Where This Awesome Oklahoma Weekend Road Trip Will Take You Is Unforgettable

Your trip starts on Friday afternoon at the Marland Mansion in Ponca City. The Marland story is fascinating and the home is an architectural wonder. It was designed and constructed as a showplace for pieces of fine art and in the process, it became a masterpiece in its own right. As you tour through this site, they'll show you the mansion and tell you the Marland story. You'll learn about the Marland family, the industry that made it all possible, and the "oil boom-town" that rose from it all, Ponca City, Oklahoma. The museum's hours on Fridays are 10a.m.-5p.m.

After touring the Marland Mansion, head over to Rusty Barrell Supper Club in town. Rusty Barrell has been serving steaks since 1974 and has become a favorite spot, serving patrons from more than 65 foreign countries and all 50 states. Take advantage of the Friday night special: steak and lobster. They are famous for their first-class, aged beef, grilled just you way you want it.

You'll spend Friday night at the Osage Casino in Ponca City. From entertainment to table games to slot machines, there is more than enough to do Friday night at the casino. With luxury accommodations, you'll get a great night's rest and be ready for a packed full Saturday.

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. Before heading into the park, stop in town to pack a picnic lunch, grab a shovel, 5 gallon bucket, sunscreen and water. Have fun digging for crystals!

Now head out to explore Little Sahara, named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits. The park offers over 1,600 acres of rideable sand dunes ranging in height from 25 feet to 75 ft. Amenities include showers, picnic areas, RV hookups with electric/water and tent sites. Seasonal concessions provide refreshment, and fuel and grocery are located nearby. You can rent ATVs and dune buggies or view the vast beauty from the viewing platform.

After a full and adventurous day, head over to Cafe Bahnhof in Waynoka for 5-star Bavarian food. This quaint little restaurant is a bit of Bavaria in northwest Oklahoma. Not only will you find a full menu of delicious German food, but you can also choose from an extensive list of bar offerings, including, of course, a number of German beers.

Now that you're ready to rest the evening away, head over to Vintage Inn in Alva. This cozy Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful three-story Victorian mansion built in 1906. Vintage Inn is known as one of the most exquisite bed and breakfasts in Oklahoma. They also offer spa services, antiques throughout and romantic fireplaces. You'll also enjoy a delicious breakfast Sunday morning before heading out to the last destination on the trip.

Last stop - Alabaster Caverns State Park

Get ready to explore this unique state park and take an adventure unlike anything else in Oklahoma. The highlight of the 200-acre Alabaster Caverns State Park is the cavern formed of alabaster, a rare form of gypsum, making it the largest natural gypsum cave in the world that is open to the public and the only gypsum show cave in the United States. Daily guided tours of Alabaster Cavern leave promptly on the hour from 9am-4pm. Make sure to bring your walking shoes because the cavern tour involves a strenuous walk of approximately 3/4 mile, during which visitors will climb or go down a total of 330 steps. Due to these natural features and conditions, the cave is always cool and damp.