Need a break from the routine? An Oklahoma getaway could do wonders
As we get more into the routine of schools back in session, don’t forget about the one-day getaways or weekend trips.
Oklahoma offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and weekend trips perfect for singles, couples and families alike. From hiking through ancient mountain ranges to learning about Native American history, the Sooner State's diverse landscapes and rich heritage make it an ideal destination for a quick weekend escape. And hopefully that pesky "heat dome” will move on down the road so we can better plan for those outdoor excursions.
Visit one of Oklahoma's many beautiful parks or nature centers as you plan for those one-day trips or weekend getaways. I could write several articles alone on all the wonderful state parks in our state. I would highly recommend going to Travelok.com because it is there you will find a wealth of information on all of them.
Outside of Lawton, in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, you may walk some of the oldest granite mountains in the United States. See the historic fort at Fort Sill and keep an eye out for grazing bison, elk and prairie dogs.
This next idea would definitely be at least a two-day trip, but don’t forget Black Mesa State Park in the Panhandle. The worn canyons found there make for a pleasant day hike. Beautiful scenery, quiet hiking trails, and a wide variety of species may all be found inside this protected area of Oklahoma. The mesa tops are a great place to spot wild mustangs grazing.
More: Discover Oklahoma: Museums let you beat the heat with a cool cultural experience
Art lovers will appreciate a stop in several places in the state, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City. From Oklahoma City Museum of Art, to Artspace at Untitled, 50 Penn Place Art Gallery in OKC to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman to the Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art in Tulsa, art museums are a wonderful way to be enlightened and inspired year round.
Gain insight into Native American history at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, where visitors can see authentic villages, browse galleries and watch traditional dances.
In Miami, Oklahoma, walk through displays at the Dobson Museum spotlighting the state’s mining past.
At Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville, view an extensive collection of Western art and Native American artifacts on the grounds of an Oklahoma ranch.
And a must-see is the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. On the inside you will find the amazing histories and stories of 39 distinctive First American nations in Oklahoma.
And those stories are told from the Native Americans' perspective.
One of the most important messages found here is the resilience of First Americans. Native achievement is memorialized and modern Native culture celebrated from the grand to the everyday.
More: OKC tourism is setting records with new, expanding attractions
Journey back in time at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, where the ancient ruins and burial mounds of a prehistoric Native American town are preserved. Guests can explore the museum exhibits and hike the quiet, contemplative site.
Oklahoma provides enough to see and do on a brief weekend getaway or day trip, with vast parks, interesting museums and landscapes ranging from prairie grasslands to rugged mountains. Enjoy the diverse culture and natural beauty that this heartland state has to offer. Go to Travelok.com for more information.
More: August and September are festival time in Oklahoma. Where you can celebrate food and music
Dino Lalli is the co-host and one of the feature reporters for the weekly television travel show "Discover Oklahoma."
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Discover Oklahoma: Getaways that can do wonders if you need a break
