Whether you are a first-time visitor, frequent guest or resident of the state, there are plenty of fun and free things to do in Oklahoma. There is no need to spend a ton of money to have fun on your next road trip.
A large portion of Route 66 runs right through Oklahoma for nearly 375 miles, offering Americans a glimpse of the country’s recent history. Driver’s can feel nostalgic by the sights of the road, stopping to picnic and take photos at a roadside stand. The most frequented attractions include the Blue Whale, located in Catoosa, and the Totem Pole Park in Foyil.
There are plenty of local parks to enjoy the state’s natural surroundings. Martin Park is one of the best spots for hiking on nature trails and taking in everything that the woodlands have to offer. Bird watchers will have plenty to observe here.
There are plenty of museums to visit in Oklahoma, one of the most popular being the Gene Autry Museum. It celebrates much of the state’s western culture.
The Oklahoma State Capitol building and Governor’s Mansion both offer free tours of the buildings and grounds. The Capitol features amazing Greco-Roman architecture and a dome that is not to be missed.
Many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, outdoor photography and wildlife viewing exist within the wildlife refuges of Oklahoma. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular in the area, offering guests glimpses of buffalo and longhorn cattle across the park’s 60,000 acres.
The state’s largest lake, Eufaula, is a free recreational area for those interested in fishing, swimming and laying out in the summer sun.
There are also plenty of free gardens nearby. Tulsa’s Garden Center is the state’s most popular, featuring fountains, flowers and more than 200 types of delicate roses.
Oklahoma cemeteries are full of historical information, especially Mount Olivet in the city of Hugo. The town was such a big railroad hub in the early 1900s that many rodeo and circus performers are buried here. Some of the headstones are quite eclectic.
For those in the mood for some adventure, the Sans Bois Mountains are full of opportunities. A cave located on the grounds once served as a hideout for criminals, giving the park the name Robbers Cave. Jesse James himself is said to have used the cave as a retreat. The park is just five miles from the town of Wilburton. Today, visitors can climb, bike and hike through the park.
Creative types will enjoy the various arts districts offered by Oklahoma’s cities. Art lovers will be able to attend events throughout the year. Norman and Oklahoma City both feature extensive art districts. Here, patrons can view paintings and photography while listening to the sounds of street musicians.
Many people perceive the state of Oklahoma as dry and barren, but this simply is not so. Natural beauty, from forests to wild fields, makes up a significant portion of the state’s land. There is so much to do for free in the Sooner State that visitors will surely find themselves coming back for more.
There is no place like New York City. With its majestic beauty and bustling energy, the city is steeped in history and innovation. If you are on a short visit, then there are limited things you will be able to see. This guide below will hopefully give you a good start on the top five things you need to see and do while in New York.
An offering from France to the United States, the Statue of Liberty is certainly one of the grandest attractions in New York City. The visage of the statue is rich with symbolism and history. The face on Lady Liberty is said to be based upon the face of the sculptor’s mother. The spiked crown symbolizes the seven seas. The torch that is held in the right hand stands for knowledge while the tablets in the left hand stand for the Declaration of Independence.
Photo courtesy of: YoungGov.org
This huge building, encompassing 22 acres of land, is bordered by 48th and 51st streets, with Fifth Avenue to the East and Sixth Avenue to the West. Visitors flock to Rockefeller Center to ice skate and to go to the observation decks via elevators for the scenic views. In 2005 the observation area was made-over to include a multimedia center and exhibition exploring the history of the Center.
Photo courtesy of: DiseselPunks.org
The perfect spot to view the city, you can walk along the Brooklyn Bridge for a solid mile stretching from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The bridge is a symbol of New York City, an engineering marvel, and a symbol in movies of romance and love. The walkway of the bridge is raised above the roadway. You can get to the walkway by a set of stairs close to the High Street Subway Station in Brooklyn. The majestic bridge looks unbelievable from afar, but up-close it is truly a stunning piece of work.
Photo courtesy of: Sue Waters
One of the most famous attractions in the world, Central Park sits on over 843 acres of prime real estate. Before it was the modern day oasis that it is now, sheep used to graze upon the grass here from 1860 until around 1934. Central Park contains a zoo, a wildlife sanctuary, an outdoor theater where “Shakespeare in the Park” is performed during the summer, and natural woods for walking and relaxing. A historic Carousel, enclosed playgrounds, and grassy areas for picnics and play make this an extremely friendly environment in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city.
Photo courtesy of: ZeroOne on Flickr
Built in 1931 and opening during the Great Depression, the Empire State Building was at one time the tallest building in existence. in 1945, a 5-52 bomber flew into the building between the 79th and 80th floors. The Empire State Building has been featured in many movies around the world. Every year millions come to visit the building with its observation decks and breathtaking views of the city.
Photo courtesy of: RaSeLaSeD – Il Pinguino on Flickr
There is so much more to do and see in this great and historic city, but if you can only do these five things you will have a great start and a great visit. Just make sure to come back and see more of the great New York City!
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