The southern states are probably the most popular tourist destinations. But somehow, Oklahoma isn’t usually on many travelers’ bucket lists when, in fact, it’s a treasure trove of tourist attractions.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, The Sooner State will capture your heart with its beautiful and diverse landscape. The state’s location between the Great Plains and the Ozark Highlands provides the perfect setup for nature’s finest sites.
You will likely fall in love with Oklahoma’s outdoors during your visit. And if you’re a nature person to the bone, you must check out these must-visit nature spots.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns State Park in Woodward County houses one of the world’s largest gypsum caves.
The main cavern is slightly less than a mile long and about 50 feet high, and it splits into other caves. For a more wholesome experience, book a guided tour and learn more about the cavern formation and gypsum caves.
If you’re a veteran, you could go spelunking in the other wild caving areas within the park. Besides the caves, you’ll find hiking trails that will reward you with amazing overlooks.
The next best thing to do at Alabaster Caverns State Park is camping. Tent and RV sites are available if you’re looking for a nature escape.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The rugged Wichita Mountains in southwest Oklahoma is probably the only place to experience something similar to the African Savannah.
Despite the name, the ranges aren’t mountains but hills with peaks reaching 2,000 feet.
The range boasts hiking trails with varying difficulty levels leading up to some of the most scenic overlooks in the state. If you’re a hiker, you’ll appreciate the Forty-Foot Hole and Bison Trail Loop that offer scenic features, from canyons to waterfalls.
Aside from the hills, the refuge has vast plains covered in prairie and trees. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot elks, deer, and bison grazing. Coyotes and eagles are also a common sight.
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
Sometimes, you don’t need to go way off the beaten path to experience nature at its best. If you’re in Oklahoma City, you’re lucky because it is home to a forested area known as Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge.
The massive park features sprawling greenery and beautiful cliffs with hiking trails that offer impressive views.
You’ll have many opportunities to observe wildlife as you explore the park. Go kayaking on the scenic Canadian River for a better birdwatching experience.
Turner Falls
At the foot of the Arbuckle Mountains, the Honey Creek drops 77 feet into a massive pool that has become the state’s most famous natural swimming pool.
The waterfall is the largest in Oklahoma and probably the most unique. You may want to take photos, swim, and have fun at the waterfall, but there is still more to do.
The area around the waterfall is a park named after its top attraction, Turner Falls. With over 1,500 acres, there is much to explore. You could hit the hiking trails and enjoy the local wildlife, which includes birds, deer, and wild turkeys.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
If you want to see the largest tallgrass prairie in the world and basically what is left of large tallgrass prairies, head over to Pawhuska.
The protected area covers over 39,000 acres of prairie wilderness, offering breathtaking scenery. When visiting, take the hiking trails for an immersive experience of the open prairie and scattered forests.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to observe the wildlife and other natural habitats. The preserve is the best place to watch large numbers of bison. It’s also home to other animals and around 300 bird species.
Waynoka Dunes
If you’ve ever imagined yourself on top of a towering sand dune, Oklahoma offers you that experience at Waynoka Dunes in Woods County.
Also called Little Sahara State Park, the 1,600-acre expanse of brown dunes will make you feel like you’re somewhere in the Sahara in North Africa or the Arabian Desert.
The dunes can reach up to 75 feet, providing a playground for desert activities like sand surfing, ATV, and Buggy riding.
Conclusion
Like other states, Oklahoma has its less-than-perfect side. It’s always best to be fully informed prior to your visit.
Major topics like cannabis legality are worth looking into, primarily if you’re used to a legalized environment. In Oklahoma, cannabis is only accessible to residents 18 years and over who meet eligibility requirements. Here is more info on the subject.
