in Tulsa, the center celebrates the native Oklahoman and his life as a legendary musician.
Step inside to discover an extensive collection of Guthrie’s personal notebooks, clothing, and instruments (including his fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin). A wealth of fascinating memorabilia is showcased, including displays that cover the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the original handwritten lyrics of “This Land is Your Land.”
The museum not only highlights his work as an artist but also goes in-depth about the social, political, and cultural values found in his body of work. Interactive exhibits include film presentations, timelines, maps, and audio features, while there are also exhibits on artists who have drawn inspiration from the American folk artist.
Woody Guthrie actually mentored Bob Dylan, so it makes sense that you should also visit the Bob Dylan Center just a few steps away. At this attraction, you can explore unique memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs owned by Bob Dylan over seven decades. These two attractions are definitely must-do things in Oklahoma for any music lover!
8. Marvel at Western Art in the Gilcrease Museum
Art lovers can add Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum to their Oklahoma bucket list, as it houses the world’s largest collection of Western art and artifacts. In addition to work from big-name artists, it also features a collection of Native American clothing, weapons, and handicrafts.
See pieces by iconic artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and James McNeill Whistler, then browse through the museum’s fascinating presentations on anthropological artifacts. Set on 460 acres, some of the attraction’s most beautiful exhibits aren’t even inside.
Head outdoors to see the lush gardens, which are spread across 23 acres and include beautiful Victorian, colonial, pre-Columbian, and pioneer landscapes. These themed gardens are picture-perfect throughout the year and offer a quiet escape, perfect for a peaceful nature stroll.
9. See the World’s Largest Collection of Sharks at the Oklahoma Aquarium
Head to Jenks (a suburb in Tulsa) to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium. It’s one of the must-do things in Oklahoma if you’ve got kids or are an animal lover, as it’s renowned for having the world’s largest collection of bullhead sharks!
The highlight of this 72,000-square-foot attraction is the Shark Adventure exhibit, boasting a walk-through glass tunnel where you can marvel at these fierce creatures as they glide through the waters. You’ll feel as if you’re under the sea as bull sharks and nurse sharks swim right past you.
There are a lot of other fascinating exhibits to explore, including Aquatic Oklahoma, which boasts an alligator snapping turtle that’s older than Oklahoma, prehistoric paddlefish, and a station where you can feed turtles. You also don’t want to miss the Ozark Stream, where beavers, raccoons, and river otters are splashing and playing.
Kids will love crawling under the water’s surface in the Extreme Fishes section. Here you can see fish that breathe air, fish without eyes, and fish that are completely camouflaged in their surroundings.
Marvels & Mysteries is also interesting, with mesmerizing jellyfish, toxic frogs, and a feeding show with electric eels and piranhas. Sea Turtle Island is another worthy stop with its 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle!
10. Drive Through the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Wildlife watching in the Sooner State is made easy at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, a 3,700-acre drive-through preserve in Bartlesville home to bison, elk, and Texas longhorn cattle. A must on your Oklahoma bucket list if you’re an animal lover, this former summer home of petroleum magnate Frank Phillips perfectly blends history and nature.
From your vehicle, you can safely observe and photograph these majestic creatures that roam free on the open landscape along the two-mile drive. The wildlife preserve is home to more than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds, including Japanese Sika deer, North European fallow deer, water buffalo, llamas, aoudads, ostriches, Sardinian donkeys, and pigmy goats.
You can also explore the site’s impressive art museum, which exhibits Western and Native American art as well as fascinating prehistoric artifacts from Plains tribes. There’s also an extensive display of Colt firearms that date back to the post-World War II era.
Families traveling with kids should make a pit stop at the on-site animal barn, which is home to cuddly creatures like rabbits, chickens, goats, and donkeys. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also follow one of the three scenic walking trails located northwest of the Welcome Center.
11. See a Traditional Village at Chickasaw Cultural Center
Located in Sulphur, the Chickasaw Cultural Center is more than just a museum. It’s an impressive facility that highlights the unique story of the Chickasaw Nation. One of the best things to do in Oklahoma if you’re a fan of history or culture, it features detailed exhibits as well as a traditional Chickasaw village with live demonstrations of tribal customs.
Start your journey at the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center. It tells the story of these natives from pre-European contact through modern-day life and gives an up-close look at the heritage of the Chickasaw people. Visit the site’s Council House Orientation Theater, Spirit Forest, Removal Corridor, and Stomp Dance Room for an interactive journey.
You can also immerse yourself in the culture at the Chikasha Inchokka’ Traditional Village, where you can learn about life as a 1700s Chickasaw. Cultural demonstrators here exhibit traditional art, cooking, storytelling, and language in a historically accurate village.
Come hungry during your visit so you can indulge in real Native American food in the on-site cafe. Its menu includes tasty options like Three Sisters Stew, Indian Tacos, Grape Dumplings, Fry Bread, and Pashofa, which is a Chickasaw corn soup.
12. Museum Hop in Lawton
The fifth-largest city in the state, Lawton offers picture-perfect views of Oklahoma’s endless plains. It also happens to be home to a collection of fascinating museums, as well as numerous outdoor recreation areas.
The Museum of the Great Plains is a great place to learn about the history of the Great Plains of North America, featuring hands-on exhibits and archaeological artifacts. You’ll get a unique look into life in the west for Native Americans and pioneers as you wander the historic buildings, which include a train depot, trading post, and schoolhouse.
Lawton is also home to the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, where you can gain insight into the Comanche people’s rich history in the US. Some of the highlights include the tribal, religious, and military objects, including the Code Talkers exhibit that recounts the heroic stories of 20th-century warriors.
If you’re a fan of history, don’t miss visiting the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum, which highlights Oklahoma’s rich military history. This active Army fort, established in 1869, features historic buildings and the gravesite of the famous Apache chief, Geronimo.
13. Spot Wild Bison at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
One of the most scenic Oklahoma attractions, the Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway offers access to beautiful landscapes and top nature attractions like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. As you pass through the peaks and valleys of the Wichita Mountains, this wildlife refuge is a highlight with its natural grassland prairie where bison, wild turkeys, and elk roam.
Set just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge boasts around 60,000 acres of enchanting landscapes. You can admire views of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and freshwater lakes and streams, while outdoor activities like fishing, bird-watching, and wildlife photography are popular.
Many travelers come here to get an up-close look at the roaming herds of bison, Rocky Mountain elk, and longhorn. However, other outdoor recreation is available, including hiking, camping, and kayaking.
If you want to explore more on the Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway, continue on to the top of Mount Scott. From the summit of the over 2,400-foot peak, you can take in incredible views overlooking the Wichita Mountains and Lake Lawtonka.
14. Go Swimming at Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls Park is a nature lover’s paradise set in Oklahoma’s picturesque Arbuckle Mountains, which are the oldest known formations in the United States between the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. It’s been a recreational area since 1868 and is home to the state’s tallest waterfall, Turner Falls, which cascades into a popular swimming hole in warmer months.
While the 77-foot-tall Turner Falls is the most popular attraction within the park, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Oklahoma’s oldest park. Spanning 1,500 acres, this historic park is a hotspot for outdoor adventure and family getaways with its picnic areas, nature trails, and swimming pools.
You can lace up your shoes and hike the five miles of scenic hiking trails or explore the three natural caves that feature endless geologic wonders, including formations of conglomerates, limestone, granite, shale, and sandstone. The park is also home to a walk-in castle that was built on the property in 1930, while wildlife viewing is common, with whitetail deer and wild turkeys regularly spotted.
If you want to stay overnight, there are a set of cozy cabins available to rent and TV sites with water and electric hookups. For a night under the stars, you can reserve a camping spot and pitch a tent.
15. Tour the Opulent Marland Mansion & Estate
Located in Ponca City, a visit to the Marland Mansion is one of the most unique things to do in Oklahoma, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of oil tycoon E.W. Marland in the 1920s. The 55-room estate has an opulent Italianate design that gave it its nickname, “The Palace on the Prairie,” and tours offer a look into its lavish interior.
On a guided tour, you can see the luxuries this estate had for its era, like a central vacuuming system, dishwasher, attached three-car garage, and the first indoor pool in Oklahoma. Learn why it cost $5.5 million to build in 1916 and the unique history of the Marland family.
E.W. Marland, who was the founder of Marland Oil, once controlled one-tenth of the oil reserves in the world. The Marland Oil Refinery in Ponca City was considered one of the outstanding economic achievements in the Oklahoma oil industry, and E.W. eventually became a US Congressman and a governor of Oklahoma.
There are two museums housed inside, the 101 Ranch Museum and the American Indian Museum. The American Indian Museum has over 1,200 artifacts on display representing over 40 different tribal affiliations, while 101 Ranch in the basement includes artifacts used on the ranch and in the Wild West Show by the performers and cowboys.
16. Marvel at Salt Scenery at Great Salt Plains State Park
Easily one of the coolest Oklahoma attractions, Great Salt Plains State Park is home to spectacular salt scenery and its namesake lake. The unique landscape of the nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is made up of salt leftover from an ocean that once covered Oklahoma in prehistoric ages.
Not only is the scenery spectacular, but it’s the only place on Earth where you can dig up your own selenite crystals. Open from April to October, visitors flock to the crystal dig area southwest of the lake to search for these mesmerizing hourglass-shaped gems.
Even if you don’t visit the park during this time, you can still enjoy the numerous outdoor activities available in the park. Swimming in the Great Salt Plains Lake is popular, as well as trekking along the scenic trails, while boating on the lake, fishing, and bird-watching are other top excursions here.
If you want to stay a little longer, multi-day stays are made easy by booking one of the on-site eco-friendly cabins. Overnight camping is available in an RV or tent site, while picnic pavilions and outdoor grills are some of the amenities in the park.
17. Hike Scenic Trails at Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Bring your hiking boots to Chickasaw National Recreation Area, as it’s a great destination in Oklahoma if you love to explore on foot. One hundred years ago, American Indians called this place the “Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters,” and you can see why along many of its waterside trails.
One of the state’s oldest national park areas, many of the trails hug the banks of streams and pass cascading waterfalls. The Travertine Creek Trail features bridges and long gentle slopes, while the Bison Pasture Loop offers a chance to spot bison.
There are lots of other activities on offer here, including picnicking, fishing, and camping. Swimming is popular in the summer months at Rock Creek, Veterans Lake, and Lake of the Arbuckles, as well as Travertine Creek from Little Niagara.
Lake of the Arbuckles is the largest body of water in the park, where you’ll find 36 miles of shoreline and coves for fishing. Reel in catfish, perch, bass, and crappie, or make use of the facilities, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps.
18. Paddle Broken Bow Lake in Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most beautiful Oklahoma attractions, offering a photogenic landscape of pine forests and hardwood trees. Set in the southeast mountainous region, it sits along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
In addition to its stunning year-round scenery, nature lovers are spoiled with endless outdoor recreation at this park. You can pack your itinerary with outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and water skiing, as well as horseback riding, canoeing, and river float trips.
The trout-filled streams are stocked year-round, and there are two catch-and-release trophy areas. You can enjoy some excellent canoeing and some of the best views as you follow the Mountain Fork River as it flows from the base of Broken Bow Lake through the park.
The park is also home to the Beavers Bend Lodge, which has rooms and suites that all have beautiful views of the lake. For a more nature-focused stay, the park also has rustic and modern cabins, RV sites, and tent campsites.
19. Go Camping at Quartz Mountain State Park
Camping fans should head to Quartz Mountain State Park to see some of the state’s best sunrises and sunsets. Nestled between the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert and the Wichita Mountains, it’s the perfect setting to get away from it all and one of the top things to do in Oklahoma.
The park has five different camping areas with nearly 100 primitive and RV sites, while there’s also an option to stay in a cozy lodge. If you want to wake up to incredible beach views, book a night in the cabins.
No matter where you stay, you’ll want to take advantage of the array of outdoor activities available. Multiple hiking trails meander through the park, with the New Horizon Trail, Cave Trail, and Baldy Point through Cedar Valley being some of the best trails.
Mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are also popular, while rock climbers can get their adrenaline rush at the Balty Point climbing area. There’s even an ATV area for those with a need for speed, available April through October.
20. See Fall Foliage on Talimena National Scenic Byway
Hit the road for a scenic journey along Oklahoma’s Talimena National Scenic Byway. The popular 54-mile route in southeast Oklahoma can be driven in just a few hours, but it’s highly recommended to take your time as you enjoy the spectacular views and charming towns along the way.
The byway was actually built to highlight the area’s beautiful foliage, spanning one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies. As you traverse through Oklahoma’s Choctaw County, you can enjoy stunning panoramic vistas along the crests of forested peaks between Oklahoma and Arkansas.
A popular time to take this road trip is in fall, as the colorful seasonal foliage is simply picture-perfect. It’s easy to capture views of the landscapes blanketed in vibrant shades of reds, golds, and yellows, as there are numerous viewpoints and scenic turnoffs along the way.
Some of the most popular destinations easily accessible via the Talimena National Scenic Byway include Talimena State Park, the Ouachita National Forest, and the Cedar Lake Recreation Area. Plenty of outdoor recreation is at your fingertips in these nature areas, including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
21. Hike to Oklahoma’s Highest Point at Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve
Nestled in the panhandle along the border with Colorado and New Mexico, nature lovers will want to add Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve to their “things to do in Oklahoma” list. It’s here you can climb to the state’s highest point at almost 5,000 feet above sea level, spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy world-renowned stargazing.
Even if you don’t want to hike to the top of the plateau, you’ll find plenty to see and do. The park is considered a birder’s paradise home to golden eagles, scaled quail, black-billed magpies, and pinyon jays, while other wildlife-watching opportunities include seeing mule deer, bighorn sheep, and antelope.
It’s also a popular destination in Oklahoma for stargazing, as it boasts some of the darkest nighttime skies in the US. Astronomy enthusiasts across the country flock here throughout the year, but especially in August when the annual Perseid meteor shower is visible!
22. Pretend You’re an Outlaw at Robbers Cave State Park
Located in the scenic woodlands of the Sans Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park is the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature. Stretching over 8,000 acres, this famous park is named for the famous outlaw cave hidden in the sandstone cliffs.
The mountains surrounding Robbers Cave became famous after the Civil War when notorious outlaws like Jesse James used the area’s natural features as a hideout. Today, you’ll find a wealth of amenities at the park, including a lodge, equestrian campground, and ATV area.
Follow the Robbers Cave Trail to see the legendary cave, then set off on a hiking adventure on one of the many trails. You can also get out on Lake Carlton for a scenic paddle, as kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals are available nearby. The Robbers Cave Stables offers a variety of horseback trail rides, as well as a petting zoo with donkeys, emus, goats, and llamas.
The Robbers Cave State Park Lodge is a popular place to stay overnight, while cabins and campgrounds are also available. For a bucket list-worthy stay, book a yurt overlooking Lake Carlton or one of the unique covered wagons!
23. Visit the College Town of Norman
A popular day trip from Oklahoma City, Norman boasts a fun college-town energy and buzzing atmosphere. It’s home to the University of Oklahoma, excellent museums, and family attractions.
While the town draws crowds for its biggest events, Sooner football and basketball games, it’s also home to world-class Oklahoma attractions. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is one of them, tracing over 500 million years of Oklahoma’s natural and cultural history.
Alternatively, you can marvel at masterpieces by Monet, van Gogh, and Renoir at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art or head to Historic Downtown Norman and shop at its locally-owned boutique shops. If you’re a Sooner fan, don’t miss seeing the memorabilia, national championship, and Heisman trophies at the Switzer Center.
If you have extra time to explore, drive about 10 miles east of Norman’s university campus to Lake Thunderbird State Park. The only urban state park in Oklahoma, it’s a hotspot for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping and features two swimming beaches and an archery range.
24. Stroll the Sandy Beaches at Lake Eufaula
Located in southeastern Oklahoma near the city of Eufaula, Lake Eufaula is the state’s largest lake. Spanning over 100,000 surface acres and boasting about 800 miles of shoreline, it offers a variety of activities on and off the water.
While Oklahoma is a landlocked state, you can enjoy miles of sandy beaches here, with plenty of spots to enjoy a waterside picnic, enjoy a tranquil stroll, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Lake Eufaula State Park Beach is one of the top family-friendly spots, with a flat sandy shore, calm waters, and an on-site playground for little ones.
If you prefer to get on the water, there are multiple marinas and rentals for pontoon boats, ski boats, and paddleboats. With this, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing across the lake are popular activities, along with canoeing excursions.
Fishing is also a popular year-round pastime, with tournaments held here every year. There are also miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding trails throughout Eufaula State Park, as well as an 18-hole golf course.
25. Go ATV Riding on Sand Dunes in Little Sahara State Park
Little Sahara State Park, also called Waynoka Dunes, is named after its resemblance to the Sahara Desert. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Oklahoma, where you can see 1,600 acres of dunes that have formed over time from terrace deposits and are remnants of prehistoric times.
These mesmerizing dunes range in height from 25 to 75 feet, showcasing some of Oklahoma’s most unique terrain. This park is designed for adrenaline junkies, as the main attraction is the dune buggy and ATV riding across the sand dunes.
You can bring your own ATV or rent your own, then explore the desert landscapes. It’s considered one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the entire Midwest and a go-to spot for off-roading fans and dune buggy enthusiasts.
Even if you don’t join the action, it’s worth seeing the scenery and learning how the dunes were formed more than 11,000 years ago when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. The park also has several amenities, including concessions, RV sites with water and electricity, tent sites, and picnic areas.
There you have it! The 25 best things to do in Oklahoma. What’s your favorite thing to do in the Sooner State?
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