Discover Oklahoma’s hidden gems with a year-long adventure! From unique museums to beautiful hiking trails, we compiled a list of 12 of the most magnificent locations to explore in the Sooner State. Take a spontaneous trip each month to make unforgettable memories and experience all that Oklahoma has to offer. With all these hidden gems, there is no doubt that Oklahoma is a place to explore and remember.
- January: Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa
google photos/mario grasso The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa is an amazing educational and cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous Oklahoma singer-songwriter. The center houses an impressive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, recorded performances, artwork, and even outfits worn by Woody Guthrie himself. It also offers a variety of special events and activities that are designed to engage and educate the public about Guthrie’s life and work. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, movie screenings, concerts, lectures and symposiums, and hands-on workshops for both adults and children. Through its vast collection of artifacts and educational programming, the Woody Guthrie Center serves as a unique and powerful resource for preserving and sharing the memory of this legendary Oklahoman. Woody Guthrie Center, 102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
- February: Paseo Arts District, Oklahoma City
facebook/paseoartsdistrict The Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City is a vibrant, creative community filled with history, art, and culture. Located in the heart of the city, this district is home to a variety of galleries and art studios, showcasing a wide selection of work from local and international artists. There are over 20 galleries in the district, ranging from established powerhouse galleries to up-and-coming artists looking to make a name for themselves. Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- March: Sheppard Cove Trail, Kellyville
alltrails/sherry valentine A great choice for an easy hike when looking for an outdoor adventure is Sheppard Cove Trail. The 3.2-mile trail travels through lush diverse forests, meadows, rocky outcroppings, and even a few natural spring-fed streams. With an elevation change of nearly 400 feet, hikers are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding area from the top. This trail also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds to be found along the way. Ultimately, Sheppard Cove Trail is a great choice for hikers of all skill levels looking for a scenic and enjoyable journey through Oklahoma’s natural beauty. Kellyville, OK, USA
- April: The Botanical Garden at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
google photos/ashley edens Oklahoma State University’s Botanical Gardens offer a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. You can explore over 20 acres of themed gardens and lawns filled with native plants, sculptures, and water features. The gardens also host a variety of events throughout the year, from a flower show and garden symposium to educational activities for kids. With its picturesque setting, it’s the perfect destination for a beautiful spring afternoon. The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, 3300 W. 6th Street, (south entrance), Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- May: Foss State Park, Foss
google photos/nathaniel estrada Foss State Park is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the park is characterized by its majestic bluffs, rolling prairies, and a huge lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. If you’re looking for an affordable and enjoyable outdoor experience, Foss State Park is an ideal destination for you. Foss State Park, 10252 Oklahoma, OK-44, Foss, OK 73647, USA
- June: Boiling Springs State Park, Woodward
google photos/boiling springs state park Looking for a picturesque, secluded paradise perfect for a day out in nature? Boiling Springs State Park is full of natural beauty and unique features, such as the Boiling Spring, a rare phenomenon caused by the geothermal activity below the park. The crystal-clear spring empties into a pond surrounded by lush wildlife and picturesque cliffs, creating the ideal backdrop for an afternoon of swimming, fishing, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Boiling Springs, SC 29316, USA
- July: Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
google photos/chris pruitt Located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, the center offers visitors the chance to learn about the Chickasaw people and culture through interactive exhibits, films, hands-on activities, and live cultural demonstrations. You can take a tour of the grounds and experience the living village, art galleries, and nature trails, or take in a traditional Chickasaw stomp dance. You can also experience the history of the Chickasaw people by taking part in traditional activities like grinding corn, tanning buckskin, and making pottery. Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
- August: Harn Homestead, Oklahoma City
google photos/harn homestead This historic site was founded in 1890 as a homestead of the Harn family and is now a museum that tells their story. Located in a park-like setting, the site features a 2-story ranch house, a one-room schoolhouse, barns, and an original windmill. Visitors can explore the homestead’s original building and artifacts, as well as learn about the family’s struggles with drought and economic hardship. The Homestead is also a great place for outdoor activities, with plenty of trees, grassy open spaces, and a picnic area. With its combination of Oklahoma history and outdoor recreation, Harn Homestead is the perfect spot for a day of learning and fun. Harn Homestead, 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, USA
- September: Red Slough Wildlife Management, Idabel
usda.gov Red Slough provides a unique refuge for over 300 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. The wetlands provide a rich environment for wildlife, including ducks, geese, egrets, herons, and even the occasional bald eagle. Visitors can also explore Red Slough’s nature trails and boardwalks, or take a canoe or kayak tour to observe the area’s wildlife from the water. It’s also one of the few places where you’ll find the American Alligator in Oklahoma. Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740, USA
10: October: Mt. Olivet Cemetery
googl photos/jenna eshelman Mount Olivet Cemetery stands out due to its unique memorials, many of which feature circus animals. The cemetery is home to many grave sites which feature carvings of circus animals and other memorials that reflect the history of circuses that once passed through Grant. Many of these sculptures have been carved by local wood carvers who specialize in creating memorials of this kind. Mt Olivet Cemetery, 1198 S 8th St, Grant, OK 74738, USA
- November: Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
google photos/chris white Roman Nose State Park is located in the ruggedly beautiful, rolling hills of north-central Oklahoma and is home to a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. The park has a large, crystal-clear lake that is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding on the park’s trails. There is an 18-hole golf course, a replica of a turn-of-the-century Western town and a full-service resort with a spa, pool, and dining areas. The park also has an on-site museum with exhibits about local Native American culture and the park’s history. Roman Nose State Park, Lodge & Golf Course, 3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772, USA
- December: Chisholm Trail Park, Yukon
google photos/jen russell Chisholm Trail Park is a great place to visit during December for Christmas lights. This festive park features a holiday light display with over a mile of lights synced to festive holiday music, as well as a Winter Wonderland area with sleigh rides, carnival rides, and holiday shopping. If you’re looking for a Christmas light show that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit, then Chisholm Trail Park is the place to be! Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK 73099, USA
Have you visited any of these hidden gems in the Sooner State? What are some of your favorites on this list? Let us know in the comments section!
google photos/mario grasso
The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa is an amazing educational and cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous Oklahoma singer-songwriter. The center houses an impressive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, recorded performances, artwork, and even outfits worn by Woody Guthrie himself. It also offers a variety of special events and activities that are designed to engage and educate the public about Guthrie’s life and work. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, movie screenings, concerts, lectures and symposiums, and hands-on workshops for both adults and children. Through its vast collection of artifacts and educational programming, the Woody Guthrie Center serves as a unique and powerful resource for preserving and sharing the memory of this legendary Oklahoman.
Woody Guthrie Center, 102 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
facebook/paseoartsdistrict
The Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City is a vibrant, creative community filled with history, art, and culture. Located in the heart of the city, this district is home to a variety of galleries and art studios, showcasing a wide selection of work from local and international artists. There are over 20 galleries in the district, ranging from established powerhouse galleries to up-and-coming artists looking to make a name for themselves.
Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
alltrails/sherry valentine
A great choice for an easy hike when looking for an outdoor adventure is Sheppard Cove Trail. The 3.2-mile trail travels through lush diverse forests, meadows, rocky outcroppings, and even a few natural spring-fed streams. With an elevation change of nearly 400 feet, hikers are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding area from the top. This trail also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds to be found along the way. Ultimately, Sheppard Cove Trail is a great choice for hikers of all skill levels looking for a scenic and enjoyable journey through Oklahoma’s natural beauty.
Kellyville, OK, USA
google photos/ashley edens
Oklahoma State University’s Botanical Gardens offer a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. You can explore over 20 acres of themed gardens and lawns filled with native plants, sculptures, and water features. The gardens also host a variety of events throughout the year, from a flower show and garden symposium to educational activities for kids. With its picturesque setting, it’s the perfect destination for a beautiful spring afternoon.
The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, 3300 W. 6th Street, (south entrance), Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
google photos/nathaniel estrada
Foss State Park is an ideal destination for a summer getaway. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the park is characterized by its majestic bluffs, rolling prairies, and a huge lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. If you’re looking for an affordable and enjoyable outdoor experience, Foss State Park is an ideal destination for you.
Foss State Park, 10252 Oklahoma, OK-44, Foss, OK 73647, USA
google photos/boiling springs state park
Looking for a picturesque, secluded paradise perfect for a day out in nature? Boiling Springs State Park is full of natural beauty and unique features, such as the Boiling Spring, a rare phenomenon caused by the geothermal activity below the park. The crystal-clear spring empties into a pond surrounded by lush wildlife and picturesque cliffs, creating the ideal backdrop for an afternoon of swimming, fishing, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Boiling Springs, SC 29316, USA
google photos/chris pruitt
Located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, the center offers visitors the chance to learn about the Chickasaw people and culture through interactive exhibits, films, hands-on activities, and live cultural demonstrations. You can take a tour of the grounds and experience the living village, art galleries, and nature trails, or take in a traditional Chickasaw stomp dance. You can also experience the history of the Chickasaw people by taking part in traditional activities like grinding corn, tanning buckskin, and making pottery.
Chickasaw Cultural Center, 867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
google photos/harn homestead
This historic site was founded in 1890 as a homestead of the Harn family and is now a museum that tells their story. Located in a park-like setting, the site features a 2-story ranch house, a one-room schoolhouse, barns, and an original windmill. Visitors can explore the homestead’s original building and artifacts, as well as learn about the family’s struggles with drought and economic hardship. The Homestead is also a great place for outdoor activities, with plenty of trees, grassy open spaces, and a picnic area. With its combination of Oklahoma history and outdoor recreation, Harn Homestead is the perfect spot for a day of learning and fun.
Harn Homestead, 1721 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, USA
usda.gov
Red Slough provides a unique refuge for over 300 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. The wetlands provide a rich environment for wildlife, including ducks, geese, egrets, herons, and even the occasional bald eagle. Visitors can also explore Red Slough’s nature trails and boardwalks, or take a canoe or kayak tour to observe the area’s wildlife from the water. It’s also one of the few places where you’ll find the American Alligator in Oklahoma.
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740, USA
googl photos/jenna eshelman
Mount Olivet Cemetery stands out due to its unique memorials, many of which feature circus animals. The cemetery is home to many grave sites which feature carvings of circus animals and other memorials that reflect the history of circuses that once passed through Grant. Many of these sculptures have been carved by local wood carvers who specialize in creating memorials of this kind.
Mt Olivet Cemetery, 1198 S 8th St, Grant, OK 74738, USA
google photos/chris white
Roman Nose State Park is located in the ruggedly beautiful, rolling hills of north-central Oklahoma and is home to a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. The park has a large, crystal-clear lake that is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding on the park’s trails. There is an 18-hole golf course, a replica of a turn-of-the-century Western town and a full-service resort with a spa, pool, and dining areas. The park also has an on-site museum with exhibits about local Native American culture and the park’s history.
Roman Nose State Park, Lodge & Golf Course, 3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772, USA
google photos/jen russell
Chisholm Trail Park is a great place to visit during December for Christmas lights. This festive park features a holiday light display with over a mile of lights synced to festive holiday music, as well as a Winter Wonderland area with sleigh rides, carnival rides, and holiday shopping. If you’re looking for a Christmas light show that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit, then Chisholm Trail Park is the place to be!
Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK 73099, USA
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