Looking to make family memories this spring break? Head to one of Oklahoma's state parks
Spring break is quickly approaching, and now is the time to start planning a family adventure to discover the beauty of our state. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, Oklahoma state parks are the perfect place to make lifelong memories while enjoying the charm of local towns and exploring the outdoors.
As the mom of a teenage daughter, I understand how important it is to take moments like this to break away from technology and screens, and spend quality time together making cherished memories. By choosing Oklahoma for our family, we are intentionally instilling a love and connection with the next generation to the state we live in and love.
You can visit the park closest to you, or road trip across the state, but there’s a state park for everyone. Observe wildlife and flora on one of our nature trails, get out your fishing rod and find your next catch or enjoy the timeless experience of camping under the stars. Endless opportunities await.
More: We can unlock the full potential of Oklahoma's tourism, wildlife, arts and heritage
If you’re looking for a place to start, I recommend exploring one of Oklahoma’s most diverse terrains — the sand dunes in Little Sahara State Park. The dunes are remnants of prehistoric times, when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. There are over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, making it one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the Midwest. Tent sites and RV sites are available for anyone looking to camp for the week or the weekend.
For those looking for a scenic escape, the 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formation at Natural Falls State Park is one of the most breathtaking views in Oklahoma. If the beautiful scenery looks familiar, it’s because scenes from the 1974 movie, “Where the Red Fern Grows” were filmed in the park. You can stay overnight in one of the park’s five yurts, you can also book an RV or tent site.
I can’t highlight the diversity of our parks without mentioning the beauty of the Wichita Mountains and Quartz Mountain State Park. Visitors won’t want to leave the newly renovated lodge that looks more like a resort than something you would find at state park. While you’re there, find a trail to hike up and watch a beautiful sunrise across the lake. You’ll thank me later.
For our state’s avid anglers, Oklahoma offers over 200 lakes with more miles of shoreline than the East and Gulf coasts combined. The Oklahoma Fishing Trail features six unique regional loops, organized by lake and species, to provide anglers of all levels the opportunity to find a new favorite spot and create some unforgettable memories this spring. Before you head out, don’t forget your fishing license, which can be purchased online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. You can also pick up a copy of our Fishing Guide at a state park or Tourism Information Center near you.
Urban adventure-seekers can look no further than our two metro areas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, for outdoor excursions at the local botanical gardens, zoos, outdoor patios and dining
facilities, or across the miles of trails in each city. It’s also just a 45-minute drive from Oklahoma City to Lake Thunderbird, and less than 30 minutes from Keystone Lake near Tulsa.
This spring break, give yourself the gift of nature and welcome this new season with open arms. Whether you’re just visiting for a day or enjoying our overnight accommodations, we can’t wait to see you this March. For more information, check out TravelOK.com.
Shelley Zumwalt is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and interim Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: TravelOK: Head to an Oklahoma state park this spring break
