~ Top 10 Attractions in Oklahoma, USA ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Attractions in Oklahoma, USA

OK, so having read the title you have probably already started singing "O ..... klahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain”! In fact, you may find your self singing as you explore the wide open landscapes or head to Oklahoma City ("Is oh so pretty”) or Kansas City ("Ev'rythin's up to date in Kansas City”). Or maybe you'll be only twenty-four hours from Tulsa. You won't be the first moved to song by this great state; you certainly wont be the last.


1. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge



This protected prairie land is in the southwest of Oklahoma and is the oldest refuge the US system has designated. Since the turn of the 1900s, almost 60,000 acres have been conserved for their vegetation and animal life. Here you can watch the buffalo roam along with a whole host of other animals, including elk, deer and longhorn cattle. In fact, there are more than 240 types of bird, almost forty species of fish (it's a popular fishing location), 64 types of amphibian and reptile and no less than 806 different plants. Here on the great plains, the refuge was vital in keeping the buffalo/bison from extinction. In the early 1900s, a herd of fifteen were brought here from New York Zoo. The beasts have thrived and the herd now numbers over 550. The refuge doesn't charge an entrance fee and is open year round. Some areas are kept private for conservation and breeding purposes but you can drive through the range on a scenic byway. The refuge is under ten miles west from exit 45 of US Highway 49.

[MysteRy]

2. Turner Falls Park
 


Oklahoma's tallest waterfall and oldest state park are found near the town of Davis, in the central south of the state on Highway 77 just north of Ardmore. The 77 foot high falls drop into a natural pool, which has attracted visitors and swimmers since the end of the nineteenth century. Surrounded by trees, this natural amphitheatre is very pretty, especially in Fall. As well as the falls, there are caves, a folly castle from the Thirties, walking and nature trails ... all in 1500 acres.

[MysteRy]

3. Great Salt Plains State Park
 


Near the city of Jet is a vast recreational area for those who like to camp, swim, fish, stroll, horse ride, play, go boating, birdwatch, dig for gems, kayak, picnic or cycle. Yes, it really is the outdoors at its best with opportunities for every member of the family. Of course the name gives away its unique nature: large swathes are covered in salt: the dried remnants of a prehistoric ocean. In the summer, you can dig for crystals composed of selenite, on the salt flats themselves. Oklahoma is the only place on the planet where these hour-glass shaped crystals can be found, and they are just below the salt surface! There's free entry from early in the morning until late afternoon, every day. Find it just eight miles north of Jet, following Highway 38 or within three-quarters of an hour's drive from Enid.

[MysteRy]

4. Oklahoma City National Memorial
 


The Oklahoma bombing of 1995 sent shockwaves around the world. This peaceful park was created to commemorate all the victims, the emergency services and the survivors so affected by this terrorist bombing. The site lies where the Murrah building stood, before bomber Timothy McVeigh detonated a truck packed with explosives, killing 168 citizens. It took just two years to create this fitting memorial: a place of symbolism, sombre reflection but also beauty. Every day of the year, it is open 24 hours for those who wish to reflect and pay their respects. There is also a Memorial Museum. It's a moving experience, walking amongst a field of empty chairs, gazing into the reflecting pool, admiring the Survivor's Tree, which somehow withstood the explosion and reading the names and tributes on the Memorial Fence. This fitting memorial is beautifully done and was immediately placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Find it on North Harvey Avenue.

[MysteRy]

5. Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa
 


The Philbrook is so much more than an art museum. In twenty-three acres of landscaped gardens, its a 1920s Italian-style villa, the former home of an oil baron. Even if art isn't your thing, its well worth a visit for the stunning architecture and formal gardens. But for art lovers, it's even more of a treat. There are permanent collections of  American, Contemporary, African, European, Native American and far more art, design and antiquities. You can admire works from such luminaries as Giovanni Bellini, William Merritt Chase, Giovanni Bellini and scores of others, all in superb surrounds with sweeping staircases and even a fine restaurant when you need refreshing. The museum is closed on Mondays and the major holidays.

[MysteRy]

6. Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Tulsa
 


Whilst on your Tulsa tour, make time to visit this 1929 church: one of the very best Art Deco creations in the name of God in the USA. It's stunning, unique and somewhat reminiscent of the Chrysler Building in New York. It was groundbreaking without a doubt. The tower is constructed of entirely straight lines, thrusting up towards the heavens for over 255 feet and fifteen floors. The stained glass windows are simple and awe inspiring; the grand organ is almost priceless. The church still looks modern today. Guided tours are available after the morning service or by contacting the church in advance; you can also explore by yourself whenever the church is open. The church is on the southeastern corner of South Boston Avenue and 13th Street.

[MysteRy]

7. Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City
 


This is the only state capitol building with working oil wells in its grounds! Built in 1919, it's a fairly recent addition to the legislative history of the USA but no less grand than those in other states. Impressive columns mark the entrance, it is built from limestone and local pink granite and it has a typical Renaissance style and dome. Though its a working government edifice, you can visit free of charge from Monday to Friday, with tours on the hour from nine until three.

[MysteRy]

8. Oklahoma City Zoo



Just west of the Northeast Lake is OKC's adventure zone, including a science museum, Remington Park and many other museums and attractions. The zoo has over 1700 animals including all the 'biggies': gorillas, elephants, lions, tigers and bears (oh my). A new children's zoo has recently opened, letting the kids get up close and pet the tamer of the animals. There are 110 acres with  a massive big cat area that includes snow leopards; the Great EscAPE that features all the star primates; a large butterfly garden, aquatic centre with more than 1,500 creatures and much more. The zoo is open all year except for the major public holidays. Kids (and kids at heart) will love it.

[MysteRy]

9. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City
 


Just across from the Amtrack station in the heart of downtown are seventeen acres landscaped by world-famous architect I.M. Pei. This urban oasis is OKC's answer to Central Park: a valve to release the pressure cooker of the city. Around a central sunken lake full of koi, covering two acres, are many layers of different floral environments, plus a giant tropical conservatory. This is really the centrepiece: a glasshouse over 224 feet high crammed with palms, tropical flowers and rare animals. After a facelift in 2011, the gardens are more attractive than ever. There is a grand lawn for performance and sport, an amphitheatre in front of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory and a new children's garden. Amid the hundreds of trees are some unique, large sculptures that blend into this great landscape. The gardens are superb, so make time to visit anytime between 6.00am and 11.00pm at any time of the year.

[MysteRy]

10. Glass Mountains
 


Oklahoma's unique selenite crystals make their mark once more in this landscape of sparkling buttes and mesas. On Highway 412 near Orienta, the rocks and soil of this state park rise up to two hundred feet above the surrounding lands. An error leads them to be called the Glass Mountains - as originally they were called the Gloss Mountains. Transcribers just got it wrong. But it's still a wow factor location to visit, count and hike.


This top ten is just a starting point for what can be a full vacation agenda in Oklahoma, easily spanning one or two weeks. It can be as action packed as you like, or laid back in the sublime countryside. From cities and history to attractions and gorgeous landscapes, Oklahoma has so much to offer the visitor, time and time again. From Kansas in the north to Texas in the south, from Mississippi to the east to New Mexico on the west, its a southern state with big appeal.