I’m astounded at the beauty that I continuously discover while exploring the Sooner State. From stunning waterfalls to sparkling lakes to rugged mountains, Oklahoma is full of places that are magazine-worthy. If you still don’t believe it, take a look at these 13 places in the state:
- J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve, NE of Tahlequah
Sam Martin/Flickr As the largest privately protected conservation area in the Ozarks, J.T. Nickel Preserve boasts 17,000 acres of exceptional beauty. This hidden gem in the Cookson Hills area overlooks the Illinois River and is filled with places to explore.
- Turner Falls, Davis
dadzilla165/Flickr Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state, standing tall at 77 ft. The beautiful falls are located in the Arbuckle Mountains in southern Oklahoma.
- Philbrook Museum Gardens, Tulsa
PhilbrookMuseum/Facebook Not only is the Philbrook Museum a beautiful piece of Italian architecture, but it also houses a stunning garden and world-renowned art. A trip to the Philbrook Museum and Gardens will leave you in awe.
- Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow
Lindell Dillon/Flickr Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oklahoma. The mountainous region is a little piece of heaven in the Sooner State.
- Natural Falls State Park, Colcord
Phan Ly/Flickr Although Natural Falls ties Turner Falls in height, the 77-ft. waterfall is considered the 2nd tallest in the state. The falls are located in the Natural Falls State Park in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma.
- Talimena Scenic Drive, Talihina
Alex Butterfield/Flickr Take a 54-mile drive on this National Scenic Byway in the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. Every season is stunning, but the fall colors are otherworldly.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton
Thomas Shahan/Flickr Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this one-of-a-kind destination is a sight to behold. The refuge is over 59,000 acres and is home to many species of wildlife and unique topography.
- Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City
John Rogers/Flickr Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre botanical garden and interactive park located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. You’ll enjoy the beauty all around and gaze at unique plants and flowers from all over the world.
- Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow
Terry Flick/Flickr This stunning river is a popular area for trout fishing, kayaking and canoeing. It is known as the best whitewater stream in the Sooner State.
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Doug Long/Flickr Another place in Oklahoma that is easy on the eyes is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area - an Oklahoma oasis filled with natural and mineral springs, trails, waterfalls and lakes.
- Lake Murray, Ardmore
Betty/Flickr Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Murray is located in Lake Murray State Park - the largest state park in Oklahoma. The lake is known for its crystal clear spring fed waters. Grab those swimming suits and go enjoy this stunning lake in south central Oklahoma.
- Lake Quanah Parker, Lawton
Betty/Flickr Located inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lake Quanah Parker offers 3 miles of shoreline. It might be little, but its beauty is mighty!
- Arbuckle Mountains, Davis
Doug Long/Flickr The Arbuckle Mountains are home to Turner Falls and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in south-central Oklahoma. The rolling hills, waterfalls, lakes and trails make this area an outdoor playground for nature enthusiasts.
Where do you think is the most beautiful place in Oklahoma?
Sam Martin/Flickr
As the largest privately protected conservation area in the Ozarks, J.T. Nickel Preserve boasts 17,000 acres of exceptional beauty. This hidden gem in the Cookson Hills area overlooks the Illinois River and is filled with places to explore.
dadzilla165/Flickr
Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state, standing tall at 77 ft. The beautiful falls are located in the Arbuckle Mountains in southern Oklahoma.
PhilbrookMuseum/Facebook
Not only is the Philbrook Museum a beautiful piece of Italian architecture, but it also houses a stunning garden and world-renowned art. A trip to the Philbrook Museum and Gardens will leave you in awe.
Lindell Dillon/Flickr
Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oklahoma. The mountainous region is a little piece of heaven in the Sooner State.
Phan Ly/Flickr
Although Natural Falls ties Turner Falls in height, the 77-ft. waterfall is considered the 2nd tallest in the state. The falls are located in the Natural Falls State Park in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma.
Alex Butterfield/Flickr
Take a 54-mile drive on this National Scenic Byway in the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. Every season is stunning, but the fall colors are otherworldly.
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this one-of-a-kind destination is a sight to behold. The refuge is over 59,000 acres and is home to many species of wildlife and unique topography.
John Rogers/Flickr
Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre botanical garden and interactive park located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. You’ll enjoy the beauty all around and gaze at unique plants and flowers from all over the world.
Terry Flick/Flickr
This stunning river is a popular area for trout fishing, kayaking and canoeing. It is known as the best whitewater stream in the Sooner State.
Doug Long/Flickr
Another place in Oklahoma that is easy on the eyes is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area - an Oklahoma oasis filled with natural and mineral springs, trails, waterfalls and lakes.
Betty/Flickr
Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Murray is located in Lake Murray State Park - the largest state park in Oklahoma. The lake is known for its crystal clear spring fed waters. Grab those swimming suits and go enjoy this stunning lake in south central Oklahoma.
Located inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lake Quanah Parker offers 3 miles of shoreline. It might be little, but its beauty is mighty!
The Arbuckle Mountains are home to Turner Falls and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in south-central Oklahoma. The rolling hills, waterfalls, lakes and trails make this area an outdoor playground for nature enthusiasts.
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