Summer is here, and it’s time to consider fun places you can visit with your family. Whether you live in Oklahoma or you are visiting Oklahoma, here are ten places to put on your vacation list. For details on all of these and many more, visit www.travelok.com. This website contains a plethora of information to make your Oklahoma summer special!
- Robbers Cave: Located in southeast Oklahoma by Wilburton, a visit to Robbers Cave is a great place for hiking and exploring. There’s camping and lodging available, but plan ahead and make reservations. If you have time, there’s plenty of beautiful scenery and landscape in this part of the state, including the Talimena National Scenic Byway.
- Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and State Park: If you’re making a summer trip to this destination located in the northwest part of the state, make sure you come prepared with plenty of sunscreen, water and casual clothing. The biggest draw is digging for salt crystals—a destination which draws visitors from around the globe.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Mt. Scott: Travel to the southwest part of the state and hike or drive to the top of Mt. Scott. Visit the buffaloes at the Wildlife Refuge and don’t forget to stop and enjoy a burger at Meer’s.
- RiverSport Rapids in Oklahoma City: The new $45.2 million rafting and kayaking center is open and is right in the center of the capital’s boathouse district. You can purchase a day pass for $39 and enjoy all of the activities offered, excluding the zipline.
- Chickasaw Cultural Center: There are many opportunities to experience Native American culture in our state, but the Chickasaw Cultural Center offers a variety of ways for your family to learn the history of the Chickasaw people and their continuing influence. Located in Sulphur, don’t forget to stop by Bedré Chocolates directly off I-35.
- Will Rogers Museum: If you visit the northeast part of the state, visit this museum which honors Oklahoma’s most beloved humorist. The museum is located in Claremore, but his family home is in Oologah and is a 400-acre living history ranch.
- Little Sahara State Park: Located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, Little Sahara State Park shows the diversity of Oklahoma’s terrain. Bring your own dune buggy or rent one for $10 a day per driver.
- Alabaster Caverns State Park: Also located in northwest Oklahoma, you can take a tour of the main caverns or spelunk on your own. These caves are home to the world’s largest publicly toured gypsum cave.
- Oklahoma City Zoo: Five hundred animal species inhabit the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden. Right in the heart of the capital city, the zoo is a great outing for families. There’s always something new at the zoo!
- Lake Tenkiller: If you enjoy lake living, Oklahoma has some incredible lakes. My personal favorite is Lake Tenkiller because I love the rocks, clear water and the surroundings. With more than 130 miles of shoreline, it is just one of many “great” lakes in the state. I have fond memories of staying at Fin and Feather Lodge with extended family.
These are my top ten. What’s your favorite Oklahoma get-away?