Craving an unforgettable day trip in the Sooner State? Instead of visiting the same old spots, try going somewhere new so that you can check out some of the most underrated places in Oklahoma. Whether it be food, museums, or natural habitats, these places in the Sooner State will have you wondering why you never frequented them before.

1. Red Slough Wildlife Reserve
Screenshot taken from Youtube user Casionerd
Red Slough is located in the southeastern portion of the state and has become one of the hottest recreational destinations for bird watchers and other wildlife enthusiasts in the U.S. Many of these species found at Red Slough do not regularly occur elsewhere in Oklahoma or are rare to the state. The American Alligator can also be spotted in the Red Sough Wildlife Refuge. It is the only documented breeding area for the American Alligator in Oklahoma. When it comes to underrated places in Oklahoma, Red Slough Wildlife Reserve is a true gem.
2. Muskogee Azalea Festival
doug wertman/flickr
Honor Heights Park in Muskogee hosts the annual Azalea Festival during the springtime. It is one of America’s finest springtime events and is worth the drive to see the blooming azaleas. Learn more about the annual Azalea Festival in Oklahoma.
3. Eischen's Bar
skye p./yelp
Visit Oklahoma’s oldest bar in Okarche, Oklahoma. You’ll find some of the best fried chicken ever, a friendly staff and an authentic, hometown atmosphere. The locals know how good it is, but the city crowd is missing out. Learn more about this hole-in-the-wall destination in Oklahoma.
4. Greenleaf Lake
Granger Meador/Flickr
Located within Greenleaf State Park (near Braggs, OK), Greenleaf Lake is 930 acres of pure beauty. There is an 18-mile hiking trail that begins inside the park and weaves its way around the lake. The lake is known for clear water and you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy for days. While you're there, be sure to check out this hike that will lead you to a swinging bridge.
5. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
onthechisholmtrail/Facebook
This museum in Duncan is devoted entirely to the great cattle-drive era of the 19th century. Enjoy a movie presentation in the Experience Theater, smell the wildflowers of the Oklahoma prairie, listen to a cattle stampede or feel the wind and rain on your face as a storm brews. For more information, visit the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center website.

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6. Medicine Park
Jack Gray/Flickr
Nestled in the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma is the vintage, cobblestone resort town, Medicine Park. Step back in time as you stroll the quaint Cobblestone Row filled with shopping, history and small town America. It is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, water running right through it and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge right next to it. Learn more about why Medicine Park is the best town in Oklahoma.
7. JL's Bar-B-Q
JLSBBQ/Facebook
Founded in 1976, JL's has been providing Green Country and beyond with the best barbecue money can buy. The huge portions and unique flavors are loved by patrons. JL's is located along Hwy 69 in Pryor. Do you agree that JL's serves some of the best BBQ in Oklahoma?
8. Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
Lindsey Vandeventer/Facebook
Please note: this preserve is temporarily closed.

The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is a place of quiet beauty and rugged scenery. They have plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in northeastern Oklahoma.
9. Route 66 Museum
Route66Museum/Facebook
For the ultimate Route 66 experience, visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK. The museum’s galleries were recently redesigned in 2012 to offer visitors a personal journey through the history of the nation’s most revered highway. Encounter the iconic ideas, images and myths of the Mother Road. Learn about the dreams and labor needed to make the road a reality. Experience the Dust Bowl as thousands streamed along the road, away from drought and despair and towards the "land of promise." For more, check out these 12 must-visit Route 66 attractions in Oklahoma.
10. Mountain Fork River
sarowen/flickr
Mountain Fork River is hailed as the best whitewater stream in Oklahoma and has the best trout fishing anywhere in the surrounding region. The river flows through a portion of the Ouachita National Forest and the scenery is breathtaking. Learn more about this little slice of paradise in Oklahoma.
11. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
Woolaroc/Facebook
Woolaroc was established in 1925 as the ranch retreat of oilman Frank Phillips. The ranch is a 3,700 acre wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic wildlife, such as buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle. Woolaroc is also a museum with an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts, Native American material, one of the finest collections of Colt firearms in the world, and so much more. Curious to learn more? Visit the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve website.

What other underrated places in Oklahoma should we add to this list?  Please share your ideas below.

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More to Explore

underrated places in Oklahoma

Beth C. | May 13, 2021

Does Oklahoma have any hidden gems?

Yes! Oklahoma is positively filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you prefer natural attractions or small-town wonders, you'll find lots to explore in the Sooner State. Some of the top-rated hidden gems in Oklahoma include Mount Scott, Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, the Talimena Scenic Highway, Pops 66, the Wichita Mountains, Natural Falls State Park, Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Skydance Bridge, Little Niagara Falls, the Philbrook Museum of Art, Turner Falls, Beavers Bend State Park, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.  Learn more about these hidden gems in Oklahoma.

What are the most popular attractions in Oklahoma?

One of the most popular destinations in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma City Zoo. This attraction has welcomed visitors and residents alike for more than 100 years. Inside, you'll find over 500 animal species, including lions, gorillas, and tigers. Also on display are the fascinating plants native to Oklahoma. Other popular attractions include the Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Bricktown, Museum of Osteology, and the Oklahoma History City.

Where can I go in Oklahoma that only the locals know about? 

If you're curious to experience Oklahoma as the locals do, it's only a matter of finding some under-the-radar attractions. Fortunately, we've done plenty of this for you! Some of these places include Cicasaw Country, Marlow, America's Outback, Lendonwood Gardens, Lavender Valley Acres, Sequoyah State Park and Lodge, Long Lake Resort, Osage Hills State Park, Woodward, and Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. For more information, check out our previous article: 10 Hidden Places In Oklahoma Only Locals Know About.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Red Slough, Oklahoma 74740, USA
Muskogee, OK, USA
Eischen's Bar, 109 S 2nd St, Okarche, OK 73762, USA
Greenleaf Lake, Oklahoma, USA
1000 Chisholm Trail Pkwy, Duncan, OK 73533, USA
Medicine Park, OK, USA
5501 S Mill St, Pryor, OK 74361, USA
16150 Redbud Dr, Catoosa, OK 74015, USA
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, 2229 W Gary Blvd, Clinton, OK 73601, USA
Mountain Fork, Oklahoma, USA
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74003, USA