Oktaha OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oktaha, Oklahoma.
1. Oktaha Round Barn
HISTORIC CIRCULAR ARCHITECTURE
The Oktaha Round Barn is one of the most popular attractions in the area, built in the 1920s as one of the few remaining circular barns in existence. Visitors can explore the unique architecture and learn about the agricultural history of the region. The barn serves as a reminder of Oklahoma's rural heritage and innovative building techniques of the early 20th century.
2. Honey Springs Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Honey Springs Battlefield preserves the site of the largest Civil War battle that took place in Indian Territory on July 17, 1863. The battlefield features interpretive trails, informational markers, and a visitor center that tells the story of this significant engagement. Visitors can walk the grounds where Union and Confederate forces, including Native American soldiers, fought in a battle that helped determine the outcome of the war in the region.
3. Lake Eufaula State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Eufaula State Park offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities on Oklahoma's largest lake with over 600 miles of shoreline. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, boat ramps, and swimming areas perfect for family getaways. Visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie in the lake's abundant waters throughout the year.
4. River Country Water Park
SUMMER AQUATIC FUN
River Country Water Park provides a refreshing escape during hot Oklahoma summers with numerous water slides and pools. The park features attractions for all ages including a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated children's play areas. Families appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable admission prices.
5. Honor Heights Park
BOTANICAL GARDEN SHOWCASE
Honor Heights Park spans 132 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, featuring the famous Azalea Festival in spring when thousands of azaleas bloom in a rainbow of colors. The park includes a butterfly sanctuary, rose garden, and reflection pond that provide serene settings for nature lovers year-round. Visitors can drive through the holiday lights display during the winter months when the park transforms into the Garden of Lights.
6. The London House
WOODY GUTHRIE'S CHILDHOOD HOME
The London House marks the site of folk music legend Woody Guthrie's boyhood home in Okemah. This historic location gives visitors insight into the early influences that shaped one of America's most influential songwriters. The site has become a pilgrimage destination for music lovers and historians interested in Guthrie's legacy.
7. Woody Guthrie Statue & Murals
FOLK MUSIC HERITAGE
The Woody Guthrie Statue & Murals celebrate the life and music of Okemah's most famous son through public art installations throughout the town. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to view the various murals depicting scenes from Guthrie's life and lyrics from his iconic songs. The annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival held in July brings musicians from around the world to perform in his hometown.
8. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDERNESS PRESERVE
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 59,000 acres of ancient mountains and prairie land where visitors can observe free-ranging American bison herds, Texas Longhorn cattle, and various wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge's crown jewel, Mount Scott, provides panoramic views of the surrounding lakes, rock formations, and miles of picturesque hiking trails. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, rock climbing, and photography throughout the diverse ecosystem that represents one of Oklahoma's most stunning natural landscapes.
9. Quartz Mountain State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Quartz Mountain State Park offers breathtaking views of granite peaks rising dramatically from the surrounding plains and Lake Altus-Lugert. The park provides numerous recreational activities including hiking, rock climbing, boating, and swimming in a stunning natural setting. Visitors can stay at the resort lodge which features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant with panoramic views, and an arts center that hosts workshops throughout the year.
10. Chickasaw National Recreation Area
MINERAL SPRINGS OASIS
Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves a unique landscape of mineral springs, streams, and lakes that have attracted visitors seeking therapeutic waters for centuries. The park features natural swimming areas, hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, and the Lake of the Arbuckles which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures while exploring one of Oklahoma's most beloved outdoor destinations.
11. Black Mesa State Park
OKLAHOMA'S HIGHEST POINT
Black Mesa State Park sits near Oklahoma's highest point at 4,973 feet above sea level, offering hikers a rare tri-state view of Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. The park and nearby nature preserve feature unique wildlife including golden eagles, black bears, and bighorn sheep in a stark yet beautiful landscape. Visitors are drawn to the amazing solitude of this scenic area, where wide open spaces dotted with blue sage evoke visions of cowboys and the prehistoric creatures that once roamed here.
12. Five Civilized Tribes Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Five Civilized Tribes Museum houses artifacts and exhibits dedicated to preserving the art, history, and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes. Located in the historic Union Agency building, the museum showcases traditional and contemporary Native American art alongside informative displays about tribal governments and customs. Visitors gain insight into the significant contributions these tribes have made to Oklahoma's rich cultural landscape.
13. Muskogee War Memorial Park
HISTORIC NAVAL VESSEL
Muskogee War Memorial Park features the USS Batfish, a World War II submarine that sank three Japanese submarines in a 76-hour period. Visitors can tour the interior of this historic vessel and learn about submarine warfare through exhibits in the adjacent museum. The park also includes military equipment displays, a memorial garden, and educational programs about America's naval history.
14. Lovera's Italian Market
ARTISAN CHEESE & PROVISIONS
Lovera's Italian Market has been a culinary institution in Oklahoma's Little Italy since 1946, famous for its handcrafted cheeses, cured meats, and imported Italian groceries. The family-owned market produces award-winning caciocavallo cheese using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors come from across the region to experience the authentic Italian atmosphere and take home specialties that reflect the area's rich immigrant heritage.
15. Pete's Place
HISTORIC ITALIAN DINING
Pete's Place has been serving family-style Italian meals since 1925 in the historic mining community of Krebs, known as Oklahoma's Little Italy. The restaurant's signature dishes include homemade pasta, lamb fries, and Italian sausage prepared from recipes brought by immigrants who settled in the area. Diners enjoy the unique experience of eating in private dining rooms that were originally equipped with escape routes during Prohibition when the establishment operated as a speakeasy.