The Ultimate Oklahoma Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 6 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
There are so many hidden gems in Oklahoma. Sure, we’ve got plenty of places that locals and tourists alike love to visit, but we’ve also got plenty of little-known places in the Sooner State that you won’t want to miss. We’ve put together a fun road trip that will take you to six of our favorite hidden gems to visit in Oklahoma. Gas up the car, load up the kids, and follow along. This road trip will take you to some of the best spots you won’t find on every travel list. This road trip is focused on the eastern side of the state. You can check out the customizable itinerary on Google Maps.
The entire trip will take about seven hours of driving time. You'll travel from the southern border to just below Kansas, getting to see much of the eastern part of the state.
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740
Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740, USA
You'll start your trip at one of the most under-appreciated parks in the state. The Red Slough Wildlife Management Area is in southeast Oklahoma. The preserve covers nearly 6,000 acres. You'll see several different habitats, including woodlands, riparian zones, marshes, and wet prairies. Approximately 38 different species of reptiles call this refuge home, the most notable of which is the American alligator. If you're looking to spot gators here, the best time of year is between March and May.
Clayton Lake State Park: US-271, Clayton, OK 74536
Clayton Lake State Park, US-271, Clayton, OK 74536, USA
Head north to another underrated gem, Clayton Lake State Park. This park spans over 500 acres and includes the 80-acre lake that shares its name. This is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Oklahoma (we even featured it in an autumn road trip). If you get a chance to visit in the fall, the bright autumn colors reflecting off the pristine surface of the lake are absolutely out-of-this-world.
Next on this road trip is the gorgeous small town of Carlton Landing. This town is situated right on Lake Eufaula and the township looks more like Florida than Oklahoma. The small town is home to a restaurant, general store, shops, and more. It's set up like a charming resort-style walking community and it's so peaceful. It's one of our favorite small towns in Oklahoma and you won't ever want to leave.
Shad's Catfish Hole: 462700 E 1140 Rd, Sallisaw, OK 74955
Shad's Catfish Hole, 462700 E 1140 Rd, Sallisaw, OK 74955, USA
This next stop is sure to satisfy your belly's seafood cravings. This place serves up some of the best fried catfish in Oklahoma. And what's even better than delicious fried catfish? All-you-can-eat fried catfish. This unlimited buffet features perfectly seasoned, breaded-to-perfection seafood that will fill you up beyond your wildest dreams. After enjoying this delicious meal, hop back into the car. Get ready for another epic nature destination!
J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah, OK 74464
J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA
If you're a fan of nature, you'll fall in love with this stop. The J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve is located near Tahlequah in the Ozarks. The preserve comprises 17,000 acres of astonishing beauty and it's one of the most peaceful places in Oklahoma. This environmental protection area is filled with spring-fed creeks, forests, woodlands, prairies, wildlife species, and so much more. This unique nature preserve is a one-of-a-kind destination in the Sooner State that overlooks the Illinois River. Best of all, it's admission-free!
Lendonwood Gardens: 1308 Har-Ber Rd, Grove, OK 74345
Lendonwood Gardens, 1308 Har-Ber Rd, Grove, OK 74345, USA
You'll end this road trip to hidden gems in Oklahoma at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove. This small botanical garden is only about eight acres. However, it features over 1,200 different types of plants and flowers! You can meander the garden pathways on your own or take a guided tour upon request. Every corner you turn will have breathtaking scenery and colorful plants. There's even a small waterfall and pond that's a great place to stop and relax. You'll feel like you stepped into a fairy tale!
How many of these destinations in Oklahoma have you been to? Do you have any more suggestions you’d want to add to this road trip? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Address: Oklahoma, USA
Address: Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740, USA
Address: Shad's Catfish Hole, 462700 E 1140 Rd, Sallisaw, OK 74955, USA
Address: Clayton Lake State Park, US-271, Clayton, OK 74536, USA
Address: Carlton Landing, OK 74425, USA
Address: J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA
Address: Lendonwood Gardens, 1308 Har-Ber Rd, Grove, OK 74345, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In Oklahoma
May 10, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more hidden gems to visit in Oklahoma?
We often call Chicksaw County Oklahoma’s best-kept secret. Seriously, this place is magnificent! There’s a great cultural center here, and the recreation area and Lake Murray will make you feel like you entered a tropical paradise.
Are there any secret gardens in Oklahoma?
We have some really amazing gardens in Oklahoma. For example, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is fantastic and spans over 170 acres, but because it’s a little ways out of town, many visitors may not even know it’s there!
What are some of the best hidden beaches in Oklahoma?
As a landlocked state, Oklahoma may not be particularly well-known for beaches. But we’ve got some great swimming holes tucked away that are the perfect spot to cool off in the summer!
Address: Oklahoma, USA
Address: Red Slough Wildlife Management Area, E2240, Haworth, OK 74740, USA
Address: Shad's Catfish Hole, 462700 E 1140 Rd, Sallisaw, OK 74955, USA
Address: Clayton Lake State Park, US-271, Clayton, OK 74536, USA
Address: Carlton Landing, OK 74425, USA
Address: J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA
Address: Lendonwood Gardens, 1308 Har-Ber Rd, Grove, OK 74345, USA
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 25 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't exploring Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beaches of California.
