Everyone Should Take This Exhilarating Adventure To Some Of Oklahoma’s Best Hidden Gems
Oklahoma is often unfairly stereotyped as a boring state. We’re sometimes dismissed as a flat flyover state where nothing really happens. Anyone who loves the Sooner State knows that nothing could be further from the truth. We have a shockingly diverse system of eco-regions that support a variety of different plant and animal species. If you’re looking to get a crash course in some of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma, there’s no better way than driving down one of our scenic roads. One of our very favorites is the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway in Oklahoma. This set of highways will take you through some of the most splendid scenery in Oklahoma, so fill up your tank, prepare a playlist, and get ready to hit the road!
Your trip will start near Carnegie. This tiny town has a population of under 2,000 people and is home to the oldest continuously operating cinema in Oklahoma. It's mostly an agricultural town, so you'll get a great view of cotton and wheat fields.
Before you leave Carnegie, you won't want to miss a stop at Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara. This hole-in-the-wall joint doesn't look like much, but it's got some fantastic authentic Mexican food. There's also a small grocery store here, so you can stock up on snacks for the road.
Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara, 910 E Oklahoma St, Carnegie, OK 73015, USA
Keep traveling south down Highway 58. The scenery in this area really is quite stunning. You'll see lots of beautiful undeveloped areas and feel as though you're miles away from civilization.
You'll eventually hit Lake Lawtonka. Measuring just two square miles, this lake is a total hidden gem with serene views and clear water. Some of the trails around Lake Lawtonka are popular with hikers and bikers, so if you want to get out and stretch your legs, this is a great place to do it.
Continue around the lake, and you'll hit the town of Medicine Park. This historic town has tons of unique old buildings made of naturally formed red granite cobblestones. It's tiny, with a population of under 500, but it's been ranked as one of the prettiest towns in the country. The town's Medicine Creek even has a small waterfall.
The nearly 2,500 foot Mount Scott has a paved three-mile trail leading right to the very top. You'll have incredible views of the plains that surround the mountain, and get to see Lake Lawtonka from a different perspective.
Want to take your adventure off road? You'll find several options here; all you need to do is steer your off-road vehicle (we love the options from Nissan) off the path and into the unknown!
You can take another detour and meander down Highway 115 to reach the little city of Cache. Known as The Holy City of the Wichitas, Cache resembles ancient stone ruins like you'd see in Israel. There is an annual Easter passion play here that attracts thousands to the area.
Driving back north to Highway 49, you'll pass through lovely prairies. This is one of the most gorgeous roads in Oklahoma, so take your time and pull over to take some pictures.
Your trip will end at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This amazing 8,570-acre preserve is home to 650 bison, a prairie dog city, and much more. This place really showcases the beauty of the Sooner State.
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
From prairies to mountains, Oklahoma has it all. The Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway is an amazing road trip in Oklahoma that will take you through some of the most stunning spots in the state. So what are you waiting for? Hit the road and take this beautiful trip through the scenic Sooner State!
Address: Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Address: Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
Address: Medicine Park, OK, USA
Address: Lake Lawtonka, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Address: Mount Scott, Mt Scott, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Address: Tienda y Taqueria Guadalajara, 910 E Oklahoma St, Carnegie, OK 73015, USA
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Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. Practically all of her free time is spent trapping and fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
