19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Oklahoma

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Oklahoma, also know as “Sooner State”, “Land of the Red Man” and “Native America”, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty.

1. Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife RefugeSource: The Bohemian Lens / shutterstock
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Southwest Oklahama, not far from Lawton, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has acted as a safe haven for its unique and diverse wildlife since 1901. It is the oldest facility of its kind in the United States. As well as being an important place for wildlife such as elk and bison, the refuge is also a great place to hike, rock climb and mountain bike.

2. Turner Falls

Turner Falls, OklahomaSource: Patrick Horton / shutterstock
Turner Falls

Turner Falls Park acts as a sanctuary for the citizens of Oklahoma. The land is wild but there is plenty to do.  Icy cold streams, a 77-foot high waterfall, caves, camp sites and plenty of good food all ensure that the Turner Falls Park is a great place to visit at any time of the year.

3. Ghost Town in Cogar

Cogar, OklahomaSource: fireboat895 / Flickr | CC BY
Cogar, Oklahoma

There are a large number of ghost towns in Oklahoma that make for great places to explore and offer an eerie kind of beauty.  There are a number of groups in the state that work to preserve the abandoned spots as well as uncovering new ones.

4. Gloss Mountain State Park

Gloss Mountain State ParkSource: The Bohemian Lens / shutterstock
Gloss Mountain State Park

The shiny glass surface of the Selenite mountains are responsible for the name Gloss Mountains State Park. The scenery is beautiful and provides a great backdrop for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Along the way there are a number of facilities including grills and restrooms.

5. Tropical Conservatory, Oklahoma City

Crystal Bridge ConservatorySource: EQRoy / shutterstock
Crystal Bridge Conservatory

The unique design of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory is well renowned in the world of architecture. The 224-foot long tropical conservatory is home over 13,000 square feet of plants on display in two different climate zones: namely the Tropical Wet and Tropical Dry zones.

6. Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose State Park, OklahomaSource: Richard G Smith / shutterstock
Roman Nose State Park

The Roman Nose State Park takes its name from a Cheyenne chief and is an original Oklahoma State Park. Within the park, which is situated inside a stunning canyon, there are hiking trails, an 18 hole golf course and some beautiful places to stay including a 22-room lodge built in 1956.

7. Lake Tenkiller

Lake TenkillerSource: dronescapes81 / shutterstock
Lake Tenkiller

Lake Tenkiller, also known as Ferry Lake Tenkiller, is a reservoir in Oklahoma caused by the damming of the Illinois River. It is situated at an altitude of 193m above sea level and covers an area of 52 square kilometres.

8. Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State ParkSource: RaksyBH / shutterstock
Beavers Bend State Park

Beaver’s Bend is one of the most popular parks in the State of Oklahoma. As well as taking in the stunning scenery, the park also has a number of interesting attractions such as the Forest Heritage Centre Museum and events throughout the year like craft and art competitions.

9. Natural Falls State Park

Natural Falls State Park, OklahomaSource: Patrick Horton / shutterstock
Natural Falls State Park

The Natural Falls State Park is situated on the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas and within the stunning Ozark highlands. The famous waterfall has two viewing platform to allow visitors to see the fall from the best possible angle. There is even seating available on the lower platform.

10. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park, OklahomaSource: David JV / shutterstock
Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park is a must visit for any outdoor enthusiasts in the state of Oklahoma. Hikers walking through the state park will see wagon wheels left by settlers in the region. The hiking routes are of different levels of difficulty and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

11. Glass Mountains State Park

Glass Mountains State Park, OklahomaSource: Richard G Smith / shutterstock
Glass Mountains State Park, Oklahoma

Many mountains are climbable in the Glass Mountains State Park. Cathedral Mountain in Glass Mountain State Park has an elevation of 498m above sea level and makes for a great walk. Just be sure to watch out for snakes!

12. Lake Hefner

Lake Hefner, Oklahoma CitySource: morric628 / shutterstock
Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City

Lake Hefner is located in the northeast of Oklahoma City and has a surface area of 2,500 acres. Attractions for visitors included a heated and covered fishing deck, a wharf restaurant and a golf course. The lake is easily accessed from the Hefner Parkway.

13. Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave State Park, OklahomaSource: Richard A McMillin / shutterstock
Robbers Cave State Park

Yet another beautiful state park in Oklahoma, the Robbers Cave State Park is San Bois Mountains in the south-eastern part of the state. The park covers an area of over 8,000 acres and contains 189 lakes. Horse riding is a popular activity within the park as is fishing in the many lakes.

14. Talimena Scenic Drive

Talimena Scenic DriveSource: oliveiralila / shutterstock
Talimena Scenic Drive

For visitors who like to see the sights from within the comfort of a vehicle the Talimena Scenic Drive is a perfect option, offering 50 miles of breath-taking scenery and historic towns. The route has some of the best views on offer in the entire state and is well worth a drive.

15. Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial

Oklahoma City Bombing MemorialSource: MOlson_PA / shutterstock
Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial

The Oklahoma City National Memorial pays tribute to the many victims of the Oklahoma City bombing that took place in 1995. The site is one of the most sacred spots in the city of Oklahoma and is a place to remember those that were killed, injured or lost loved ones in the bombing.



19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Oklahoma:

  • Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge
  • Turner Falls
  • Ghost Town in Cogar
  • Gloss Mountain State Park
  • Tropical Conservatory, Oklahoma City
  • Roman Nose State Park
  • Lake Tenkiller
  • Beavers Bend State Park
  • Natural Falls State Park
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park
  • Glass Mountains State Park
  • Lake Hefner
  • Robbers Cave State Park
  • Talimena Scenic Drive
  • Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial