At Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, prairie, granite and wildlife take center stage: the refuge preserves about 60,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and freshwater lakes and streams. It is known for roaming herds of bison, Texas longhorn cattle and Rocky Mountain elk. The refuge also has 15 miles of designated hiking trails.
Prairie, Forests and Water
The contrast is different at Chickasaw National Recreation Area: it forms a transition zone where eastern deciduous forest meets mixed-grass prairie. Many trails in the Platt National Park Historic District pass through the forest, follow streams, go by rushing waterfalls and near freshwater or mineral springs. For hikers, the trail descriptions offer a concrete sense of the natural features to expect there.
For boating, the specific location matters. Canoeing, kayaking and no-wake motorboating are permitted on Veterans Lake. Lake of the Arbuckles has boat ramps, which require permits for launching boats. If boating is part of your plans, check the lake and the applicable regulations carefully.
Museums and Stories
The Oklahoma History Center is an 18-acre learning center with 215,000 square feet of space. It explores the history of Indigenous culture, pioneers, aviation, commerce and other topics related to Oklahoma. The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French and German.
At the First Americans Museum, the OKLA HOMMA exhibition tells the stories of all 39 tribes in what is now Oklahoma. It includes artworks, interactive media and films. The museum’s 39 Restaurant honors Indigenous foodways and explores the culinary innovation and artistry of the 39 Tribal Nations in what is now Oklahoma.
Roads, Markets and Travel Planning
More than 400 miles of Route 66 run through Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum offers a personal journey through the highway’s history, along with changing special exhibitions about the Route 66 experience. Of the Talimena National Scenic Byway’s 54 drivable miles, 36 are in Oklahoma. There are no gas stations along this scenic route. Keep this in mind as you prepare, and plan your fuel supply before setting out.
If local foods and handmade crafts interest you, farmers’ markets can be another part of your trip: many vendors in Oklahoma offer fresh produce and handmade gifts from Oklahoma. Many wineries offer free tours explaining the winemaking process. Offerings vary by winery; if a tour is important to your plans, check with the winery.
There is also a clear point of reference for rail travel: the Heartland Flyer is currently the only passenger rail service available in Oklahoma. Check its operating status again before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Murray County, Cherokee, Choctaw, Stephens, Le Flore, Oklahoma, Kingfisher, Dewey, Tulsa, Ottawa, Custer, Muskogee, Cleveland, Jackson, Texas, Payne, Major County, Coal County, Canadian County, Rogers County, Woodward County, Pittsburg County, Garvin County, Logan County, Washington County, Craig County, Carter County, McIntosh County, Bryan County, Sequoyah County, Beckham County, McCurtain County, McClain County, Mayes County, Pottawatomie County, Kay County, Caddo County, Grady County, Comanche County, Okmulgee County, Tillman County, Kiowa County, Marshall County, Oklahoma City, Delaware County, Cimarron County, Pushmataha County, Pontotoc, Love, Woods, Garfield County, Pawnee County, Lincoln County, Johnston County, Noble County, Latimer County, Creek County, Adair County, Jefferson County, Okfuskee County, Wagoner County, Cotton County, Atoka County, Washita County, Seminole County.
For the main travel overview: USA.
