19 Places In Oklahoma You Must See Before You Die

Beavers Bend State Park is a gem in southeastern Oklahoma, comprised of 1,300 acres about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The park boasts of a postcard-like setting and is an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered.

Famous for its spectacular fall foliage, the Talimena Scenic Drive is a 54-mile route in southeastern Oklahoma that takes you through the Talimena State Park, Ouachita National Forest and the Cedar Lake Recreation Area. Stop at one of 22 majestic vistas or visit several historic gateway towns along the way.

Situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of natural and mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the country.

Named after its resemblance to the handle on a cooking pan, Oklahoma’s Panhandle occupies the extreme northwestern portion of Oklahoma. The area is a 166-mile-long and 34-mile-wide strip of land stretching west towards New Mexico. The area is filled with rugged, breathtaking beauty. (pictured above: Gloss Mountains.)

Guthrie is a rare community that offers the best qualities of small town Oklahoma living along with the culture, history and economic growth most often found in much larger cities. The town's quiet, tree-lined streets, beautiful neighborhoods and history make this place a must-visit Oklahoma destination.

The J.T. Nickel Preserve is located near Tahlequah in the Ozarks and comprises 17,000 acres of astounding beauty and environmental protection areas that are filled with spring-fed creeks, forests, woodlands, prairies, wildlife species and so much more. You’ll also find a little geological water park within the area that is a hidden gem in the summer.

One of the most unique topographies lies within Little Sahara State Park in Waynoke, Oklahoma. It is not only a favorite spot for ATV riders, but is a spectacular place to visit to enjoy a desert-like scenery full of sand dunes. The park boasts picturesque vistas and has a lovely viewing platform to enjoy the beauty of the sand from a distance.

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Lake Tenkiller State Park is a gem in the woodlands of Oklahoma. The lake is a clear water paradise and is surrounded by beautiful thick foliage, rugged cliffs, rolling hills and spectacular views. Lake Tenkiller State Park has become known as "Heaven in the Hills."

Located in southwestern Oklahoma is the vintage cobblestone resort town, Medicine Park. It is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with a creek running right through it and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge right next to it. It is one of Oklahoma's most charming small towns to visit!

Robbers Cave State Park in the San Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Robbers Cave has over 12 miles of trails that wind you through caves, lakes, streams and breathtaking scenery. The popular caves are made of sandstone (not the usual limestone) and were popular hideouts for outlaws Jesse James and Belle Star.

Turner Falls is located in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and is considered Oklahoma's tallest waterfall at 77 feet. This picturesque waterfall flows with crystal clear water into a swimming hole that is a favorite summer spot for Oklahomans.

The caverns within the 200-acre state park are formed of alabaster and offer tours for visitors. The caves are the largest natural gypsum caves in the world open to the public.

The gorgeous Illinois River winds its way through the Cookson Hills in northeastern Oklahoma. It runs over 60 miles through rocky bluffs and is surrounded on all sides by a variety of lush greenery and trees. The river is one of Oklahoma's most popular destinations for river and float trips.

Nicknamed Baldy Point, Quartz Mountain in southwestern Oklahoma is a outdoor oasis for those wanting to explore the outdoors. The rugged mountains are made from granite and overlook Lake Altus-Lugert.

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, near Lawton, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is over 59,000 acres of beautiful land. Visitors can hike, bike, climb, rappel, camp, fish and enjoy all nature has to offer.

This stunning 46,000 acre lake is located in northeastern Oklahoma and is one of the top bass fishing lakes in America. The area contains five state parks with majestic beauty surrounding its shores on all sides.

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on Earth, spanning 39,000 acres. It is home to a host of wildlife including white-tailed deer, coyotes and more than 2,000 bison.

The Great Salt Plains State Park is comprised of a huge expanse of salt plains that are remnants of an ancient ocean that once covered this part of Oklahoma. The Great Salt Plains Lake is located at the park with 41 miles of shoreline and is a shallow, salty lake with fishing opportunities. The refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum.