Attractions Nearby Oklahoma City, Day Trips and Excursions

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - OK, USA)

Nearby attractions in the state of Oklahoma tend to be spread out, making a car virtually essential if you want to fully explore what the state has to offer. The relatively nearby towns of Tulsa and Guthrie provide visitors with an alternative to Oklahoma City. Here you get the chance to soak up some of the Oklahoma cowtown atmosphere that has been lost in parts of the big city, while the impressive and historic architecture of these towns make the trip worthwhile.

Other major attractions lie on the historic Route 66 highway, including the Route 66 Museum, documenting the history of the highway, while the state also offers some natural attractions that can be easily reached by car from Oklahoma City.

Guthrie

Address: Guthrie, Oklahoma OK, USA
The former capital of Oklahoma State until 1911, Guthrie sits on the I-35, 30 miles / 48 km north of Oklahoma City. Well worth a visit for its Victorian architecture and historic homes, the attractive town boasts a museum on publishing, the largest Masonic complex in the world (the Doric Scottish Rite Masonic Temple) and is host to some of the most exciting rodeo and roping competitions in the state.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Tulsa

Address: Tulsa, Oklahoma OK, USA
Situated less than 100 miles / 160 km northeast of Oklahoma City, Tulsa makes an attractive day trip destination from the city. Known as a cultural center, the Art Deco and Native American influenced town also makes a good base from which to explore eastern Oklahoma's 'Green Country'. Having built itself on the success of the oil industry which boomed here in the 1920s, the town features many reminders of this prosperous period in its opulent architecture. Its reputation as 'the buckle of the Bible Belt' has done nothing to quash its thriving art scene, while there are also two acclaimed museums in the town.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Route 66 Museum

Address: 2229 West Gary Boulevard, Clinton, Oklahoma OK, USA
Tel: +1 909 336 6131
The famed Route 66 has been the mother road for many travelers over the years before the development of the interstates. While alternative road routes are now available, many visitors to the region choose to explore the state on this somewhat dilapidated historic route and the museum along the way is a great stop off for those interested in the history of the highway. The museum is a great place to pick up memorabilia, knick-knacks, mugs, signs and other Route 66 collectibles.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discount for children

The Blue Whale

Address: Catoosa, Oklahoma OK, USA
Located on the historic Route 66 highway, this roadside attraction continues to draw travelers. Built in the 1970s, the Blue Whale sits in a pond by the roadside where visitors can enjoy swimming. Designed by Hugh Davis as a gift to his wife, the whale is surrounded by picnic tables and children and adults alike can venture inside the whale through its mouth.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dark
Admission: free

The Round Barn

Address: Arcadia, Oklahoma OK, USA
Another one of Route 66's highway attractions, close to Oklahoma City, this large two-story structure with a domed roof is unique due to its round shape. William Harrison Odor and his family began building the barn in 1898 and it wasn't until much later that the building became a famous landmark on Route 66. Originally the barn was used to house cattle and hay.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Address: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Indiahoma, Oklahoma OK, 73552, USA
Tel: +1 580 429 3222
This is a protected area of 60,000 acres / 24,000 hectares and has been protected since 1935. Encompassing a substantial portion of the Wichita Mountains, attractions at the wildlife refuge include bears, buffalo, wolves, wild turkeys, raccoons and opossums, among other animals. Camping is available at the park and there are modern facilities here to make your stay more comfortable.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge