Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Oklahoma

If you're looking to get away for a weekend trip and discover some new places in Oklahoma, check out this hidden gems road trip we put together. You'll travel just over 500 miles and spend two days exploring some cool and fascinating hidden gems in Oklahoma. Follow along below, then gas up and check them out for yourself.

The total length of the trip is 511 miles and almost 10 hours of driving time. We recommend you split it up into two days, to allow extra time at each attraction.

1. The Holy City of the Wichitas, Cache

One unique place to visit in the Sooner State is The Holy City of The Wichitas, which is located just outside of Lawton. It was built in 1926 as the set for an Easter Passion Play and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the grounds of this extraordinary place, you’ll find a little church and several structures that are absolute works of art. It was built to resemble Israel during Biblical times.

2. Parallel Forest, Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge near Lawton

Travel just down the road to the haunted Parallel Forest - a uniform forest that looks like something out of a horror movie. The Parallel Forest has over 20,000 trees, planted exactly six feet apart in every direction, and it’s rumored to be haunted. It was built by the federal government as an experiment to deal with the effects of the Dust Bowl.

3. Magnetic Hill, Springer

In the small town of Springer (near Ardmore) lies an ordinary hill with a strange phenomenon. If you put your vehicle in neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will suddenly appear to defy gravity as it rolls backward, uphill. it's a fun place to visit, so be sure and check it out.

4. Collings Castle, Davis

Next, travel to Turner Falls Park to Collings Castle. The waterfall is very popular but most people don't know there is an old castle hiding in the mountains that you can hike to. The building was abandoned in 1980 but still stands today in the park. Collings Castle is just a short hike down the path from the falls. It's included in the admission to the park and is a must-see historic attraction.

5. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Spiro

Did you know Oklahoma is home to one of the most important American Indian sites in the nation? It’s true. Spiro Mounds is known worldwide for its vast collection of artifacts that were dug from one of the dozen mounds on the land. It’s the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma, and you can take an easy walk along a trail to see these magnificent treasures.

6. Younger's Bend Trail, Stigler

Take a trip to Younger's Bend and see the final resting place of Outlaw Belle Star. This lawbreaking legend was shot in the back in this area and laid to rest here in front of her cabin. It's a cool place to hike and imagine all the outlaws that once walked the land.

7. J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah

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.

8. Ribbon Road/Sidewalk Highway, Ottawa County

Sidewalk Highway was completed in 1922; and, at nine feet wide, it's only a little wider than your average sidewalk. There is now only a three-mile section remaining of the original 15 miles on Historic Route 66. Look for the historical marker on E. 140 Road near Miami.

Feel free to use this interactive map for the exact route or to change it up.

Looking for more road trips in Oklahoma? If so, check out this haunted road trip that will take you to some creepy places in the state.