Helena OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Helena, Oklahoma.
1. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
UNIQUE CRYSTAL DIGGING EXPERIENCE
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the rare opportunity to dig for selenite crystals in designated digging areas. The refuge spans over 32,000 acres and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and photography throughout the year.
2. Sod House Museum
PIONEER LIFE PRESERVED
The Sod House Museum preserves the only remaining authentic sod house in Oklahoma, offering visitors a glimpse into pioneer life on the prairie. Built by homesteader Marshall McCully in 1894, the house stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early settlers. The museum features exhibits about homesteading and early Oklahoma territorial history that complement the preserved sod structure.
3. Salt Plains State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Salt Plains State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities around the Great Salt Plains Lake, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. Its proximity to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire salt plains ecosystem.
4. Gloss Mountain State Park
STUNNING MESA VIEWS
Gloss Mountain State Park features a series of mesas with a distinctive shiny appearance due to their high selenite gypsum content. Visitors can climb Cathedral Mountain via a staircase and hiking trail to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park offers picnic facilities, informational signage about the area's geology, and excellent photography opportunities.
5. Arcadia
CHARMING HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Arcadia offers visitors a charming glimpse into Helena's historic past with its well-preserved buildings and small-town atmosphere. The district features local shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks that showcase the area's cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the streets and experiencing the authentic character of rural Oklahoma.
6. Great Salt Plains Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITIES
Great Salt Plains Lake provides a 9,300-acre reservoir for fishing, boating, and water sports near Helena. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities, with species including catfish, sand bass, and crappie. Its shallow, brackish waters create unique recreation conditions and attract diverse wildlife throughout the seasons.
7. Cherokee Strip Museum
LAND RUN HISTORY
The Cherokee Strip Museum preserves the history of the largest land run in American history that opened northwest Oklahoma to settlement. Exhibits tell the story of pioneer life, early settlement, and the development of the region following the 1893 land run. The museum complex includes historic buildings, artifacts, and educational displays that bring this pivotal period of Oklahoma history to life.
8. Helena Hometown Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Helena Hometown Market offers visitors a chance to purchase locally grown produce and handcrafted items from area farmers and artisans. The market serves as a community gathering place where visitors can connect with local culture and agricultural traditions. Seasonal offerings highlight the bounty of Oklahoma's farmland and the creativity of regional craftspeople.
9. Hatfield's General Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Hatfield's General Store maintains the atmosphere of an old-fashioned country store while offering modern goods and souvenirs. The store features local products, snacks, and necessities in a nostalgic setting that recalls Helena's early days. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and glimpse into small-town retail traditions.
10. Jigg's Smokehouse
LEGENDARY BBQ DESTINATION
Jigg's Smokehouse draws visitors from across the region with its famous smoked meats and signature oversized sandwiches. The restaurant's rustic atmosphere and walls covered with business cards from past patrons create a unique dining experience. Their slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and other barbecue specialties have earned a devoted following over decades of operation.
11. Leonardo's Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
Leonardo's Children's Museum offers hands-on learning experiences through interactive exhibits focused on science, art, and exploration. The museum includes Adventure Quest, one of the largest community-built outdoor playgrounds in the world. Children and families can engage with exhibits that make learning fun while encouraging creativity and discovery.
12. Railroad Museum of Oklahoma
RAILWAY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma houses an extensive collection of railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and rolling stock that tells the story of rail transportation's impact on the development of the state. Visitors can explore full-sized train cars, locomotives, and thousands of smaller items related to railroad history. The museum's collections highlight the crucial role railways played in shaping Oklahoma's communities and economy.
13. Simpson's Old Time Museum
WILD WEST MEMORABILIA
Simpson's Old Time Museum offers a unique collection of Western memorabilia, movie props, and artifacts in a recreated Old West town setting. The museum serves as both a tourist attraction and a filming location for Western movies, creating an immersive historical experience. Visitors can explore storefronts, a saloon, and other period settings that capture the spirit of frontier Oklahoma.
14. Café Downtown
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Café Downtown serves hearty, home-style meals in a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Oklahoma dining. The restaurant specializes in comfort food classics, daily specials, and freshly baked desserts that attract both locals and visitors. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Helena and the surrounding attractions.
15. Cherokee Ranch Land & Cattle Company
WORKING RANCH EXPERIENCE
Cherokee Ranch Land & Cattle Company offers visitors a glimpse into authentic ranch operations in northwestern Oklahoma. The working cattle ranch provides opportunities for agricultural tourism, including seasonal events and educational programs about ranching heritage. Visitors can experience firsthand the continuing traditions of Oklahoma's important cattle industry in a picturesque rural setting.