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Oklahoma is a cowboy’s dream come true, with warm summer winds across lush prairies, electric blue lakes with sandy shorelines, and rocky hills under thunder and lightning. But the state also offers modern museums, chic urban districts, and flashy casinos. It maintains its American West roots while evolving with changing trends.
Wine and dine in Bricktown. Admire history in a cowboy museum. Attend an NBA game. Float in a warm freshwater lake. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the state’s landscapes rival many top 10 National and State parks to see.
1.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Peek into the history of the American West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
The growth of the American West marked a turning point in US history, as culture moved away from European customs and spread into rural areas. A collection of Western arts and exhibits fills the 200,000-square-foot museum. Visitors can stroll through an authentic prairie town, view life on the range, and gaze at hand-painted landscapes. Explore Native American artwork from centuries ago. Further relics are found in the American Rodeo Gallery and the Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms. For those planning a broader trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with packing, while a list of the top 10 National and State parks to see offers other destinations.
Oklahoma City Museum Of Art
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Photo by Richard Anderson on Flickr[/caption]
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art spans over 110,000 square feet and houses countless works from the US and Europe. Spectators can see stunning glasswork, finely crafted sculptures, modern photos, and ornately drawn prints. Works by Georgia O’Keefe, Thomas Moran, Gustave Courbet, and Sir Thomas Lawrence are on display. For those planning a trip, consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy might help with packing, though Oklahoma’s climate is quite different. This museum is a true standout among art institutions.
Oklahoma City Zoo
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Who doesn’t love a good zoo experience every now and then? The Oklahoma City Zoo is a fantastic way to spend some downtime when visiting the state capital. After opening in 1904, the site became a true hit with locals and travellers.
Today’s visitors now see a remarkably different zoo, as it is home to nearly 1900 animals, from every corner of the globe. While the typical animals such as bears, tigers, and elephants are present, there are also a handful of more rare species. Kaiser spotted newts, cassowaries, and red pandas may also be found residing inside the park.
Those looking for something a bit more hands-on can join the ‘wild encounters’ experiences. Trainers escort a group of 10 guests into an up close and personal encounter with some of nature’s finest beasts.
4.
Oklahoma History Center
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Photo by Wesley Fryer on Flickr[/caption]
Explore the history of the Sooner State at the Oklahoma History Center. Oklahoma earned its ‘Sooner’ nickname from thousands who moved there just before 1889, anticipating statutes that opened over 2 million acres for settlement. Since then, the state saw booms in ranching, oil, and sports teams.
Today’s visitors can explore all of that history inside the 215,000 square-foot structure, which houses artifacts, videos, exhibits, maps, and displays. Popular lures include a history of Native Americans, a glimpse of Oklahoma’s free commerce, and an in-depth look at forensic sciences. For travelers planning a broader trip, a nearby hotel makes a convenient base for exploring the region’s top 10 National and State parks to see.
Oklahoma City Thunder
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
The rights to the Seattle SuperSonics were sold to an investment group from Oklahoma City. Two years later, the franchise moved to Oklahoma and was rebranded. As of September 2008, the SuperSonics no longer existed, and Oklahoma City Thunder became the team’s new name.
In their first draft, the club picked Russell Westbrook, who became the key player. Since moving, the Thunder has risen to be one of the top NBA teams. Still led by Westbrook and Paul George, the games are electrifying and worth catching when visiting Oklahoma City.
Wichita Mountains
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
If the name alone hasn’t already caught your attention, then the scenery of the Wichita Mountains certainly will.
Rocky hillsides roll through a soft countryside, meeting sweeping grasslands and tranquil river canyons. Wildlife includes American bison, deer, lizards, and mockingbirds. Visitors can rock climb over billion-year-old stones, cycle through serene prairies, or fish in gentle river bends. Afterward, social campsites offer a place to recharge. No matter the time of year, adventure can be found here. For those planning a broader outdoor itinerary, this region easily earns a spot among any top 10 National and State parks to see.
7.
Lake Murray
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Photo by Jonathan C. Wheeler on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Pass a few nights on a floating cabin when you visit Lake Murray, Oklahoma’s premier lake for outdoor activities. This freshwater lake includes over 150 miles of shoreline, electric blue water, remote coves, and shallow sandy beaches.
Visit the Lake Murray Nature Center for info-graphics, displays, and models of local wildlife and the ecosystem. From there, hike to the Tucker Tower, a viewpoint on a nearby hillside that grants brilliant sights of the lake. For more outdoor destinations, check out our top 10 National and State parks to see.
Lake Of The Arbuckles
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Photo by Steven Harker on Flickr[/caption]
Grab a fine fishing set up and head to Lake of the Arbuckles for some of Oklahoma’s best freshwater fishing. The lake holds the state record for the largest bass and largest tournament weigh in. Beyond fishing, the lake offers scuba diving, boating, swimming, and hiking. The water is clean and clear, and the surrounding trails are full of wildlife and natural scenery. For ideal photography spots, few places in Oklahoma beat Lake of the Arbuckles. For those planning a trip, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to compare climates before booking.
Bricktown
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Photo by Bhanu Tadinada on Flickr[/caption]
Bricktown, Oklahoma City’s entertainment district, offers southern restaurants, historical museums, nightclubs, and theatres. The district is linked by a series of canals; visitors can hop aboard a water taxi to cruise from block to block. Whether enjoying rock and roll dueling pianos or sipping beers at a local sports game, tourists and locals have plenty to do in the lively district.
Turner Falls
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Photo by ChihHo Chou on Flickr[/caption]
Turner Falls is home to Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, drawing crowds each summer. The cascading falls feed sandy beaches, vast swimming areas, and turquoise green water—a fresh escape from the heat. Beyond the oasis, campsites and cabins are available year-round. Located in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains, the park also offers footpaths and hiking trails. For travelers planning a broader trip, this spot easily pairs with a visit to Turner Falls and ranks among the top 10 National and State parks to see in the region.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
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Photo by Amber Sue on Flickr[/caption]
Descend into the world below at Alabaster Caverns State Park in northern Oklahoma. Gypsum forms the alabaster that names the park. The dark hollows extend nearly ¾ of a mile.
Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. Wild caving options include small hollows of 550 feet or larger caverns up to 1,600 feet. Due to protected bat hibernation, the hollows are open only at select times of the year.
12.
The Holy City Of The Wichitas
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Photo by Larry Smith on Flickr[/caption]
Hidden deep in the Wichita Mountains is a sacred fortress built in the style of Biblical Israel. The Holy City of the Wichitas was assembled over 80 years ago as the site for an Easter pageant. Church members wished to retell the story of Christ in a setting remarkably similar to Israel. With the help of the CCC, a local reverend penned and built a series of buildings straight from biblical times. Today’s visitors can stroll throughout the grounds and explore the religious relics. The Easter pageant is still held every year, so if timed right, tourists can witness the live version of the story of Christ.
Beavers Bend State Park
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Photo by Granger Meador on Flickr[/caption]
A quick trip to Beavers Bend State Park reveals why locals and tourists adore it. Located in southeast Oklahoma, the park centers on the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake. Visitors can fish for trout, water ski, hike, bike, or float the river. For longer stays, camp under 100-ft pine trees or rent cabins. Seasonal activities include hayrides, paddle boat ventures, and mini-golf courses. The park also ranks among any top 10 National and State parks to see for its mix of water sports and forested trails.
Little Sahara State Park
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Photo by pieboy75 on Flickr[/caption]
Head to Little Sahara State Park to zip across towering sand dunes with ATVs, RZRs, and dune buggies. The largest sand dunes in Oklahoma span over 1,600 acres of naturally occurring golden sand. Riders can bring their own vehicles or rent high-speed ATVs or secure RZRs from a local vendor. Guests can also book a reservation at the on-site RV site, which includes water and electricity for a full weekend of fun.
Choctaw Casino And Resort In Durant
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Photo by David and Jesse Cowhig on Flickr[/caption]
A trip to Oklahoma simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a casino. Thankfully, there are dozens scattered across the state offering all sorts of fun.
The Choctaw Casino and Resort is one that simply can’t be missed. Gamers can hit the slots, poker tables, race books, or table games and play around the clock.
Gaming isn’t for everyone though, and Choctaw has embraced that. Those wanting a more relaxed experience can cool off in the oasis pools, and lounge in private cabanas. And after a nice dip guests can head to the theatres, arcades, or bowling alleys – for fun that the whole family can enjoy.
Countless live performances can also be seen at the Choctaw, including some of country music’s best artists. A trip to the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant is sure to entertain any time of the year.
If you're thinking about driving during your time in Oklahoma, you're going to need an Oklahoma Pikepass.
