The Best Things to Do When You Visit Oklahoma
Including Ree Drummond's town of Pawhuska, of course.
Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain... and millions of people visit every year! While the famous musical may conjure up visions of waving wheat, Oklahoma actually has an incredibly diverse landscape including mountains, prairies, mesas, and forests. That means it has a lot to offer visitors who make the journey to the South Central region of the United States.
Ree Drummond has lived in Oklahoma most of her life, so she knows a thing or two about the vast beauty of the region. "I've said it before and I'll say it again: Oklahoma is my first love," she gushes. And while you can absolutely visit beautiful Osage County and her hometown of Pawhuska (which, of course, makes the list), there are plenty of other places to visit and things to do in Oklahoma.
Here, you'll find wide ranging options from the bustle of Oklahoma City to the desert dunes of Little Sahara State Park. You can zipline over a waterfall, explore a cave where notorious outlaw Jesse James once hid, and take a scenic drive through the Ouachita Mountains. No matter the time of year or region you decide you like best, there will be plenty to do and so much to see. You might just fall in love with it as much as The Pioneer Woman herself!
More epic adventures await:
Pawhuska
Ree might joke on her show that she's in the middle of nowhere, but Pawhuska is only 56 miles away from Tulsa. You can book a room at The Boarding House, shop and eat at the Mercantile or P-Town, and visit the Lodge, where Ree shot so many seasons of her show. And if you're lucky enough to be around during the 4th of July, you can attend the big annual bash right in the center of town.
Little Sahara State Park
The name of this park located in Waynoka explains everything: It looks just like the desert! The sand comes from a river that flowed here thousands of years ago. Rent an ATV in town and ride over the dunes or watch the action from an observation deck at the park's Buttercup Campground.
Turner Falls
You can take in Davis, Oklahoma's most majestic waterfall from a pedestrian bridge or from a zip line above it, if you dare. Afterward, hop into the swimming hole at the bottom, then explore nearby Collings Castle, an abandoned 1930s stone home.
Red Rock Canyon
During the Gold Rush, travelers heading to California would rest in the shade of the canyon's towering walls and get water from its natural springs (the ground still has ruts from wagon wheels). Now visitors come to Hinton for glamping and RV-ing in the same area.
Ouachita Mountains
This range, located in Southeastern Oklahoma and named after the Native American tribe, is full of lush pines and has some of the prettiest views in the state. Hit the Talimena National Scenic Byway and choose from 22 overlooks on the hour-long drive.
Oklahoma City
The largest city in the state, Oklahoma City offers a lot that you'd expect from state capital. There are museums and memorials, a thriving nightlife, and an art festival that attracts nearly a million visitors each year. It's the perfect balance of country charm and city excitement. It's the horse show capital of the world and hosts the best softball competition, too!
Gloss Mountains
Some say that visitors to Fairview appear to walk on mirrors when they're here because the rock's selenite content makes it reflective. You can take stairs straight to the top, or just head to the picnic area at the base for lunch with a gorgeous backdrop.
Salt Plains
In prehistoric times, a shallow sea covered most of Oklahoma, and what's left in about 12,000 acres of salty residue―and a very striking landscape. Visitors to Jet are free to roam and dig for amber-colored crystals until mid-October. Bring a shovel!
Robbers Cave
You'l find this famous cave tucked in the state park named after it in Wilburton. Outlaws Jesse James and Bella Starr supposedly hid here during the late 1800s. Get your thrills exploring the nooks and crannies, then rent a canoe or kayak or hike one the park's many trails.
Beavers Bend State Park
You'll find a lot of nature in Broken Bow, including Beavers Bend State Park. While it's stunning all year round, if you love to see fall foliage, this is your spot. You can camp, hike, fish, you name it. There are boat tours on nearby Broken Bow Lake if you prefer to sit back and relax, too.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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