The Wichita Mountains, worn by time and nature, loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma, providing a long-term refuge for wildlife. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, protects approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Wichita Mountains, best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation such as fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

The Wichita Mountains, which march majestically across the southwestern corner of Oklahoma, provide a natural habitat for roaming Texas Longhorn cattle and bison, prairie dogs, and a variety of other native wildlife residents. This region also has stunning natural scenery; on the drive up to Mount Scott's summit, you'll see a number of vistas as well as unspoiled views of the Lake Lawtonka reservoir from rock faces begging to be climbed.

• Getting there: About 90 miles from Oklahoma City, the quickest route is to drive 55 miles south on I-44 south, then west on OK-49.
• Travel tip: Before or after your visit, feast on what have been called the best burgers in the state at the Meers Store and Restaurant.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Oklahoma, USA

Phone: 1-800-344-9453

Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains

Bartlesville ranks 2nd on the list of the best day trips from Oklahoma. Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a hub of architecture, culture, history, and art, with a history of black gold dating back to 1905. As the headquarters of Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville has unique attractions. Stop by the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, which was once Frank Phillips' "second home," the founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. Explore the impressive collection of Native American and Western art inside, and outside, keep an eye out for bison and Japanese Sika deer roaming the 3,600-acre property.

Visitors can tour the 3,600-acre Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Frank Phillips' former estate-turned-museum where bison and deer roam freely, to see the company founder's extensive collections of Western and Native American art and Colts firearms. Price Tower in downtown Bartlesville is another notable attraction and a National Historic Landmark. It is the only fully realized skyscraper designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The 19-story structure, which was completed in 1956, now houses an arts center, hotel rooms, and a restaurant.

• Getting there: To reach Bartlesville, take I-44 to Tulsa, then head north on U.S. 75. Expect the 150-mile drive to take just over two hours.
• Travel tip: The OKM Music Festival settles into the Bartlesville Community Center each June to celebrate the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and other composers across all genres.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0

Location: Washington County ,Oklahoma

Phone: N/a

Website: https://www.travelok.com/bartlesville

Salt Plains State Park is a one-of-a-kind state park in Oklahoma. The nearby Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge's barren landscape is made up of salt left over from an ocean that covered Oklahoma in prehistoric times, and the park's saltwater lake, Great Salt Plains Lake, is about half as salty as the ocean. Visitors to the park can choose from a variety of activities, such as swimming in Great Salt Plains Lake or hiking along bike trails. Equestrians can ride their horses on designated trails, and there are nature trails to enjoy the scenery. Fishing on the lake is enjoyable for the entire family, whether from a boat or from shore.

Catfish, saugeye, sand bass, and hybrid striper can all be found in these salty, shallow waters. Bring your canoe or kayak and take a trip around the lake to see the many migratory birds that pass through. The selenite crystal dig area is in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge southwest of the lake, with access roads six miles west of Jet and three miles south of Cherokee. The crystal digging area is open from sunrise to sunset from April 1 to October 15. These hourglass-shaped crystals are found just beneath the surface of the salt plains.

Fish species include catfish, saugeye, and sand bass. Oklahoma is the only place in the world where you can find the hourglass-shaped selenite crystal. Look for some of the over 300 species of protected birds that live and can be seen in the refuge while looking for crystals. Enjoy a multi-day stay in one of the renovated, eco-friendly cabins at Salt Plains State Park. The six cabins each have their own bed, refrigerator, and stove, among other amenities. Pets are permitted in certain units for a small nightly fee. Overnight camping in an RV or tent site is also available. There is one full hookup site available. All RV and tent campsites require online reservations.

• Getting there: It’ll take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the Great Salt Plains from OKC. Drive 95 miles north toward Wichita via I-35, then drive west on OK-11 for another 45 miles.
• Travel tip: The crystal dig site is only open seasonally from April through October; plan accordingly if you plan to mine.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 23280 S. Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
Phone: +1 580-626-4731
Website: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/salt-plains-state-park

Norman ranks 4th on the list of the best day trips from Oklahoma. Norman is the county seat of Cleveland County in central Oklahoma, United States. The city is located immediately southeast of Oklahoma City on the South Canadian River. When Oklahoma was opened to white settlement in April 1889, it began as a tent city named after Aubrey Norman, a Santa Fe Railway surveyor. The development of the city was ensured when the University of Oklahoma was founded there in 1890 on land donated by its citizens.

Norman, Oklahoma's third-largest city, hums with the intellectual curiosity and youthful energy that only college towns can generate. The town draws crowds for Sooner football and basketball games, but the campus itself, museums, a diverse dining scene, and an ongoing schedule of festivals and events entice visitors all year. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, the country's largest university-based facility of its kind, is a must-see. Later, gawk at Impressionist paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, which is also on the OU campus. After dark, Campus Corner comes alive with live music and dancing for a fun night out.

• Getting there: It’s only a 30-minute journey from downtown OKC to Norman; to get there, follow I-35 and US-77.
• Travel tip: About 10 miles east of campus, the hike-worthy Lake Thunderbird is the largest urban park in Oklahoma.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 424 W. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 405-366-8095

Phone: 405-366-5396

Website: https://www.normanok.gov/

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Investigate Oklahoma's largest waterfall. Turner Falls, a breathtaking 77-foot cascade tucked into the Arbuckle Mountains, is located just south of OKC, just shy of the Texas state line. Plan a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, and exploring the park's natural beauty. Turner Falls Park has something for everyone, from Dr. Collings' Rock Castle to the 77-foot waterfall. With picnic areas, RV hook-ups, and camping areas, it's also a convenient and entertaining stop for those passing through. So make your way down to Turner Falls Park and enjoy the cool springs and rugged wilderness activities.

The Arbuckle Mountains are the oldest known formations between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains in the United States. The Park has been a recreational area since 1868, with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders, and two unique natural swimming pools. If a day isn't long enough, visitors are welcome to bring an RV or rent a cabin for the weekend. A marina, nature center, wilderness park, and several caves round out the region's outdoor recreation and fresh-air fun options.

• Getting there: Take I-35 south toward Texas to find Turner Falls Park near Davis, about 75 miles away.
• Travel tip: Keep the journey going by continuing on to Lake Murray, Oklahoma’s first state park, south of Turner Falls.

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: I-35 & US Highway 77Davis, OK 73030

Phone: (580) 369-2988

Website: https://www.turnerfallspark.com/

Fill up your tank and enjoy this iconic stretch of the Mother Road. Route 66 runs from Chicago to Los Angeles through Oklahoma, beginning in Joplin (just across the Missouri state line) and ending in Erick. The friendly towns, architecture, neon signage and soaring murals, mom-and-pop diners, motels, and roadside attractions all contribute to an unforgettable road trip. Take your time and stop frequently to enjoy the sights and flavors along the way.

Because Oklahoma City is in the center of the state, there are two routes to take. You can either travel northeast to Joplin, stopping at landmarks such as the Rock Café in Stroud and Miami's historic Coleman Theater. Meanwhile, the western leg leads to Clinton's Route 66 Museum and Elk City's National Transportation and Route 66 Museum. If you're looking for roadside attractions, the Blue Whale, Round Barn, Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios, Golden Driller, and Totem Pole Park all make excellent backdrops for selfies to post on social media.

• Getting there: From Oklahoma City, Route 66 runs about 210 miles northwest through Tulsa to the Missouri state line. To the west, it’s 150 miles to the Texas border.
• Travel tip: Hit up POPS—a funky retro gas station just outside of OKC in Arcadia—for diner eats and 600 different kinds of soda.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0
Address: 123 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 297-8912
Website: https://www.oklahomaroute66.com/

Tulsa ranked 7th on the list of the best day trips from Oklahoma. Tulsa is about 90 minutes from Oklahoma City, so you can see many of the city's most important sites if you leave early and return late, such as the Greenwood Historic District, which was the site of Black Wall Street. The Muscogee Creek Nation settled Oklahoma's second-largest city in the early 1800s, and the city has a rich Native American history (one of dozens of tribes that have resided throughout the state). Visitors now come to enjoy an impressive museum collection, a thriving arts scene, and outdoor recreation.

Immerse yourself in local history at the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, a great place to start any trip. The iconic Blue Dome structure anchors an entertainment district brimming with restaurants, bars, and nightlife, while the Tulsa Arts District features reimagined historic structures, galleries, and theaters. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, a multi-use recreational property with a network of River Parks trails, invites visitors to explore Tulsa's green spaces at any time of year.

• Getting there: Tulsa lies just over 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City directly up I-44.
• Travel tip: The gorgeous Italianate Renaissance-style Philbrook Museum of Art and verdant grounds are a must-see.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Address: 175 East 2nd Street, Suite 1405Tulsa, OK 74103

Phone: 74008-4193

Website: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/

The Chickasaw Nation's capital is Tishomingo. The Chickasaw Council House Museum and the Chickasaw National Capitol Building proudly display the town's native roots. The Chickasaw Bank Museum and Sipokni West, Oklahoma's largest Western movie set and museum, are also historic sites. The breathtaking Blue River, a trout-fishing destination and home to the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, is a must-see for nature lovers. Swim in the spring-fed waters and waterfalls of Pennington Creek Park. The Tishomingo Natural Fish Hatchery features aquariums and interactive exhibits.

Tishomingo, in addition to its historic charm and natural beauty, has several restaurants where you can enjoy sizzling fajitas, mouthwatering barbecue, or any other cuisine you desire. At the classic Latté Da Coffee House, indulge in a sweet pastry while getting your caffeine fix. Stroll down Tishomingo's historic main street to find unique boutique shops and the Chickasha Garden. Relax and rejuvenate at the luxurious Spa 211, which offers pedicures, hot towels, relaxing massages, and other services.

• Getting there: The quickest route to Tishomingo from Oklahoma City is to take I-35 southeast to OK-7. It's about a two-hour drive one-way.
• Travel tip: Fuel up for the ride home (and catch some live entertainment to boot) at Ole Red Tishomingo, a popul arrestaurant/music venue owned by Oklahoma native and country music artist Blake Shelton.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: Chickasaw Country1 East Sheridan, Suite 100Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: 1-800-593-3356
Website: https://chickasawcountry.com/

The 200-acre Arbuckle Wilderness Park in south-central Oklahoma's beautiful Arbuckle Mountains is a fun day out for the whole family. The park is home to an unusual collection of wild animals from all over the world, including African white rhinos and giraffes, American bison, llamas, emus, and many more. Purchase cups of food before starting your drive-thru safari and feed the animals from your car window. Camels, llamas, deer, buffalos, yaks, zebras, and other animals will approach your vehicle to say hello and enjoy a quick snack. You can drive through the park in your own car or take a bus tour.

After seeing the wildlife, you can get up close and personal with it at the Petting Zoo and Reptile House. Children can feed some of the animals, go on hay rides, and try their hand at gem mining (seasonal). Arbuckle Wilderness has a drive-through park, a walk-through park with additional animals, birds, reptiles, and a petting zoo. Moon bounces, go-carts, bumper boats, paddle boats, camel rides, a playground, and other fun family activities are available. Seasonal rides are available. Groups can enjoy cookouts and hayrides. A unique wildlife-themed gift shop and food court are also available.

Google rating: 4.0
Location: 6132 Kay Starr Trail, Davis, OK 73030, United States
Phone: +1 580-369-3383
Website: https://arbucklewildernesspark.com/

Hugo is the county seat of Choctaw County, Oklahoma, in the United States. It's in southeastern Oklahoma, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of the Texas border. The city had a population of 5,310 people according to the 2010 census. Hugo, Oklahoma was a hive of activity in the early 1900s as a railroad hub, with a colorful mix of dance hall girls, hustlers, and gunfighters, a Harvey House Restaurant, and a dozen circuses wintering nearby to take advantage of the mild climate and easy rail access.

The Frisco Depot Museum, housed in the restored former Harvey House Restaurant, captures some of this wild past, while Mount Olivet Cemetery honors rodeo legends. The cemetery also features a special area known as "Showmen's Rest," which features unique headstones and gravesites for circus performers and owners. At the Endangered Ark Foundation, visit the second largest herd of Asian elephants in the U.S., and learn more about preservation efforts surrounding these endangered animals.

• Getting there: Hugo is about a three-hour drive from Oklahoma City; take I-40 to the east, then merge south onto the Indian Nation Turnpike.
• Travel Tip: Where circus elephants go to retire, Endangered Ark Foundation houses the second largest herd of Asian elephants in the country and educates guests about preservation efforts to save the species.

Google rating: N/a
Location: Choctaw County, Oklahoma, United States
Phone: N/a
Website: http://www.hugook.com/