Off The Beaten Path | Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a great mid-western state. Throughout the state there are world class destinations and attractions that you won't want to miss during a vacation to the state. Here are a few of the state's must see destinations.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Located near Sulphur, Oklahoma, this recreation area is a beautiful Oklahoma destination. The recreation area is divided into two districts the Platt Historic District, which comprises the former Platt National Park, and the Lake Arbuckles district. Throughout the park visitors will find beautiful examples of natural formations. Visitors will find the freshwater springs of the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, the Lake of the Arbuckles, and more.

Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory

Stretching across 17 acres in Oklahoma City, the Myriad Botanical Gardens has over 1000 different species of plants within the conservatory. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is a fantastic architectural attraction, with an amazing collection of tropical plants from around the world. In addition there are beautiful outdoor grounds for visitors to enjoy.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

For those visitors to Oklahoma that are interested in Western art and culture. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has an impressive collection of Western art, and is one of the best places in the nation to go to learn about Western history. Some collections include rodeo art and history, Cowboy collections, Western art and more.

Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum

This fascinating museum gives visitors the opportunity to look into the pharmacies and drugstores of the frontier times. The museum has medicinal treatments from the time as well as tool and other artifacts from early drugstores. In addition, the Apothecary Garden has medicinal herbs and plants that were used by early pharmacists, and the garden is also a nice park to explore during your time in the town of Guthrie where the museum and garden are located.

Robbers Cave State Park

Located in the southeast of Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park can be found in the San Bois Mountains. Visitors to the park can enjoy all sorts of fun recreation, including rappelling, hiking and more. While enjoying the lakes, cliffs and other sites of natural beauty, visitors can learn about the history of the area as a hideout for outlaws like Jesse James and others.

Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center

One of the most important archaeological sites in the nation, the Spiro Mounds were built hundreds of years ago. Within the Center there are twelve mounds, which were used for ceremonial purposes, homes and more. Archaeologists have uncovered significant pieces of culture through the artifacts found within the mounds. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the culture and the history of the mounds at the exhibits and on the interpretive trails through the area.

Wichita Mountains Byway

This beautiful drive is a great way to experience the remaining area of Southern Mixed Grassland while seeing some amazing wildlife, and winding through the Wichita Mountains.   As visitors travel through the Wichita Mountains they will see the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which started as a wildlife preserve created by President Theodore Roosevelt in order to save the American bison from extinction.