Oklahoma’s Outdoor Gems: State Parks, Heritage Sites and Route 66

From tallgrass prairies to cypress swamps, Oklahoma is home to an outstanding diversity of ecosystems. There are 12 distinct ecoregions to explore across the state’s six geographic regions. Thirty-two state parks preserve these outdoor treasures, inspiring recreation and learning amid memorable scenery and lodging. At Quartz Mountain State Park, rugged terrain like Baldy Point and water features like Lake Altus-Lugert make for an ideal place for hikers and climbers as well as boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Find this recreational paradise in the Southwest region of the state, a short drive north of the town of Altus. Head northwest to the panhandle region of Oklahoma and visit Black Mesa Nature Preserve to spot rare plant and animal life, marvel at the starry night sky and climb to the highest point in Oklahoma. This vast nature sanctuary borders Black Mesa State Park and boasts nearly endless possibilities for outdoor exploration. For a bonus adventure, head just 30 minutes north of the park to the northern border of Oklahoma. Here, the Preston Monument marks the tri-point of the Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado borders, making this one of only a few places in the USA where you can stand in 3 states at once.

Thirty-nine Indigenous nations are headquartered in Oklahoma, and their distinct customs and traditions are showcased at museums and cultural centers throughout the state. At the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, learn about the heritage and contributions of these nations through curated exhibitions. Take part in special programs celebrating occasions like Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the summer and winter solstices. The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur is the USA’s largest tribal cultural center, where you can experience interactive exhibits on the Chickasaw language, dancing, history, traditional dwellings and agriculture. At the Choctaw Cultural Center in Calera, learn about Choctaw Nation’s history from ancient times to present day and explore the living village and ceremonial mound through self-guided tours.

Brake for bustling cities, charming towns and iconic attractions as you cruise the USA’s longest drivable stretch of historic Route 66. The “Mother Road” runs more than 640 kilometers across Oklahoma, leading to unique locales and classic Americana. Stretch your legs in vibrant cities like state capital Oklahoma City where you can browse galleries in the Paseo Arts District and eat and drink at one of the locals’ favorite hangouts. In Tulsa, nicknamed “America’s Main Street,” admire murals, sculptures and iconic neon signs that have beckoned to motorists for decades. No matter where you wander, you’ll enjoy great shopping, dining and entertainment in unique communities interspersed with many famous roadside attractions. For a deeper dive into the history of the famous road, visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton to learn more through antiques, replicas and audio recordings. Head east to Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia, a family-friendly full-service gas station and restaurant with over 650 kinds of sodas to choose from. You won’t be able to miss the 20-meter-tall, LED-illuminated bottle sculpture out front.

Fly into Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), Tulsa International Airport (TUL) or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and rent a car to begin your road trip through Oklahoma’s great outdoors.