Top Things to do in Oklahoma
Top Hotels in Oklahoma
- 1. The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown
- 3. Wingate by Wyndham Tulsa
- 4. 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City
- 5. Best Western Plus Memorial Inn & Suites
- 6. Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown
- 7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stillwater-University Area
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa Downtown
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Oklahoma, United States
With hundreds of man-made lakes, state parks, casinos, museums and nightlife and dining opportunities in revitalized downtown areas in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, there is a lot to see and do in the Sooner State. The state is dotted with phenomenal lakes where swimming, boating and bass fishing are the most desired activities. Some of the state’s most popular lakes include Broken Bow Lake located near the Quachita Mountains; Grand Lake in the northeastern corner of the state at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Murray in the hills in the southern part of the state.
While the state is known for its many outdoor activities like great fishing, golf, hiking, canoeing and boating, make sure you don’t overlook its fantastic museums. Heading the list are Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, featuring the world’s largest collection of art and artifacts from the American West; the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which tells the story of the American Cowboy; and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a permanent collection of American and European art. A venerable family favorite activity is Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, which has dozens of rides and shows.
Restaurants in Oklahoma
1. Immaculate Conception Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By pickytraveler55439 - Minneapolis, United States
Only a few blocks up the street from the Osage County Historical Museum, this is a beautiful church worth seeing for its historic stained glass windows and the beautiful sanctuary. One of our nicest surprises in Pawhuska. We were fortunate to be able to talk with Father Sean who approached us during our visit and told us a little about the history of the parish and the church. A truly nice and remarkable priest that made our visit so memorable.
2. Gathering Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 436 reviews
Gathering Place is a public park located alongside Riverside Drive in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Spanning over 100 acres, Gathering Place offers guests a one-of-a-kind playground, gardens, trails, boat rentals, restaurants, outdoor concerts, events and so much more!
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
What a terrific, free place! Lots to do from reading a book inside wifi equipped air-conditioned lodge to walking trails, to enjoying plants to climbing ropes and sliding on zip lines in Adventure Playground to playing ball, and enjoying boating.
3. Bricktown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,533 reviews
The former site of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show is today the location of a massive tourist redevelopment plan.
Reviewed By 696christys - Oklahoma City, United States
We simply loved this town we stayed at the Loft there and walked uptown every night the Christmas Water taxi was awesome the people were so nice there I love the layout of this unique place
4. 45th Infantry Division Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
Military museum with many items from World War II.
Reviewed By 548sophiab - Philadelphia, United States
I went here with my dad who’s a HUGE military history enthusiast (myself being a moderate fan as well) and we both loved it! It has a huge selection of planes, tanks, and trucks outside which is worth a tour as well as uniforms, weapons, awards, photos, etc. from pretty much every single war in American history. It’s a wonderful museum for anyone even mildly interested in military history, old-fashioned weaponry, old photos, planes, tanks, etc. You could spend hours there with all the information and artifacts they have. If I come back to Oklahoma City, I’ll be sure to stop there again.
5. Tallgrass Prairie
6. Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
The state's first national park.
Reviewed By cmorlace - Cashion, United States
This is one of my favorite places to go to. It is a beautiful park with lots of trees making it great on a hot summer day. There is a lot of camping sites, You can almost always get a campsite unless it is a holiday. Most of the campsites are shaded. They have 2 campgrounds with restrooms. There is only 1 hook up spot. There are no showers here, to use the shower you will need to drive to the Arbuckle Lake. They do have drinking water in the campsites, This place is great for tent campers as well as trailers., they have a lot of pull through sites. There is a lot of hiking trails, a nature center - it is really neat and the stuff is always so nice and friendly There is a creek that runs all through the park providing lots of swimming areas, the water comes from underground springs and is pretty cold. There is also a great picnic area if you are going just for the day. You are just minutes away from town if you forget or run out of something. A great place to bring the family.
7. Beavers Bend Resort Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By thewanderingmeatball - Tampa, United States
Went for a few hours and wish I had more time to do things. They offer a lot of activities including hiking, paddle boats, mini golf, camping, kayaking, nature center, and quite a few other activities.
8. Broken Bow Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
Reviewed By shirleysE1146AR - Cleveland, United States
The scenery and friendly people in store and restaurants. We had all ages with us from 5 to 62 and everyone in the family enjoyed the trip. We all enjoyed hiking and sightseeing around the lake.
9. River Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Over 26 miles of asphalt-paved running, walking and biking trail crosses the River Parks along the banks of the Arkansas River past picturesque gardens, fountains, life-sized wildlife sculptures, playgrounds and gathering areas.
Reviewed By 299sherij
Oh my goodness, where do I start..... This place is well worth a visit. If you have kids - of any age - it is a must. You will spend ALL day there without a dull moment. The park is spectacular, the bike trails are amazing, and it is a lovely atmosphere to spend the day.
10. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here. Watch Destiny at Dawn: This 27-minute is a great way to begin your visit. Delve into the visitor center museum: Become immersed in the stories of that cold winter's day of in November 1868. Stare out the window at the breathtaking view of the Washita River valley. Browse through the books in our Western National Parks Association bookstore. Examine the touch tables: Examine Bison objects the Cheyenne would have used, such as a Bison stomach and bladder. Learn the importance of the Bison to the Cheyenne. See what items a 7th Cavalry soldier would have carried with him in the field. A Walk in the Park: The 1.5 mile trail is self guided.
Reviewed By Poudre1 - Bellvue, United States
The 30 minute film is a very well done explanation of what occurred. This was a very dark day for the US Calvary. This is just another instance in which Custer, in all his arrogance and ill will, happily participated in. One more reason to despise this evil person. The Park Ranger was friendly and helpful. The store has many area history books
