Skip to content
Home » North America » USA » Oklahoma » Top 17 Hidden Gems to visit in Oklahoma

Top 17 Hidden Gems to visit in Oklahoma

  1. The Philbrook Museum of Art – a stunning museum in Tulsa that boasts an impressive collection of art from around the world. The museum’s permanent collection features work from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keeffe, and its galleries also showcase rotating exhibits of contemporary and modern art. The museum is situated on 25 acres of gardens and outdoor sculpture, making it a delightful destination for art and nature lovers alike.
  2. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area – a serene park in Sulphur that is renowned for its natural beauty and unique geology. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails and waterfalls, go swimming or fishing in one of the park’s many lakes, or enjoy a picnic in the shade of the towering trees. The park also features a variety of mineral springs that are open to the public, offering a chance to experience the restorative benefits of the park’s natural resources.
  3. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum – a poignant site in Oklahoma City that honors the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial features a reflecting pool and a field of empty chairs, while the indoor museum provides a comprehensive and sensitive portrayal of the bombing and its aftermath. Visitors can learn about the victims, the survivors, and the community’s response to the tragedy, and can pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the attack.
  4. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – an engaging museum in Oklahoma City that celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West. The museum’s extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that showcase the West’s frontier spirit, as well as exhibits that explore the lives of Native Americans, cowboys, and pioneers. The museum also features a research library and an extensive archive of Western-themed films and television shows.
  5. The Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival – a vibrant and colorful event in Oklahoma City that celebrates the history and culture of Native American tribes in Oklahoma. The festival features traditional dances, music, and crafts, as well as contemporary art and performances that highlight the rich diversity of Native American culture. Visitors can sample traditional foods and shop for Native American crafts while learning about the history and traditions of Oklahoma’s indigenous peoples.
  6. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum – a fascinating museum in Claremore that celebrates the life and legacy of Will Rogers, one of America’s most beloved humorists and actors. The museum features exhibits that showcase Rogers’ wit and wisdom, as well as his films, radio broadcasts, and newspaper columns. Visitors can explore the museum’s beautiful gardens and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  7. The Oklahoma History Center – a comprehensive museum in Oklahoma City that provides a detailed look at the state’s history and culture. The museum’s exhibits cover topics such as the state’s Native American heritage, its role in the Civil War, and its development as a major oil-producing region. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections of artifacts and archival materials, and can participate in interactive exhibits that bring the state’s history to life.
  8. Turner Falls Park – a picturesque park in Davis that boasts stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and natural swimming holes. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, go fishing in the park’s streams, or take a dip in one of the park’s swimming areas. The park also features a number of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, camping sites, and playgrounds.
  9. Nestled along the historic Route 66 in Arcadia, the Pops Soda Ranch is a vibrant and colorful destination that will undoubtedly quench the thirst of soda enthusiasts. At the heart of this attraction is a towering 66-foot-tall neon soda bottle, which illuminates the night sky and acts as a beacon to visitors. Once inside the restaurant, visitors can explore a dizzying array of over 700 soda flavors sourced from across the globe, many of which are rare and difficult to find elsewhere. Alongside the sodas, the restaurant serves a variety of classic American cuisine, providing a unique cultural experience. A visit to the on-site gift shop offers the chance to pick up souvenirs and Route 66 memorabilia to commemorate the trip.
  10. The Medicine Park – nestled in the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma, Medicine Park is a charming small town with a unique history. The town was originally founded as a health resort in the early 1900s, with many visitors coming to bathe in the mineral springs believed to have healing properties. Today, the town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike, fish, and swim in Medicine Creek. Visitors can also explore the town’s quaint shops and galleries, dine at local restaurants, and take in the town’s historic architecture, which has been preserved and restored.
  11. The Osage Hills Wildlife Preserve: 3000 acres of nature, peace, and quiet. Home to all sorts of wildlife species, including some that might not be too keen on meeting visitors. Take a hike, go bird-watching, or spot some wildlife. You can also camp and fish, but we can’t promise the fish will be interested in your bait.
  12. The Blue River: a scenic and pristine river that’s perfect for fishing for trout and catfish, kayaking, hiking, and enjoying some stunning views. Just don’t try to drink the water, unless you’re into that sort of thing.
  13. The Glass Mountain: a unique and stunning natural formation made of clear glass quartz. It’s like walking on diamonds, except it’s not actually diamonds and it’s probably best not to try to steal any. Go hiking or rock climbing, but don’t blame us if you get stuck.
  14. Roman Nose State Park: 7000 acres of rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping, and then head to the lodge for a good meal. Or hit the golf course, if you’re into that sort of thing.
  15. Keystone Lake: a serene and picturesque lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Enjoy the views while hiking or biking, or set up a picnic and relax. Just watch out for the geese – they can be pretty mean.
  16. Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum: a historic site that takes you back to the 1800s and the American West. Learn about the soldiers who served at Fort Sill and their way of life. Take a guided tour and watch some living history demonstrations. Just don’t try to start a mutiny.
  17. Pioneer Woman Museum: a museum dedicated to the pioneer women who helped shape the American West. Learn about their daily lives, struggles, and accomplishments through interactive displays and exhibits. And who knows, you might just leave feeling inspired to start your own frontier.