This year is the perfect year to explore Oklahoma like never before. From one side of the state to the other, there are astounding natural wonders that should be on your bucket list! Keep scrolling to learn more about some of our top recommendations. Your Oklahoma outdoor bucket list is in no way complete without these items on it:
- Great Salt Plains State Park, Jet
Emily Crain/Google photos Great Salt Plains State Park is an 840-acre state park located near Jet, Oklahoma. It was so named because it is covered with a layer of salt deposited long ago by an inland sea. A saline aquifer still flows beneath the surface and replenishes the salt whenever the water table rises. The salt is left behind when the water evaporates. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum. Salt Plains State Park, 23280 S. Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
- Turner Falls State Park, Davis
***Karen/Flickr Located on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Turner Falls is one of Oklahoma’s tallest waterfalls, dropping 77 feet into a natural swimming pool. At the center of Turner Falls Park is the clear water that flows throughout the park creating creeks and natural swimming pools. Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
- Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka
Becky McCray/Flickr Named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert, Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. The dunes are located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, and are a popular spot to ride a dune buggy or an ATV. Little Sahara State Park, 101 Main St, Waynoka, OK 73860, USA
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Indiahoma
Larry Smith/Flickr Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901, and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. The refuge spans over 59,000 beautiful acres and is home to free range buffalo, Texas longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, elk and deer. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
- Gloss Mountains State Park, Fairview
Wade Harris/Flickr Also known as the Glass Mountains, the Gloss Mountains in Oklahoma are famous for their Selenite content that looks like shiny glass. When the sun hits the Selenite, the mountains sparkle and resemble the deep Southwest. Hiking is allowed to the top of the mesas, and views of the Cimarron River and breathtaking landscape can be seen for miles. Gloss Mountain State Park, US-412, Fairview, OK 73737, USA
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma is comprised of the former Platt National Park and Arbuckle Recreation District. It is located in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities at this family-favorite spot. Its mineral waters, streams and lakes are perfect swimming and boating spots, while its sprawling forests and lands are perfect for hikers, campers and nature lovers. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
- Black Mesa State Park, Black Mesa
Nate/Flickr The highest point in Oklahoma can be found at Black Mesa at 4,973 feet above sea level. Black Mesa is located in the Oklahoma panhandle, along with portions of New Mexico and Colorado. It is a favorite spot for bird-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as there are an abundance of bird species and wildlife in the park and preserve. The hike to the top of the mesa takes about 4 hours to the top and back. This is one dark-sky park in Oklahoma you won’t want to miss! Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
- Natural Falls Park, Colcord
Natural Falls State Park/Facebook Natural Falls in Oklahoma is an enchanting spot in the northeastern corner of the state that will make you feel like you’ve stepped through a magical wardrobe. From gorgeous waterfalls to lush greenery to scenic forests, this park in Oklahoma may feel more like a scene from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe than the Sooner State. Go ahead, step into Natural Falls State Park – an otherworldly place that is filled with magnificent scenery. Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
- Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow
sarowen/Flickr Beavers Bend State Park is a gem in southeastern Oklahoma, comprised of 1,300 acres about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The park boasts of a postcard-like setting and is an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered. It offers crystal clear waters, towering pines and breathtaking scenery. It has almost every outdoor activity you’re looking for in a state park and it’s right here in Oklahoma. Beavers Bend State Park, 196 Stevens Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
Which of these gorgeous destinations do you want to visit first? What would you add to your Oklahoma outdoor bucket list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Emily Crain/Google photos
Great Salt Plains State Park is an 840-acre state park located near Jet, Oklahoma. It was so named because it is covered with a layer of salt deposited long ago by an inland sea. A saline aquifer still flows beneath the surface and replenishes the salt whenever the water table rises. The salt is left behind when the water evaporates. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum.
Salt Plains State Park, 23280 S. Spillway Dr, Jet, OK 73749, USA
***Karen/Flickr
Located on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Turner Falls is one of Oklahoma’s tallest waterfalls, dropping 77 feet into a natural swimming pool. At the center of Turner Falls Park is the clear water that flows throughout the park creating creeks and natural swimming pools.
Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
Becky McCray/Flickr
Named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert, Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. The dunes are located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, and are a popular spot to ride a dune buggy or an ATV.
Little Sahara State Park, 101 Main St, Waynoka, OK 73860, USA
Larry Smith/Flickr
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901, and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. The refuge spans over 59,000 beautiful acres and is home to free range buffalo, Texas longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, elk and deer. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
Wade Harris/Flickr
Also known as the Glass Mountains, the Gloss Mountains in Oklahoma are famous for their Selenite content that looks like shiny glass. When the sun hits the Selenite, the mountains sparkle and resemble the deep Southwest. Hiking is allowed to the top of the mesas, and views of the Cimarron River and breathtaking landscape can be seen for miles.
Gloss Mountain State Park, US-412, Fairview, OK 73737, USA
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma is comprised of the former Platt National Park and Arbuckle Recreation District. It is located in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities at this family-favorite spot. Its mineral waters, streams and lakes are perfect swimming and boating spots, while its sprawling forests and lands are perfect for hikers, campers and nature lovers.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
Nate/Flickr
The highest point in Oklahoma can be found at Black Mesa at 4,973 feet above sea level. Black Mesa is located in the Oklahoma panhandle, along with portions of New Mexico and Colorado. It is a favorite spot for bird-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as there are an abundance of bird species and wildlife in the park and preserve. The hike to the top of the mesa takes about 4 hours to the top and back. This is one dark-sky park in Oklahoma you won’t want to miss!
Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
Natural Falls State Park/Facebook
Natural Falls in Oklahoma is an enchanting spot in the northeastern corner of the state that will make you feel like you’ve stepped through a magical wardrobe. From gorgeous waterfalls to lush greenery to scenic forests, this park in Oklahoma may feel more like a scene from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe than the Sooner State. Go ahead, step into Natural Falls State Park – an otherworldly place that is filled with magnificent scenery.
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
sarowen/Flickr
Beavers Bend State Park is a gem in southeastern Oklahoma, comprised of 1,300 acres about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The park boasts of a postcard-like setting and is an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered. It offers crystal clear waters, towering pines and breathtaking scenery. It has almost every outdoor activity you’re looking for in a state park and it’s right here in Oklahoma.
Beavers Bend State Park, 196 Stevens Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
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Address: Oklahoma, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oklahoma Outdoor Bucket List April 21, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best state parks in Oklahoma to visit? With 32 awesome state parks in Oklahoma to choose from, how can you pick which ones are the best? Well, considering “best” is subjective, we say just visit them all! But, in the event that that’s not exactly an option (we get it – but we can dream, right?), there are a few state parks in Oklahoma we think are EXTRA worth the effort to experience. Some of those include the awesome Lake Murray State Park and Lodge in Ardmore, which is considered THE premier vacation spot in Oklahoma. Then, there’s Greenleaf State Park in Braggs, which is one of Oklahoma’s original state parks. It’s located in northeast Oklahoma and features lush greenery and never-ending hills. Beavers Bend State Park is an incredible one if you’re a fan of lakes and bodies of water; located in Broken Bow, it’s incredibly scenic, and Broken Bow Lake itself is truly amazing. Finally (last on this list but definitely not least), be sure to add Tenkiller State Park to your bucket list. It’s situated along the shore of beautiful Lake Tenkiller and features awe-inspiring tall rock bluffs and clean gravel shores. What are some amazing natural wonders in Oklahoma? If anyone ever tells you that there’s nothing fun or interesting about Oklahoma, stop talking to them. You don’t need that much negativity in your life. There just so happens to be plenty to see, do, and experience in Oklahoma, and we have a few favorites we’d like to share! Lovers of nature will love heading to Oklahoma to experience things like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in Indiahoma, which is 59,000 acres of true paradise. Turner Falls is another amazing one, nestled within the Arbuckle Mountains. At 77 feet tall, it’s Oklahoma’s tallest cascade, and it’s a sight to behold! Chickasaw National Recreation Area, near Sulphur, is another excellent option. It offers up year-round fun and shenanigans with rivers, lakes, and more. Finally, visit Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, in Kenton. It features the highest point in all of Oklahoma, at 4,973 feet above sea level. Each of these natural wonders in Oklahoma is worth a visit – where to begin is up to you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oklahoma Outdoor Bucket List
April 21, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best state parks in Oklahoma to visit? With 32 awesome state parks in Oklahoma to choose from, how can you pick which ones are the best? Well, considering “best” is subjective, we say just visit them all! But, in the event that that’s not exactly an option (we get it – but we can dream, right?), there are a few state parks in Oklahoma we think are EXTRA worth the effort to experience. Some of those include the awesome Lake Murray State Park and Lodge in Ardmore, which is considered THE premier vacation spot in Oklahoma. Then, there’s Greenleaf State Park in Braggs, which is one of Oklahoma’s original state parks. It’s located in northeast Oklahoma and features lush greenery and never-ending hills. Beavers Bend State Park is an incredible one if you’re a fan of lakes and bodies of water; located in Broken Bow, it’s incredibly scenic, and Broken Bow Lake itself is truly amazing. Finally (last on this list but definitely not least), be sure to add Tenkiller State Park to your bucket list. It’s situated along the shore of beautiful Lake Tenkiller and features awe-inspiring tall rock bluffs and clean gravel shores. What are some amazing natural wonders in Oklahoma? If anyone ever tells you that there’s nothing fun or interesting about Oklahoma, stop talking to them. You don’t need that much negativity in your life. There just so happens to be plenty to see, do, and experience in Oklahoma, and we have a few favorites we’d like to share! Lovers of nature will love heading to Oklahoma to experience things like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in Indiahoma, which is 59,000 acres of true paradise. Turner Falls is another amazing one, nestled within the Arbuckle Mountains. At 77 feet tall, it’s Oklahoma’s tallest cascade, and it’s a sight to behold! Chickasaw National Recreation Area, near Sulphur, is another excellent option. It offers up year-round fun and shenanigans with rivers, lakes, and more. Finally, visit Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, in Kenton. It features the highest point in all of Oklahoma, at 4,973 feet above sea level. Each of these natural wonders in Oklahoma is worth a visit – where to begin is up to you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With 32 awesome state parks in Oklahoma to choose from, how can you pick which ones are the best? Well, considering “best” is subjective, we say just visit them all! But, in the event that that’s not exactly an option (we get it – but we can dream, right?), there are a few state parks in Oklahoma we think are EXTRA worth the effort to experience. Some of those include the awesome Lake Murray State Park and Lodge in Ardmore, which is considered THE premier vacation spot in Oklahoma. Then, there’s Greenleaf State Park in Braggs, which is one of Oklahoma’s original state parks. It’s located in northeast Oklahoma and features lush greenery and never-ending hills. Beavers Bend State Park is an incredible one if you’re a fan of lakes and bodies of water; located in Broken Bow, it’s incredibly scenic, and Broken Bow Lake itself is truly amazing. Finally (last on this list but definitely not least), be sure to add Tenkiller State Park to your bucket list. It’s situated along the shore of beautiful Lake Tenkiller and features awe-inspiring tall rock bluffs and clean gravel shores.
What are some amazing natural wonders in Oklahoma?
If anyone ever tells you that there’s nothing fun or interesting about Oklahoma, stop talking to them. You don’t need that much negativity in your life. There just so happens to be plenty to see, do, and experience in Oklahoma, and we have a few favorites we’d like to share! Lovers of nature will love heading to Oklahoma to experience things like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in Indiahoma, which is 59,000 acres of true paradise. Turner Falls is another amazing one, nestled within the Arbuckle Mountains. At 77 feet tall, it’s Oklahoma’s tallest cascade, and it’s a sight to behold! Chickasaw National Recreation Area, near Sulphur, is another excellent option. It offers up year-round fun and shenanigans with rivers, lakes, and more. Finally, visit Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, in Kenton. It features the highest point in all of Oklahoma, at 4,973 feet above sea level. Each of these natural wonders in Oklahoma is worth a visit – where to begin is up to you!
