20 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Oklahoma In 2024

Nestled in the Heartland of the United States, Oklahoma is a land of striking diversity, offering a rich tapestry of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and historic landmarks. This vibrant state, often referred to as the "Sooner State," boasts an impressive array of places to visit that cater to every traveller's interests. Whether you're drawn to the sweeping vistas of the Wichita Mountains, eager to explore the Native American cultural experiences, or seeking family-friendly adventures in lively cities, weekend getaways in Oklahoma have something extraordinary in store for you.

One of the defining characteristics of Oklahoma is its breathtaking natural beauty. The state is home to the rugged and picturesque Wichita Mountains, where you can hike among ancient granite formations and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. Beavers Bend State Park, nestled within the Ouachita National Forest, enchants visitors with its serene lakes, lush forests, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, a rare and pristine expanse of tallgrass prairie, offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to witness the untamed beauty of the American Heartland. Nature enthusiasts can unfold some of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma.

List Of Top 20 Places To Visit In Oklahoma

For those in search of urban experiences, Oklahoma's cities offer a vibrant contrast to its natural landscapes. Oklahoma City boasts a thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and the bustling Bricktown entertainment district. Tulsa, known as the "Oil Capital of the World," presents a fusion of history and modernity with its Art Deco architecture, cultural festivals, and scenic River Parks along the Arkansas River.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge | Discovering Oklahoma's Natural Gem
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum | Honouring a Legacy
Beavers Bend State Park | Nature's Playground in Oklahoma
Philbrook Museum of Art | A Cultural Oasis in Tulsa
Chickasaw Cultural Center | Exploring Native American Heritage
Turner Falls Park | Oklahoma's Scenic Oasis
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum | Preserving the Frontier Spirit
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | A Journey into Native Grasslands
Myriad Botanical Gardens | A Botanical Paradise in OKC
Oklahoma Aquarium | Dive into Marine Wonder
Route 66 Historic District (Tulsa) | Cruising the Main Street of America
Will Rogers Memorial Museum | Celebrating an American Icon
Gilcrease Museum | Art and Culture Along the Arkansas River
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve | A Retreat into the Wild
Pops 66 Soda Ranch | Sip and Savour on Route 66
45th Infantry Division Museum | Honouring Our Heroes
The Gathering Place (Tulsa) | A Riverside Playground
Science Museum Oklahoma | A World of Wonder
Cherokee Heritage Center | Tracing Native American History
Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden | Where Wildlife Meets Botany

1. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge | Discovering Oklahoma's Natural Gem

One of the most famous Oklahoma tourist hotspots, Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It spans over 59,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, prairie dogs, and golden eagles. Visitors can explore the refuge's scenic trails, go wildlife watching, and enjoy picnics amidst stunning landscapes.

Main Activities: Hiking, wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
Nearby Tourist Places: Mount Scott, Medicine Park, Holy City of the Wichitas.

2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum | Honouring a Legacy

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a solemn tribute to the victims and survivors of the tragic 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The outdoor memorial features the Field of Empty Chairs and the Survivor Tree. The museum provides a comprehensive and emotional exploration of the event's history and impact.

Main Activities: Reflecting at the outdoor memorial, touring the museum, and paying respects to the victims.
Nearby Tourist Places: Myriad Botanical Gardens, Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma State Capitol.

3. Beavers Bend State Park | Nature's Playground in Oklahoma

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Beavers Bend State Park offers a pristine natural escape. The park features the Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow Lake, and lush forests. Visitors can indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Main Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Nearby Tourist Places: Hochatown State Park, Broken Bow Lake, Cedar Creek Golf Course.

4. Philbrook Museum of Art | A Cultural Oasis in Tulsa

The Philbrook Museum of Art is a cultural gem in Tulsa, housed within a historic villa surrounded by exquisite gardens. It boasts an impressive collection of art, including European, American, and Native American works. The gardens provide a serene setting for art appreciation and relaxation.

Main Activities: Exploring art exhibits, strolling through the gardens, and enjoying cultural events.
Nearby Tourist Places: Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa Zoo, Woodward Park.

5. Chickasaw Cultural Center | Exploring Native American Heritage

Situated in Sulphur, the Chickasaw Cultural Center immerses visitors in the rich heritage of the Chickasaw Nation. The centre features interactive exhibits, traditional villages, and cultural performances that showcase the history, art, and traditions of the Chickasaw people.

Main Activities: Exploring cultural exhibits, watching traditional performances, and visiting the traditional village.
Nearby Tourist Places: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Lake of the Arbuckles, Turner Falls Park.

6. Turner Falls Park | Oklahoma's Scenic Oasis

Turner Falls Park is a picturesque natural attraction near Davis, Oklahoma. Its centrepiece is the stunning 77-foot waterfall, which cascades into a natural swimming pool. Visitors can swim, hike, explore caves, and picnic amidst the beautiful surroundings.

Main Activities: Swimming, hiking, exploring caves, and picnicking.
Nearby Tourist Places: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Chickasaw Cultural Center, Arbuckle Wilderness.

7. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum | Preserving the Frontier Spirit

Located in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum celebrates the history and culture of the American West. Its vast collection includes Western art, artefacts, and exhibits that portray the cowboy way of life, Native American heritage, and frontier history.

Main Activities: Exploring Western art and history, attending cultural events, and visiting the sculpture garden.
Nearby Tourist Places: Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Capitol.

8. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | A Journey into Native Grasslands

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, situated in Osage County, is a remarkable conservation area that protects the endangered tallgrass prairie ecosystem. It's the largest protected remnant of this ecosystem in the world. Visitors can witness the beauty of native grasses and encounter bison herds in their natural habitat.

Main Activities: Hiking, guided tours, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Nearby Tourist Places: Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Osage Hills State Park.

9. Myriad Botanical Gardens | A Botanical Paradise in OKC

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a lush urban oasis. It features beautifully landscaped gardens, interactive water features, and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which houses a diverse collection of tropical plants.

Main Activities: Strolling through gardens, exploring the conservatory, attending outdoor concerts and events.
Nearby Tourist Places: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma State Capitol.

10. Oklahoma Aquarium | Dive into Marine Wonder

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks offers a fascinating underwater adventure. It's home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and exotic fish. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, touch pools, and a walk-through tunnel for an immersive marine experience.

Main Activities: Viewing marine exhibits, touch tanks, and attending educational programs.
Nearby Tourist Places: The Gathering Place (Tulsa), Tulsa Zoo, Philbrook Museum of Art.

Read more: Facts About United states

11. Route 66 Historic District (Tulsa) | Cruising the Main Street of America

Located in Tulsa, the Route 66 Historic District pays homage to the iconic "Main Street of America." Visitors can explore historic Route 66 landmarks, vintage diners, and quirky roadside attractions. The district captures the nostalgia of the bygone era when this highway was the path to adventure.

Main Activities: A road trip along Route 66, dine at retro diners, explore vintage shops, and snap photos of neon signs.
Nearby Tourist Places: Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Woodward Park.

12. Will Rogers Memorial Museum | Celebrating an American Icon

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore honours the legacy of the legendary humorist and cowboy Will Rogers. The museum features artefacts, art, and exhibits that highlight Rogers' life, wit, and contributions to American culture.

Main Activities: Exploring the museum exhibits, watching live performances, and visiting Rogers' tomb.
Nearby Tourist Places: J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, Belvidere Mansion, Oologah Lake.

13. Gilcrease Museum | Art and Culture Along the Arkansas River

Situated along the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, the Gilcrease Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American art and Native American artefacts. It offers a captivating journey through American history and culture.

Main Activities: Viewing art exhibits, exploring Native American collections, and enjoying the beautiful grounds.
Nearby Tourist Places: Philbrook Museum of Art, Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa Botanic Garden.

14. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve | A Retreat into the Wild

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, located in Bartlesville, combines art, history, and wildlife conservation. The museum showcases Western art, Native American artefacts, and the history of the American frontier. The wildlife preserve offers a chance to see bison, elk, and other native animals in their natural habitat.

Main Activities: Exploring the museum, wildlife viewing, hiking nature trails, and visiting the petting zoo.
Nearby Tourist Places: Frank Phillips Home, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Osage Hills State Park.

15. Pops 66 Soda Ranch | Sip and Savour on Route 66

Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia is a vibrant and retro soda pop destination. It boasts an extensive collection of over 700 soda varieties from around the world. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant and pick out unique sodas to taste.

Main Activities: Tasting unique sodas, dining on classic American fare, and browsing soda-themed merchandise.
Nearby Tourist Places: Arcadia Round Barn, Route 66 Interpretive Center, Lake Arcadia.

16. 45th Infantry Division Museum | Honouring Our Heroes

Located in Oklahoma City, the 45th Infantry Division Museum pays tribute to the brave men and women who served in the 45th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. The museum features military artefacts, equipment, and exhibits that showcase the division's history.

Main Activities: Exploring military exhibits, learning about the division's history, and viewing outdoor military vehicles.
Nearby Tourist Places: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma State Capitol.

17. The Gathering Place (Tulsa) | A Riverside Playground

The Gathering Place in Tulsa is a sprawling riverside park that offers a plethora of recreational activities. It features playgrounds, gardens, sports courts, a skate park, and scenic walking trails. The park's vibrant and inclusive design makes it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Main Activities: Picnicking, playing at the playgrounds, cycling, rollerblading, and enjoying the beautiful riverfront.
Nearby Tourist Places: Woodward Park, Tulsa Zoo, Route 66 Historic District.

18. Science Museum Oklahoma | A World of Wonder

Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City is an engaging and educational destination for all ages. It features interactive exhibits, hands-on science experiments, and an IMAX theatre. Visitors can explore a wide range of scientific topics, from space exploration to biology.

Main Activities: Interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and watching IMAX films.
Nearby Tourist Places: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma State Capitol.

19. Cherokee Heritage Center | Tracing Native American History

Located in Tahlequah, the Cherokee Heritage Center offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation. Visitors can explore exhibits, historical sites, and the ancient village to learn about the Cherokee people's rich heritage.

Main Activities: Touring cultural exhibits, experiencing the ancient village, and attending cultural events.
Nearby Tourist Places: Sequoyah's Cabin State Park, Illinois River, Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum.

20. Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden | Where Wildlife Meets Botany

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a delightful blend of wildlife and botanical beauty. It's home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world and features lush gardens with a wide variety of plant species.

Main Activities: Animal encounters, exploring themed exhibits, and strolling through botanical gardens.
Nearby Tourist Places: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Science Museum Oklahoma.

In the diverse landscape of Oklahoma, there's no shortage of outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy. From exploring the natural wonders of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to cruising along the historic Route 66, the state offers a wide range of experiences for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're hiking through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve or discovering the cultural treasures at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Oklahoma's attractions provide a tapestry of outdoor adventures. So, pack your sense of adventure and explore the Sooner State's rich heritage, natural beauty, and exciting outdoor activities for an unforgettable journey. Plan your next adventure to Oklahoma with Adotrip! Explore new destinations, find travel inspiration, and book your dream vacation today.

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