Enjoy Oklahoma’s Great Outdoors
Your oldest daughter is a budding conservationist, your son lives for water sports, and your baby, well, she’s happy so long as she doesn’t have to be in the car for more than two hours at a time. Once you’ve decided to explore more of Oklahoma’s great outdoors, finding the right spot can seem like a tall order. Here’s a list of diverse destinations all over the state.
 
Great Plains Trail
Calling the Great Plains Trail a destination is a bit misleading—it is actually dozens of destinations and scenic drives spanning 33 western Oklahoma counties. All are connected by a series of trails and a well-designed map.
Request a trail map at www.TravelOK.com or 800-652-6552.
 
Bluff Creek, Oklahoma City
This urban oasis is a mountain bike trail maintained by the Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship, but its four miles of trails are also great for walkers. Deer are common, especially around dusk, as are many bird species including the waterfowl that reside on park’s pond. Directions and information available at www.OKEarthBike.com/Trail_Pages/Bluff_Creek.html
 
Martin Nature Park Center, Oklahoma City
Metro residents might be surprised to learn that a park located just off Memorial Road could be home to deer, owls, coyotes, and armadillos. Besides over three miles of trails, the center has a museum, library, and gift shop, and hosts a number of educational events throughout the year. Directions and information at www.OKC.gov/Parks or call 405-755-0676.
 
Great Salt Plains State Park
This park is located in far northern Oklahoma near Jet, but to most visitors, it is a world apart from the rest of the state. Besides a dry sea of salt, the park also includes Great Salt Plains Lake, which can be used for most non-motorized water sports despite its high salt content. Seasonal crystal digging and bird watching are the highlights of the area. Learn more at www.TourOklahoma.com or 580-626-4731.
 
Tallgrass Prairie
According to the nature conservancy, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is “the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on earth.” Nature trails and scenic drives provide access to the area’s wildlife, which includes free-roaming bison. Details at http://Nature.org/WhereWeWork/NorthAmerica/States or 918-287-4803.
 
J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve
The Nature Conservancy maintains this 15,000-acre area overlooking the Illinois River. Visit the preserve’s headquarters for information about nature trails. While in the area, look into renting a canoe, raft, or kayak for a trip down the river. More information available at http://Nature.org/WhereWeWork/NorthAmerica/States or 918-456-7601.
 
Beavers Bend Resort Park
With cypress trees, a lake, and a river, parts of this park are as wet as Black Mesa is dry. Visitors may opt to stay in the park’s lodge or cabins or bring a tent and camp. Hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching are just a few of the activities available in this beautiful area.
Learn more at www.TourOklahoma.com or 580-494-6300.
 
Wichita Mountains
The well-worn look of the boulders in the Wichita Mountains point to their status as one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The terrain is said to look similar to parts of the Middle East. Bison, deer, elk, and longhorn cattle are easily visible from the road, and camping and hiking are permitted in certain areas. Visit www.fws.gov/SouthWest/Refuges/WichitaMountains or call 580-429-8587 for details.
 
Chelsey Simpson is an editor who lives in Edmond with her husband and her miniature schnauzer, Ellie.