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10 Day Trips from OKC to Take This YearReady to explore beyond Oklahoma City? From the small-town charm of Guthrie to the natural escapes of Turner Falls and Lake Murray, discover 10 easy day trips from OKC filled with adventure, local flavor, and scenic Oklahoma beauty.Authorsabbygoux
DestinationsOklahoma CityItinerary

Davis

Turner Falls
Welcome to Oklahoma’s largest waterfall! Turner Falls is an easy getaway for a warm day, so bring your swim gear and spend some time cooling off beneath the falls or wading in the nearby pools. The park’s trails wind through rocky bluffs and small caves, and there are plenty of shady spots for a picnic if you want to linger. Just keep in mind that kids under 13 need life jackets, and dogs are not allowed.
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Arcadia

Arcadia Round Barn
See the famous Arcadia Round Barn, a century-old landmark along Route 66 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you will find rotating exhibits and local memorabilia that bring the region’s history to life. The loft upstairs doubles as a cozy music venue and hosts regular live shows, often featuring bluegrass, folk, or local singer-songwriters, thanks to a group of volunteer musicians called the Round Barn Ramblers. It's a relaxed, small-town stop and a slice of classic Americana.
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Pops
Stop by Pops 66 in Arcadia, a colorful Route 66 landmark that’s hard to miss. The spot has a restaurant and convenience store, and shelves stacked with a huge variety of bottled sodas from across the country. Outside, a 66-foot-tall light-up pop bottle makes for a great photo op. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, take some drinks to go, or just wander the aisles checking out all the unique soda flavors, it’s worth a stop.
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Lawton

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Head southwest of Oklahoma City to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which protects about 60,000 acres of prairie, granite peaks, and freshwater lakes and streams. Wildlife is everywhere, from bison and elk to a variety of birds and fish. The refuge has plenty of ways to get outside, with trails for hiking, spots for camping, lakes for fishing, and calm waters for kayaking. It is a wide-open landscape where you can really take in the scenery and the animals at your own pace.
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Ardmore

Lake Murray State Park
Welcome to Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, south of Oklahoma City. The park covers more than 12,500 acres, making it Oklahoma’s largest state park. It has a wide range of options for visitors, including cabins and campsites, picnic areas, a playground, and a marina for boating. The 5,700-acre Lake Murray is open for swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking, and there are miles of trails for hiking and biking. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for deer, waterfowl, and other local animals while exploring the park.
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Fairview

Gloss Mountain State Park
Grab your hiking shoes and head to Gloss Mountain State Park. The hills are rich in selenite, which gives them a sparkling, glass-like appearance in the sunlight. Trails lead up to Cathedral Mountain, where you can catch a sunrise or sunset with sweeping views of the surrounding plains. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildflowers and native wildlife. The park is relatively small but offers a unique combination of geology and open skies that makes it well worth the visit.
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El Reno

Route 66 El Reno sign
Grab a quick photo with the Route 66 El Reno sign, a classic stop along the historic highway. Take some time to explore downtown El Reno, where you can see historic buildings, local shops, and diners that reflect the town’s Route 66 roots. The area has a vintage Americana feel, with hints of its past as a stopover for travelers and truckers, and it’s a nice spot to wander and soak in a bit of small-town Oklahoma history.
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Lake El Reno
Lake El Reno is a good spot to relax by the water. You can bring a boat for fishing or just float and take it easy. There are also designated swimming areas if you don’t have a boat, plus plenty of grassy spots for a picnic. It’s a great place to spend a few hours.
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Stillwater

Oklahoma State University
Take a stroll around Oklahoma State University’s campus in Stillwater. Don’t miss the Edmon Low Library and its lawn, where you can relax in the reading rooms or sit outside on the grass. Theta Pond is another highlight, surrounded by trees and walking paths, a great spot to pause and snap a few photos. The campus blends classic architecture with open green spaces, and there’s plenty to see while you wander.
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Eskimo Joe's
Eskimo Joe’s is a must-stop in Stillwater. Opened in 1948, it started as a small drive-in and has grown into a local icon. Order their Joe’s Classic Burger with cheese fries, and grab a soda in one of their collectible cups—or go for an old-fashioned milkshake.
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Norman

The University of Oklahoma
Take a walk around the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, established in 1890. Be sure to stop by Bizzell Memorial Library to see the Great Reading Room, or wander through the South Oval at the center of campus, where red brick paths meet shaded trees. The campus has a lot to explore with a mix of historic buildings, open green spaces, and quiet corners throughout.
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Broken Bow

Beavers Bend State Park
Head southeast from OKC to Beavers Bend State Park, tucked into the Ouachita Mountains near Broken Bow. The park has a mix of pine forests, rolling hills, and clear streams, with plenty of trails for hiking or biking. You can fish or kayak on the Mountain Fork River, or just relax at one of the picnic areas. The park also includes Cedar Lake, which covers 27 acres, and has a small lodge and cabins for those looking to stay overnight.
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Talihina

Talimena Scenic Drive
Drive out from OKC to the Talimena Scenic Drive, a winding route that stretches along the Ouachita Mountains between Oklahoma and Arkansas. In the fall, the drive is especially stunning, with hillsides covered in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. There are plenty of spots to pull over for photos or short hikes, including overlooks with sweeping views of the valleys below. Even outside of autumn, the road offers a quiet escape with rolling mountains, forests, and occasional wildlife sightings that make for a great drive!
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