Last year we shared with you some great Oklahoma road trips. This year, we’re sharing 5 more awesome Oklahoma road trips that you can take by yourself, with friends, or even with the whole family! There are so many great destinations all over the state; check out these options to see if it’s a trip that you just have to take!
5 Oklahoma Road Trips to Take This Spring:
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
71189 Harper Road, Jet, OK 73749
Distance from Tulsa: 159 miles (2hr 24min drive)
Why: Take a trip to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1930 and it is a great spot to observe nature in all it’s glory. There are countless species of birds, and other animals. What the area lacks in vegetation it makes up for in rare and beautiful wildlife. Along many of the trails and waterways you can see turtles, snakes, and other animals catching some sun during the day. Check out their website for more information on hunting, fishing, and boating. There are many trail maps and nature viewing areas throughout the refuge.
Bonus Tip: Make sure you check out the Crystal Digging information! Starting April 1 through October 15th you can dig for crystals! You can’t sell them but you can collect many unique and individual specimens for study or just for their beauty and a souvenir. No special permit is required to dig for crystals in the designated areas of the salt flats.
Michael Murphy’s Dueling Piano Bar
25 S Oklahoma Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Distance from Tulsa: 106 miles (1hr 34min drive)
Why: Not only is this a great foodie/bar lovers destination, it’s also fun for music lovers! You can see the amazing dueling piano players, they’re open Thursday through Saturday. They have shows running from 8:30pm until 2am. Together the three dualing pianists know more than 1,000 songs. There is something for everyone and their witty comedic banter is just icing on the cake.
Bonus Tip: You can spend $20 and get the pianist to play your request! It’s a fun way to dedicate a song to your special someone or to get your groups favorite jam on the docket for the evening.
Black Kettle National Grasslands
18555 U.S. 87A, Cheyenne, OK 73628
Distance from Tulsa: 256 miles (3 hr 49 min drive)
Why: There are five different recreation areas within the Black Kettle National Grassland area.When you visit you will actually get to see grazing cattle! There are more than 60 permittees who use the grasslands as grazing areas for their cattle. There are also some pretty awesome places to see windmills which pump water for drinking, their are livestock ponds, and many cross fences. The sprawling grounds are breathtaking and an awesome place to capture some great photos.
Bonus Tip: Check out the Black Kettle Interpretive Trail. They give a glimpse of what life was like on the grasslands! You can see working windmills, examples of local plants, trees, and vegetation, an example of what homes were like, and you will find out some interesting information about the grasslands region. Little known fact that “The Grapes of Wrath” was filmed nearby!
Oklahoma Aquarium
300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037
Distance from Tulsa: 14 miles (0 hr 25min drive)
Why: You might not have to drive far to get to the Oklahoma Aquarium if you live in Tulsa BUT you will need all of that extra time to explore the more than 72,000 square foot aquarium full of exhibits, features, and activities. They have so many magical habitats for these beautiful creatures. They also have some Oklahoma natives in their very own special area. This is the perfect family friendly activity and everyone will be thrilled with a day full of wonder and excitement.
Bonus Tip: We all know how wild the weather can be in the Spring. If you are looking for Oklahoma Road Trips that take you to an indoor location, schedule a trip to the Oklahoma Aquarium. Sea Turtle Island is now open! There are two 300 pound Loggerhead turtles living in this exhibit and it is truly amazing! You can see them in their three level habitat among the other amazing creatures that swim alongside.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086
Distance from Tulsa: 146 miles (2hr 25min drive)
Why: Covering more than 9,000 acres (2,000+ covered in water) the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is an awesome place to experience the great outdoors. The gorgeous views that accompany this party of Oklahoma are totally unique and worth every mile. There is no admission fee for this park and with ample activities to enjoy it is a must for any Oklahoma road trips list. In the Spring this area is especially pretty as all of the gorgeous greenery is waking up from a long Winter nap. The hiking at Chckasaw National Recreation Area is fantastic so for you outdoor lovers you can get it all in one spot!
Bonus Tip: There are 6 public campgrounds in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. You can actually make an entire trip of your visit and spend your time camping. You can enjoy the great outdoors and meet other travelers from all over the world. Swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports are great as the weather warms up!
