Named after a suggestion by Choctaw Chief Allen Wright, Oklahoma has a long history with the indigenous people of this nation. With a production-based economy, the Sooner State exports natural gas, oil, and various produce. There are many reasons to take a trip to the southern portions of the Great Plains region. Check out these top 10 Oklahoma bucket list things to do!
10. Eat an Onion Burger
(image via Instagram)
The unofficial state food of Oklahoma, the onion burger has pieces of onion blended into the ground hamburger meat. As the burger cooks, the flavor of the meat is enhanced by the onion. While there are many places around the state to grab a great onion burger, your best bet is Sid’s Diner in El Reno.
9. Tulsa River Parks
More than a million visitors each year discover the wonder of Tulsa River Parks. The area features a series of connected outdoor displays, including walking trails and exterior art exhibits. Throughout the year, River Parks hosts a wide range of activities, including an annual color run. The Gathering Place playground is a sight to behold!
8. Canadian River Vineyard and Winery
(image via Instagram)
Lexington
A Canadian winery in Oklahoma?! Hear us out. Canadian River Vineyards is one of the best wineries in the whole state. The winery has an annual grape stomp festival where you can get some food, taste delicious wines, and listen to great music. When the festival isn’t going on, you can also just visit the winery for tastings.
7. Chickasaw Cultural Center
(image via Wikimedia)
Sulphur
Dedicated to the rich history of the Chickasaw people, this 109-acre estate features interactive displays exploring the history, language, and dance of the native people. The Chickasaw Cultural Center took six years to construct, but it includes a state-of-the-art theater devoted to screening films on American Indian themes.
6. Bat Watch at the Selman Bat Cave
Freedom
Would you have guessed an Oklahoma bucket list would include an attraction about bats? As the sun is setting over northwest Oklahoma, millions of bats fly out of the Selman Bat Cave and into the air to eat insects. This is a very popular event, so those who want to ensure a spot are asked to register well in advance. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids under 13.
5. Talimena Scenic Byway
Heavener
Connecting Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Talimena Scenic Byway stretches through the majestic Ouachita National Forest, overlooking the peaks of the Winding Stair Mountains. Opened in 1969, the byway has gained a reputation for its peaceful location and glorious views.
4. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
(image via Instagram)
Oklahoma City
Located in Oklahoma City’s Historic Stockyard City, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has been a local favorite for more than a century. Famous for their aged meats, Cattlemen’s has a long history of winning awards for flavor. They are also known for their breakfast, so be sure to stop in for a cup of coffee.
3. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
(image via Wikimedia)
Bartlesville
Chronicling much of the 19th century in the area, this museum preserves this history of the American Indians as well as the colonial settlers. The collection of artifacts is accompanied by a rich wildlife preserve, home to more than 30 different species of free-roaming animals.
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
(image via Flickr)
Dedicated to the victims and families of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the Oklahoma City National Memorial stands on the site of the attack. There are several monuments of remembrance, including the Survivor’s Tree, the Field of Empty Chairs, and the Gates of Time.
1. Turner Falls Park
Davis
No Oklahoma bucket list is complete without a trip to this next attraction. Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oklahoma, at a height of 77 feet. At the base of the waterfall is a natural swimming pool, which many visitors love to take a cool dip in during the summer months. Covering 1,500 acres, the park offers many trails and caves to entice your inner nature lover.
