Looking for 'far-out' adventures in Oklahoma? Panhandle offers hidden wonders

Not long ago, after a speaking engagement, a couple approached me and asked to recommend a "far-out" destination in the state for an extended weekend. They were looking for somewhere they had not previously been.

So, I took their desire for a "far-out" location literally and asked if they had ever traveled to Oklahoma's Panhandle, to which they said no. As a result, I began by telling them about two locations: Black Mesa State Park near Kenton and the Cimarron County Heritage Center in Boise City.

For those who have not traveled to the Panhandle, here’s a summary of what I told this very nice couple. When you first drive through the desolate terrain around Black Mesa State Park, you may not expect to find much beauty. But as you explore the park, you will discover pockets of incredible natural wonder that make this area a must-see destination for anyone visiting Oklahoma.

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One of the park's most stunning features is Lake Carl Etling, the largest body of water in the Panhandle. Its windswept shores are a haven for wildlife, and the lake is a popular destination for people of all ages who love to fish.

One of many impressive features of Black Mesa State Park is its petrified forest. A hiking trail takes you past logs that are more than a million years old, reminding us of another time when trees were bigger here and dinosaurs roamed the Earth. And speaking of dinosaurs, the park is also a sanctuary for an amazing number and variety of birds. It's possible that ancestors of the dinosaurs still roam this area, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history.

The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation manages the nature preserve in collaboration with Black Mesa State Park. The nature park is about 1,600 acres in size, and tourists can stroll across it to see 23 uncommon plants and eight rare animal species. While visiting the Black Mesa Nature Preserve, visitors can trek to the top of the plateau, Oklahoma's highest point at 4,973 feet above sea level. I always tell people the park has among of the country's darkest evening sky on publicly accessible territory.

Now the park itself is located about 15 miles from the nature preserve and is located close to Lake Carl Etling and offers online reservable RV campsites with water and power hookups, tent campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps, a playground and restrooms with showers. I mentioned to the couple if they wanted to go hiking there, they really needed to do it before the summer heat kicks in. But for anyone who plans on hiking in the area, be prepared and pack lots of water. Lastly, I told the couple I have not yet been to Black Mesa State Park, but I do plan on going in the very near future!

I also them to take time to visit the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum in Boise City because it captures the spirit and history of Cimarron County. Nestled in the heart of Boise City, this museum is the perfect destination for anyone seeking to learn about the area's rich history and cultural heritage. As soon as you enter the museum, you'll be greeted by a giant metal Apatosaurus that looms just beyond the welcome sign. This impressive sculpture is a nod to the museum's extensive dinosaur exhibits, which include a rare Saurophaganax dinosaur that was found near Kenton in the 1930s. This creature, a cousin of the fearsome T-Rex, is part of the Allosaurus family and is on display at the museum in the form of its front head.

But dinosaurs are just the beginning of what the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum has to offer. With exhibits and artifacts covering everything from the Santa Fe Trail to the area's rich Native American history, there's something here for everyone. Visitors of all ages can have fun in the mini dinosaur dig and examining the fossils, or explore the Dust Bowl exhibit, military displays, ranch exhibits and much more. One of the highlights of the museum is the 1949 Bruce Goff-designed home, which serves as the museum's greeting area, complete with offices, a unique gift shop, button and bottle collections and other fascinating artifacts.

Visitors also can explore a range of historic structures on the museum grounds, including a restored Santa Fe Depot, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, homestead dugout, well house, wash house and windmill exhibit. Access to Autograph Rock, which features the signatures of 19th- and 20th-century explorers, can be granted at the museum. Antique machinery, wagons and buggies round out the collection, making the Cimarron Heritage Center Museum a true treasure trove of local history.

For other destination ideas, go to the official website of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at Travelok.com.

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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: 'Far-out' adventures await you in Panhandle