Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Oklahoma, United States

January 25, 2022 Kelli Reichel

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. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74003-7171 +1 918-336-0307 http://www.woolaroc.org
Excellent
81%
Good
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5.0 based on 608 reviews

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve

The Frank Phillips Ranch was founded in 1925 and the Woolaroc Museum had a humble beginning four years later in 1929. The 3,700 acre wildlife preserve is home to more than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds. It is a working ranch that maintains the animals for the enjoyment of our guests in a natural, protected setting. The Woolaroc Museum presents one of the world's most unique collections of Western art and artifacts; Native American pottery, baskets, beads, blankets and cultural art; historical displays; and one of the most complete collections of Colt firearms. Guests can also tour the Lodge, which was used as a place for Frank Phillips to entertain his friends and maintain business relationships. The Lodge abounds with tales of the parties, business events and wilder goings-on.

Reviewed By LoGo1961 - Sand Springs, United States

Take a trip back in time...to the days where Frank Phillips was walking the grounds of his famous wildlife preserve. Woolaroc has a great museum full of Native American artifacts and Frank Phillips' own oil boom days treasures. Drive through the wildlife preserve to see buffalo, deer, llamas, etc. There is a special petting zoo area for kids to see a variety of kid friendly animals, Also, there is a little snack bar, picnic area, and playground. Make a day of it. There is something for everyone.

2. Immaculate Conception Church

Pawhuska, OK
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 36 reviews

Immaculate Conception Church

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.

3. SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology

10301 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73160-9220 +1 405-814-0006 [email protected] http://www.skeletonmuseum.com/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,216 reviews

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology

The Museum of Osteology is "America's Only Skeleton Museum". The Museum of Osteology, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a unique educational experience. Focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system, this 7000 square ft. museum displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world. Exhibits include adaptation, locomotion, classification and diversity of the vertebrate kingdom.

Reviewed By VeronicaWanders

I visited the museum on a whim, because the name interested me when I searched for attractions to visit in Oklahoma City. It was well worth the time! The museum has an incredible range of skeletons on display--far more than I would have thought could be displayed so well in the building. The collection has been thoughtfully curated to interest and teach visitors. I especially enjoyed that except for the skeletons in the glass cases, visitors are encouraged to touch and handle the bones. I noticed several activity stations for younger children, and look forward to returning with my nephews.

4. Armstrong Auditorium

14400 S Bryant Ave Herbert W. Armstrong College, Edmond, OK 73034-8174 +1 405-285-1010 [email protected] http://www.armstrongauditorium.org
Excellent
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5.0 based on 537 reviews

Armstrong Auditorium

The award-winning Armstrong Auditorium is home to the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation’s performing arts series, featuring a veritable who’s who of today’s brightest stars in classical, jazz and folk music, as well as theater, classical ballet, folk dance and more. Situated on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College, the auditorium is located 20 minutes north of downtown Oklahoma City near Bryant Avenue and Waterloo Road in north Edmond.

Reviewed By fishandhunt51

Excellent performance-very professional. Facility was outstanding, as I had never been inside Armstrong Auditorium. Incredible acoustics and seating was very comfortable. That pretty much sums it up!

5. Lost Creek Safari

1200 W 80th St, Stillwater, OK 74074-8284 +1 405-707-0403 [email protected] http://www.lostcreeksafari.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 150 reviews

Lost Creek Safari

Our season runs Spring break through October. We are a walk-through zoo. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children 1 year - 15 years old. If you want to feed the animals it is an additional $5 PER PERSON. If you choose to feed the animals you will be able to feed the lemurs, camel, ostrich, water buffalo, miniature cow, deer, emu, and goats. We have a new parakeet enclosure. Bird Sticks are just $2. Contact us about your next field trip, church group, company party, and more.

Reviewed By D8307MDsusanw

This is a wonderful experience for animal lovers of all ages! Where else can you feed ring tail lemurs grapes from a porcupine quill and hold a baby kangaroo? The owners have excellent knowledge of the animals and are willing to answer all the questions children pose. There are picnic tables available. We have been on both the schedule tour and the open weekends. Can't go wrong with either. My grandchildren love to visit the safari when they are here from Massachusetts.Adults shouldn't miss out on the fun of feeding.

6. The Endangered Ark Foundation

Hugo, OK 74743 +1 580-317-8470 [email protected] http://www.endangeredarkfoundation.org/
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 148 reviews

The Endangered Ark Foundation

Reviewed By stocksstravelbug57 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Last weekend we signed up for the public tour - started at 10:00 and lasted over 90 minutes. It was wonderful! They combine a fun event with lots of great education about Asian Elephants. This month they are also having Pumpkin Patch (we skipped that). We lunched at the Circus Diner and then toured the Showmans Rest at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Highly recommend if you love Elephants.

7. Talimena Scenic Byway

Heavener, OK http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 214 reviews

Talimena Scenic Byway

A 54-mile scenic highway cutting through the breathtaking Ouachita Mountains.

Reviewed By johncw521 - Muskogee, United States

A 54-mile drive of breathtaking vistas, lovely fall colors, and a nature center. Oklahoma Highway 1 is narrow and winding.

8. Henry Overholser Mansion

405 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103-3503 +1 405-525-5325 [email protected] http://www.overholsermansion.org
Excellent
74%
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4.5 based on 136 reviews

Henry Overholser Mansion

Henry Overholser was an entrepreneur who came to Oklahoma during the 1889 Land Run. He and his wife Anna Overholser saw potential in the land surrounding what is now known as the Heritage Hills neighborhood and constructed one of the first mansions to the area in 1903. The home was an attraction for social networking and gatherings in the wake of Oklahoma's impending statehood and stands today in almost complete structural integrity to its original turn-of-the-century construction.​​ Today, visitors can tour the 3 story mansion alongside our Museum Coordinator, and participate in future events hosted on the premises by Preservation Oklahoma, the state's only non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the state's ​oldest cultural homes and structures.​​

Reviewed By Teammilitello - Des Moines, United States

We loved our tour guide. She shared so many fun & entertaining stories. It’s rare to tour a home with its original furnishings, so this is a gem! The servants’ house next door is larger than most people’s homes.

9. Tallgrass Prairie

+1 918-287-4803 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/oklahoma/index.htm
Excellent
55%
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4.5 based on 31 reviews

Tallgrass Prairie

A preserve, helping to keep alive the nation's most endangered major ecosystem.

10. Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

32 Refuge Headquarters Rd, Indiahoma, OK 73552-2478 +1 580-429-3222 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/about.html
Excellent
75%
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4.5 based on 502 reviews

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

A federally managed praire covering more than 59,000 acres.

Reviewed By c1nic - Edmond, United States

I have been here too many times to count and I can honestly say I am amazed every time we come. Perfect day trip and it's FREE!!! From the wildlife to the wonderful lakes and hikes, to camping, fishing and the visitor center, there are so many things to see and do. I encourage everyone to support this amazing place. The fact that they also support endangered species is a + for me.

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