7 Great Road Trips to Take in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has numerous scenic byways where every mile tells a story, from historic highways to breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an easy weekend drive or an extended road trip, these routes take advantage of the state's many landmarks, from the Ouachita Mountains to the historic Route 66. Along the way, you’ll find charming small towns, fascinating historic sites, and plenty of unique roadside attractions. Each of these seven trips offers a mix of adventure, history, and great local food, making them perfect for travelers of all kinds. So, fuel the car, roll down the windows, and get ready to experience the best of Oklahoma, one road trip at a time!

Route 66

When you cruise America’s Mother Road (also known as Route 66 or America's Main Street), you'll discover that it runs right through the heart of Oklahoma. The best part of this highway is the 300-mile stretch extending from just northeast of Tulsa toward Elk City, and along the way, you will find plenty of classic roadside attractions and small-town charm. Start your journey at the Blue Whale of Catoosa for a nostalgic and quirky stop, perfect for a memorable photo op. Tulsa offers plenty of classic diners and good restaurants, but one of the best is Tally’s Good Food Café, a must for its retro vibes, friendly service, and oversized cinnamon rolls. Stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton to explore the highway’s rich history through vintage cars and memorabilia. End your trip at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, where you can walk through a replica of an old-fashioned Main Street and soak in the nostalgia of America’s most famous highway.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

Winding through the rolling Ouachita Mountains, this 54-mile route southeast of McAlester offers some of Oklahoma’s most spectacular fall foliage and breathtaking mountain views before extending into Arkansas. The route starts in Talihina, following the spine of the Ouachita Mountains, and ventures up to the highest scenic overlooks. Be sure to take your time to pull into spots like Panorama Vista and Horse Thief Springs. Winding Stair National Recreation Area is just off the route, with nice camping and hiking opportunities. This drive is best enjoyed leisurely, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Hungry travelers should stop at Pam’s Hateful Hussy Diner in Talihina, a local favorite known for its hearty portions, homemade pies, and welcoming atmosphere.

Arbuckle Mountains Scenic Loop

This southern Oklahoma drive takes you through the stunning Arbuckle Mountains, home to some of the Sooner State's most beautiful landscapes. The route isn't particularly long, at only 20 miles, but it winds through thick forests, past waterfalls, and ends near the Chickasaw National Recreation Area south of Sulphur. You can start your trip at Davis, Oklahoma (right off of I-35) and head south on US 77. Turner Falls is a 77-foot waterfall cascading into a clear swimming hole a few miles south, ideal for a refreshing dip or a scenic picnic. Head back north to Davis for lunch, where you will want to stop at Smokin Joe's Rib Ranch in Davis, known for its generous portions of barbeque, smoke-kissed ribs, and tender brisket. Travel west from Davis on Hwy 7 toward Sulphur Springs and head south on US-177 to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, offering mineral-rich springs and serene trails along Travertine Creek. As you hike, you will want to keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful wildlife these mountains are home to.

Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway

For a drive filled with rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and rich Native American history, take the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway. This 84-mile picturesque route winds through the Ozark foothills in northeastern Oklahoma, passing through charming towns and stunning natural landscapes. The route begins at Oklahoma Highway 10 N (Carlisle Road) on the north side of I-40 in Sequoyah County and proceeds through Gore. Follow Highway 100, turn east on 10/100A, and eventually back north on Highway 82 toward Tahlequah. Tenkiller State Park is a nice stop to stretch your legs on a hike and enjoy a picnic lunch. Lake Tenkiller is known for its crystal-clear waters, great fishing, and outdoor recreation. Stop in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, to explore the Cherokee Heritage Center and learn about the Trail of Tears. Further along, take a break in Stilwell, the self-proclaimed Strawberry Capital of the World, and enjoy fresh local produce.

Kiamichi Trace

This gorgeous scenic stretch of US 271 extends for around 100 miles from the southern part of the state northward to the Arkansas line near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Kiamichi Trace follows an old military/pioneer trail extending northward from the banks of the Red River (south of Hugo), passing through lush pine forests and offering scenic glimpses of the Kiamichi River. It is easiest to begin your journey in Hugo, where you will want to check out the Endangered Ark Foundation. In this interactive elephant sanctuary, visitors can snap a selfie with gentle, well-cared-for elephants. History buffs will want to explore the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Capital Museum (between Clayton and Talahina), which has interesting displays and artifacts. Be sure to stop by Warehouse Willy’s in Poteau for a bourbon bacon cheeseburger that is nothing short of amazing.

Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway

A 93-mile drive through the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway offers fascinating vistas of rocky lowlands, superb wildlife viewing, and engaging local flora. Begin the route north of Lawton, where Hwy 49 intersects I-44. Traveling west through Medicine Park, proceed to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, which offers the chance to see free-roaming bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs. Travelers will want to enjoy the picturesque hiking trails (the refuge has over 15 miles of easy trails for families to enjoy). In addition, you will want to explore the Holy City of the Wichitas, home to an outdoor pageant during Easter Weekend. Once you've explored the Wildlife Refuge, head north on Hwy 115 toward Meers. The Meers Store and Restaurant is a must-stop, as this legendary Oklahoma eatery is known for its massive longhorn beef burgers and old-timey charm. Don’t forget to grab a slice of homemade cobbler to round out your visit! North of Meer, the byway takes you past Saddle Mountain (2,119 feet) to the intersection of Hwy 9. Turn east to Carnegie, then south on Hwy 58, and back toward your starting point through Stumbling Bear Pass. Plan on an entire day or weekend for this route so that you can take your time to enjoy the sights.

Route 8 State Parks

This 39-mile route in Western Oklahoma runs between two state parks, Roman Nose State Park and Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park (formerly Red Rock Canyon State Park). Both parks offer plenty of hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The best place to begin is in Hinton (west of El Reno), traveling north on Hwy 281 and then further north on Hwy 270. The Red Rock Canyon State Park was once a stop on the famous California Trail, offering a haven for pioneers as they ventured westward. Today, the park is known for its red dirt canyon walls, perfect for climbing and repelling. History buffs will want to explore the T.B. Ferguson home in Watonga, the home of the state's longest-serving territorial governor. The best place for a burger and fries is the Eagle's Nest in Watonga. This local diner has been in business for over fifty years and is a great place to end the day.

Conclusion

These delightful road trips showcase Oklahoma’s best-hidden gems, from its prairies to its mountains. Whether you are looking for a quirky sculpture on the Mother Road, exploring a historical museum to grab some local flavor, or even snapping pictures with an elephant, there is definitely something for every traveler. These road trips are bound to make memories and lasting impressions. Ready to hit the road? Grab your keys, keep your camera handy, and be ready to discover the Sooner State one mile at a time!