It’s a new year, which means new travel destinations to be discovered!
While international travel can be alluring, there’s a lot of appeal when it comes to domestic travel as well—if you know where to look. And Oklahoma is the perfect place to start. From traversing through the state’s artistic cities to experiencing its eclectic environments, Oklahoma has something for every kind of traveler. Plan your travel this year around one of Oklahoma’s varied attractions and experience everything this state has to offer.
January
Drink and dine in your own private igloo
Stay warm this winter by cuddling up in your very own outdoor, domed igloo. Every year, Welltown Brewing, a local Tulsa brewery, arranges eight igloos onto their rooftop patio. Guests can lounge comfortably in these heated pods while listening to music and sipping on their favorite Welltown drinks. Each igloo reservation lasts two hours and is good for up to eight people. You can reserve your own igloo on their website.
While you’re in Tulsa, consider making a weekend out of your trip. Book a stay at the illustrious Mayo Hotel, take a tour of the city’s famed art deco architecture, eat at one of a dozen different local restaurants, and so much more.
February
Visit Black Mesa State Park and hike to the highest point in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to a diverse landscape of rolling green hills and wide open plains. And state parks are some of the best ways to enjoy these natural wonders. Black Mesa State Park, for example, houses the highest point in all of Oklahoma. Park visitors can trek up the 8.4-mile out and back Black Mesa Summit Trail through a rocky and arid climate to reach this point. The park, which is located at the very northwestern point of the state, is also home to a tri-state point, intersecting Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. And if that wasn’t enough reason to come out and visit, this quiet corner of the country also has some of the best night sky views.
March
Watch the flowers bloom at Tulsa Botanic Garden
Every spring, Tulsa Botanic Garden hosts one of the largest spring flower festivals in the region—Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS. Guests can enjoy walking through the lively displays of colorful florals all season long. They can also take advantage of a wealth of on-site amenities and shows by several local bands and musicians, hosted weekly during the festival. It’s the perfect place to ring in spring!
Tulsa Botanic Garden organizes numerous events all year long. Check their website for a full list.
April
View the solar eclipse in southeastern Oklahoma
On April 8, certain states in the country will have the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. And it just so happens that Oklahoma is one of them. This exceptional event is set to pass through southeastern Oklahoma, which known for its proximity to many outdoor adventures. So rent a cabin or book a campsite at one of the many parks here to not only see the solar eclipse, but to explore everything the great Oklahoma outdoors has to offer.
May
Dig for salt crystals at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Northern Oklahoma is home to a hidden trove of treasures. Beneath Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, located near Salt Plains State Park, are hundreds of salt crystals. And you can experience the thrill of digging them up and taking them home for yourself. From April to October the wildlife refuge lets people come in with their own shovels and their own buckets to dig for these coveted crystals. It’s an opportunity for the whole family or your group of friends to come out and see what you can find!
And because Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is right around the corner from Salt Plains State Park, there’s even more for you to enjoy during your time in the area. You can hike one of the trails, paddle around the Great Salt Plains Lake, and more.
June
Go floating on the Illinois River
Oklahoma may not be an oceanside state, but there are plenty of lakes and rivers to satisfy your need for a summer swim. Floating on the Illinois River is the standard summer pastime here. Rent a kayak, canoe, or raft and bring a couple of friends down to the river for a full day of floating. Routes vary from just a few miles to enough to keep you occupied for multiple hours at a time. You can test your techniques out on the water and speed down the river, or you can take your time and let the water carry you to the end. Either way, floating is a foolproof plan for fun.
July
Attend the Porter Peach Festival
Hot summer days call for juicy ripe peaches. The Porter Peach Festival is held annually in Porter, Oklahoma, for three days right in the peak of summer. Indulge in a taste of some local eats and live music as you explore the various activities available throughout all three days of the festival—including a culinary contest, a parade, an auction, and more. Not to mention the chance to purchase and eat all the fresh peaches you can find!
August
Go berry or apple picking at a local farm or orchard
Speaking of fresh fruits, if peaches aren’t your favorite, there are plenty of other opportunities to find ripe berries or apples all across Oklahoma. From late summer to early fall, Oklahoma’s best farms and orchards invite people from all over the state to come pick from their latest selection of fresh fruits. Enjoy them in the moment or bring them home to add to your favorite drink or dessert!
Be mindful of when certain fruits are in season so you can make sure you’re always picking the freshest batches for your kitchen table. Start by checking this list of some of the most popular places to get fresh fruits in the state and when to get them.
September
Visit Oklahoma’s best wineries and / or breweries
It may come as a shock to you that Oklahoma is home to several wineries and breweries. In fact, Oklahoma has many diverse wines and beers available to tourists and locals alike. And fall is the best time to try these delicious drinks. Grapes are usually harvested in the fall, which means wineries are serving sweeter and more full wines. Breweries, on the other hand, start serving bolder beers and will occasionally add a fall-flavored brew to their menu. Wine or beer, both are refreshing choices to brighten up your fall days.
October
Pick out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch
What is fall without a pumpkin? Pumpkin carving, pumpkin pie, pumpkin decorations—there are so many uses for the pumpkin. Which is why picking one out is a prime fall activity on this list. Oklahoma pumpkin patches offer a variety of different pumpkins, of different colors, shapes, sizes, and more. Buy one or buy them all!
The best pumpkin patches have more than just pumpkins. Many have multiple attractions and activities like apple cider, hayrides, photo opportunities and more. Look carefully at each patch’s list of attractions to determine which one is best for you, your family, your friends, and more.
November
Find a tree to take home for the holidays
It’s never too early to start getting ready for the holiday season! Christmas tree farms welcome in winter with a special kind of cheer that brings merriment and joy to all who visit. While you’re searching for the perfect pine, dance to the holiday music, sip on some warm holiday drinks, and make friends with the animals at the petting zoo. This experience will certainly leave you with holiday memories both in and out of the farm.
December
Watch “The Nutcracker” at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City
End your year with poise and grace—watch ballerinas glide across the stage to the lively music in the classic piece, “The Nutcracker.” The Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City hosts countless shows from musicals to opera to so much more. However, “The Nutcracker” is by far a favorite. Throughout December, this masterpiece comes alive for all in attendance. But if the illusion of “The Nutcracker” isn’t your thing, you can also attend one of the many more performances the Civic Center has to offer.
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