Introduction
When I decided to explore Oklahoma on a road-trip, I expected wide open plains, maybe a cowboy hat or two, and some quiet towns. What I found instead was far richer: vibrant cities, deep Native American history, quirky roadside stops, wild landscapes and a warm hospitality that surprised me. If you’re considering a visit—or simply day-dreaming—here are twelve of my favourite fun things to do and places to visit in Oklahoma, each one with its own flavour of discovery. Grab your map, your camera, and your curiosity.
12 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Oklahoma (2026)
1. Explore the heart of the capital, Oklahoma City
Starting in Oklahoma City (OKC) felt right — the city gives a contemporary face to the state’s history and culture. I wandered around the downtown area, enjoyed the riverfront green space at Scissortail Park, and made sure to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The memorial is a moving tribute to the victims of the 1995 bombing and offers a sobering but essential experience.
Tip: Allocate a half-day to explore downtown, grab a local bite, and stroll the river area — perfect for a first taste of Oklahoma.
See Also: 45 Things To Do & Places To Visit In Iowa
2. Dive into science and discovery
Just a short drive from downtown, I visited the Science Museum Oklahoma—a hands-on museum that made both adults and kids grin. From interactive exhibits about weather and optics to a modern planetarium, it’s a brilliant stop.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, this is a smart rainy-day option or a fun diversion.
3. Embrace nature at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
One of the most breathtaking experiences came when I headed southwest to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This sprawling refuge features ancient granite mountains rising from prairie, roaming bison and elk, and scenic trails.
I highly recommend getting an early start, packing water (cell coverage can be patchy) and just being present among the wild. It felt like a reset button on travel fatigue.
4. Cool off at Turner Falls
For a nature-meets-playground moment, I found myself at Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains. With its 77-foot waterfall, natural swimming pool and rugged landscape, it’s a refreshing contrast to the city scenes.
There are cave formations, picnic areas and spots to relax — ideal for a day trip or a slower-paced itinerary.
5. Road-trip along historic Route 66 and quirky stops
One of the joys of Oklahoma travel is following bits of the legendary U.S. Route 66. According to guides, Oklahoma contains the largest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation.
Highlights I loved include:
- The Blue Whale of Catoosa (fun roadside photo op)
- The POPS diner in Arcadia with its giant illuminated soda bottle
- The historic Round Barn of Arcadia
These add a playful, nostalgic layer to your road-trip.
6. Visit a museum of musical heritage: the American Banjo Museum
In OKC, I visited the American Banjo Museum—a specialized but fascinating museum highlighting the banjo’s evolution from its roots to jazz age and modern times.
Even if you’re not a music historian, it’s a unique cultural stop and offers a quieter museum experience away from the usual tourist crowds.
7. Immerse in Native American history and culture
Oklahoma’s deep Indigenous history is present and powerful. I spent time at the First Americans Museum in OKC, which showcases Indigenous art, heritage and modern expression.
It’s more than a museum visit—it’s a chance to engage with living cultures and broaden your perspective.
8. Wander charming small-town gems
Sometimes the best travel moments are found in small towns rather than big cities. In my Oklahoma trip I explored places like Jenks (near Tulsa), which hosts the well-known aquarium (see next stop) and offered a quieter pace.
Taking detours into lesser-known towns gave me café stops, local bakeries, and a deeper feel for the state beyond its major landmarks.
9. Visit the Oklahoma Aquarium
In Jenks, I visited the Oklahoma Aquarium—a surprisingly large and engaging destination with sharks, sea turtles and colorful marine exhibits.
This stop is especially great if you’re traveling with kids or want an indoor complement to outdoor adventures.
10. Discover quirky & offbeat attractions
Part of what surprised me about Oklahoma are the fun, unusual attractions. For example:
- The Museum of Osteology (bones & skeletons) in Oklahoma.
- The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley.
These places are quirky, memorable stops that add personality to your itinerary—and often budgets are modest.
11. Enjoy delicious local food & cultural finds
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about food and culture. While roaming Oklahoma I indulged in:
- Onion burgers (a local specialty)
- Barbecue with brisket and traditional sides
- Fried pies from the Arbuckle area (near Turner Falls)
Locals I chatted with also recommended small diners and family-run restaurants—so keep your eyes open for those.
Tip: Ask locals for their “go to” spot—it’s often the best way to find hidden gems.
12. Soak up the seasons, landscapes & historic trails
One of the things I came to appreciate is how varied Oklahoma’s landscapes are—prairies, mountains, lakes, forests and rock formations. Whether you’re hiking in spring, driving under wide skies in summer, or enjoying cooler weather in fall, there’s always a backdrop of natural beauty.
Organizations note that outdoor recreation—hiking, wildlife-watching, scenic driving—are among Oklahoma’s greatest assets.
Take time to just be outdoors—pause at a scenic lookout, listen to the wind, watch for bison or longhorn cattle.
Final Thoughts
My trip through Oklahoma was much more than I’d anticipated. The mix of dynamic cities and wild nature, the cultural depth and quirky roadside stops, the friendly locals and unexpected joy in the little things—it all added up. If I had to boil it down: Oklahoma invites you to slow down, explore with open eyes, and embrace the unexpected.
Here’s what I suggest before you go:
- Build a loose itinerary but leave space for spontaneity (some of the best moments happened when I veered off‐plan).
- Mix city time with nature time: include one major city (OKC or Tulsa) and at least one outdoor escape (Wichita Mountains, Turner Falls).
- Ask locals where they eat, what small town they love, what roadside stop they’d never miss.
- Be open to the quirky—sometimes the weirdest stop becomes a favourite memory.
- Bring a camera, good walking shoes, maybe a reusable water bottle—and keep your head up for sunset views.
Whether you’re after big adventure or subtle discoveries, Oklahoma offers both. I left wanting to come back and explore deeper, and I hope you do too.