Oklahoma is often unfairly stereotyped as a boring state. We’re sometimes dismissed as a flat flyover state where nothing really happens. Anyone who loves the Sooner State knows that nothing could be further from the truth. We have a shockingly diverse system of eco-regions that support a variety of different plant and animal species. If you’re looking to get a crash course on some of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma, there’s no better way to do so than driving down one of our scenic roads. One of our very favorites is the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway. This set of highways will take you through some of the most splendid scenery in Oklahoma, so fill up your tank, prepare a playlist, and get ready to hit the road!

Your trip will start near Carnegie.
Carnegie, OK 73015, USA
westtexasfish/iStock/Getty Images
This tiny town has a population of under 2,000 people and is home to the oldest continuously operating cinema in Oklahoma. It's mostly an agricultural town, so you'll get a great view of cotton and wheat fields.
Before you leave Carnegie, you won't want to miss a stop at Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara.
Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara, 910 E Oklahoma St, Carnegie, OK 73015, USA
Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara/Google Maps
This hole-in-the-wall joint doesn't look like much, but it's got some fantastic authentic Mexican food. There's also a small grocery store here, so you can stock up on snacks for the road.
Keep traveling south down Highway 58.
Granger Meador/Flickr
The scenery in this area really is quite stunning. You'll see lots of beautiful undeveloped areas and feel as though you're miles away from civilization.
You'll eventually hit Lake Lawtonka.
Lake Lawtonka, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Schyler/Wikimedia Commons
Measuring just two square miles, this lake is a total hidden gem with serene views and clear water. Some of the trails around Lake Lawtonka are popular with hikers and bikers, so if you want to get out and stretch your legs, this is a great place to do it.
Continue around the lake, and you'll hit the town of Medicine Park.
Medicine Park, OK, USA
Discover Medicine Park Oklahoma/Facebook
This historic town has tons of unique old buildings made of naturally formed red granite cobblestones. It's tiny, with a population of under 500, but it's been ranked as one of the prettiest towns in the country. The town's Medicine Creek even has a small waterfall.

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If you take a quick detour off Highway 49, you can wind right up to Mount Scott.
Mount Scott, Mt Scott, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Granger Meador/Flickr
The nearly 2,500 foot Mount Scott has a paved three-mile trail leading right to the very top.
Granger Meador/Flickr
You'll have incredible views of the plains that surround the mountain and get to see Lake Lawtonka from a different perspective. Want to take your adventure off road? You'll find several options on Gravel Map; all you need to do is steer your off-road vehicle (we love the options from Nissan) off the path and into the unknown!
You can take another detour and meander down Highway 115 to reach the little city of Cache.
The Holy City of the Wichitas, 262 Holy City Rd, Cache, OK 73507, USA
The Holy City/TripAdvisor
Known as The Holy City of the Wichitas, Cache resembles ancient stone ruins like you'd see in Israel. There is an annual Easter passion play here that attracts thousands to the area.
Driving back north to Highway 49, you'll pass through lovely prairies.
John Elk/The Image Bank/Getty Images
This is one of the most gorgeous roads in Oklahoma, so take your time and pull over to take some pictures.
Your trip will end at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
Justin A. Morris/Moment/Getty Images
This amazing 8,570-acre preserve is home to 650 bison, a prairie dog city, and much more. This place really showcases the beauty of the Sooner State. Looking for some fun hiking trails while you're in the area? Subscribe to AllTrailsPlus for the best options!

 

From prairies to mountains, Oklahoma has it all. The Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway is an amazing road trip in Oklahoma that will take you through some of the most stunning spots in the state. So what are you waiting for? Hit the road and take this beautiful trip through the scenic Sooner State!

For more picturesque adventures, check out the Talimena Scenic Drive. Some say it’s one of the best scenic drives in Oklahoma!

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More to Explore

Beautiful Places In Oklahoma

Elisa Regulski | November 29, 2023

What are the best scenic drives in Oklahoma?

The best scenic drives in Oklahoma are:

  • Route 66 - This classic roadway is famous for a reason. Spanning 400 miles through Oklahoma, this area is full of history. 
  • Cherokee Hills Byway spans 88 miles and is lined with astonishing mountains and peaceful views. 
  • Meers-Porter Hill Road is the perfect, peaceful roadway for a warm Oklahoma day. It’s full of gorgeous views that will make you fall in love with the Sooner State all over again. 
  • Mountain Gateway Scenic Drive - This road weaves through the Ouachita Mountains. Plan a trip during fall, and you’ll be met with magnificent autumn colors. 

 

What are the best state parks in Oklahoma?

The best state parks in Oklahoma are:

  • Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom, OK – This 200-acre state park is home to a ¾ mile cave.
  • Beaver's Bend State Park in Broken Bow, OK – Here, you can fish, swim, hike, and enjoy spectacular views. 
  • Black Mesa State Park in Kenton, OK – This lovely place is home to the tallest peak in the state. Gaze over the astonishing views and see Oklahoma from a whole new perspective. 
  • Grand Lake State Park in St Marys Township – This area is comprised of several smaller state parks and spans a whopping 46,000 acres. There’s no shortage of beauty to see here. You could make it into a weekend adventure!
  • Great Plains State Park in Mountain Park – This 487 acre oasis sits in southwest Oklahoma. 

 

What are the best hiking trails in Oklahoma?

The best hiking trails in Oklahoma are:

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