When it’s summer in the great state of Oklahoma, we head outside to enjoy a little warm-weather fun. Oklahoma day trips are a great way to explore the state and discover new experiences for yourself. From natural springs and water parks to underground tunnels and museums, here are 11 of the best day trips in Oklahoma to add to your summer bucket list itinerary.

1. Visit the charming town of Ponca City, for a day filled with history, museums, and shopping.
Ponca City, OK, USA
Ponca City Main Street/Facebook
Conveniently located close to Oklahoma’s largest cities, Ponca City is the perfect place to visit for a summer day trip. The city is full of history, museums, shopping, and lakes - enough to keep you busy from morning ’til night. Get ready to immerse yourself in history as you take this memorable day trip to this booming cultural center in the Sooner State.
2. Tour the underground tunnels of Oklahoma City.
OKC Underground, 300 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
Ryan Naeve/Youtube
Below the hustle and bustle of Oklahoma City, extends a tunnel system that’s three-quarters of a mile long. It joins 16 city blocks and more than 30 buildings downtown. In 2006, a $2 million dollar renovation went into reviving the tunnels. Architect Rand Elliot spearheaded the tunnels’ transformation into the "Underground." Many new colorful lights were added to different sections of the tunnels, along with new businesses, new signage, historical photos and an art gallery.

Explore the tunnels below Oklahoma City in this video from Ryan Naeve:
3. Cool down in the ice-cold water at Blue Hole Park.
Blue Hole Park LLC, 84 S 447, Salina, OK 74365, USA
Oklahoma Tourism/Facebook
There’s nothing better than swimming in ice-cold spring water on a hot, summer day, and we found one of the best swimming holes hiding away in northeastern Oklahoma. Blue Hole Park, just east of Salina, covers 17 acres, with a refreshing spring-fed swimming hole as the focal point. Get ready, because this spot will be your new favorite place to spend a summer’s day.
4. Explore the quaint, cobblestone town of Medicine Park.
Medicine Park, OK, USA
Discover Medicine Park OKlahoma/Facebook
Nestled in the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma is the vintage cobblestone resort town of Medicine Park. Step back in time as you stroll the quaint Cobblestone Row, with its shopping, history, and small town Americana. It is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, water running right through it and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge right next to it. You can enjoy a day trip or weekend trip of breathtaking scenery, fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, bike riding, or just relaxing.
5. Spend the day staying cool in the natural springs at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Travertine Creek, Oklahoma 73086, USA
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
Travertine Creek at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, near Sulphur, is a gorgeous creek that runs through stunning scenery in this national recreation area. The creek is not only beautiful, but is a perfect spot to cool off in summer, as it maintains an average of 65 degrees year round.

Head to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to visit Travertine Creek. Explore the nature center, enjoy the many hiking rails, and the hot springs. See and learn more in this video from Adventures Are Out There:

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6. Visit the town of El Reno, Oklahoma, and indulge in a fried onion burger.
El Reno, OK, USA
City of El Reno/Facebook
Born during the Great Depression, the fried onion burger was created in El Reno out of a necessity for saving money when times were tough. Onions were cheap and meat was expensive, so why not add more onions and less meat, the locals thought. Little did they know this burger would go on to become a national treasure and delight the bellies of fellow Americans almost a century later. Take a look at El Reno – the epicenter of the fried onion burger.
7. Tube down the Illinois River with friends and family.
Illinois river, Oklahoma 74435, USA
Thomas & Dianne Jones/Flickr
One of the most popular summer activities and best day trips in Oklahoma is a relaxing float trip down the beautiful Illinois River in the northeast part of the state. The weather is hot and the river is the perfect temperature to enjoy a day of floating and swimming. If you enjoy relaxing in the outdoors, spend the day on the Illinois River.
8. Discover the beauty at Myriad Botanical Gardens - a beloved indoor/outdoor garden and urban park featuring beautiful grounds.
Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
Myriad Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City is the ultimate place to go for an epic outdoor experience. You can enjoy over 17 acres of lush gardens, an urban park, an indoor conservatory, waterfalls and much more. For the ultimate outdoor attraction in the heart of Oklahoma, Myriad Botanical Gardens is the place to go.
9. Hike to Natural Falls and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
stormdriventitan/Flickr
Natural Falls State Park is located in the Ozark Highlands of Oklahoma and is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. Natural Falls stands at 77 ft. high and is easily accessible by the Dripping Springs Trail – a looped trail that is just under a mile round trip. Take a short, easy hike to view this little piece of heaven tucked away in the foothills of Oklahoma.
10. Get wet at Paradise Beach Waterpark.
Paradise Beach Waterpark, 4707 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114, USA
Paradise Beach Waterpark/Facebook
Located on the site of the former Big Splash Waterpark and Safari Joe's H20 Waterpark, Paradise Beach Waterpark has brought new life and attractions to this Tulsa attraction. Take a relaxing ride down the lazy river, ride Oklahoma’s only water roller coaster, glide down one of three water flumes, ride the waves in the wave pool, or enjoy the new reptile attractions.
11. Stay overnight in a treehouse.
Rock Creek Retreat, 7505 Big Canyon Rd, Dougherty, OK 73032, USA
Rock Creek Retreat/Facebook
Did you always dream of having a treehouse when you were a kid? If you missed out on the opportunity (or are looking to relive it again), we found the perfect place to make that dream come true. Head to south-central Oklahoma and the Rock Creek Retreat in Doughtery, just south of Lake of the Arbuckles, for an unforgettable overnight experience in their treehouse. If you're looking for unique things to do around Oklahoma, this is definitely it!

While you are staying at the Rock Creek Retreat be sure to visit nearby Lake of the Arbuckles for incredible views, hiking trails, and the lake itself:

Don’t these Oklahoma day trips all look so fun? What other summer adventures would you recommend to our readers? If you’re looking for even more day trips from OKC, be sure to check out the town of Pawhuska.

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Best day trips in Oklahoma

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 05, 2022

Where can I take a river day trip in Oklahoma?

You can take a river day trip in Oklahoma to many of the state's mighty fine rivers. Here are a few that are worth exploring:

  • Red River
  • Arkansas River
  • Cimarron River
  • Illinois River

 

Oklahoma is home to some spectacular waterways, of which scores of rivers are among them. If you’re looking for a great river day trip in Oklahoma, you might embark upon an excursion with the folks at the Eagle Bluff Resort. They offer both day and overnight multi-mile float trips along the Illinois River which take you through some of the most scenic parts of the state. It’s a great option for families, groups of friends, as a corporate team-building activity, a girls' or guys' trip...any kind of group at all!

I heard that there is a Donut Trail in Oklahoma?

You heard right, there is a Donut Trail in Oklahoma, and it is downright delicious! It’s the stuff that dreams are made of! The Donut Trail spans some 171 miles from a place called Our Daily Donut Co. in Owasso at the east end, all the way to Polar Donuts in Oklahoma City at the far southwest end. All along the way you’ll be regaled by the classics: cinnamon swirls, powdered, glazed, jelly-filled, chocolate, sprinkles, and yes, maple with bacon! You name it and it’s along the trail, which covers seven places in all. It’s a true sugar rush!

I’m looking for a botanical garden in Oklahoma.

There are several dotted throughout the state and one of the largest and most beautiful is the Tulsa Botanical Garden. The property spans an estimated 170 acres (it is always expanding) highlighting thousands of multi-hued flowers and verdant plants of almost every species you can imagine. You could literally spend hours here, there is so much to see and do. It’s also a great multi-generational day trip option because the pace can be at whatever works for everyone in your party. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself as you meander about this wonderful city amenity.

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