5 Quirky Oklahoma Day Trips
Summer's almost over, but it's not too late to go road tripping!
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? If you need some destination inspiration, here are our top five picks for quirky day trips out of Tulsa!
1. The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch (Oologah, OK)
The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch was built in 1875 by Will Rogers’ father and today is both a working ranch and tourist destination, as the acreage is home to longhorn cattle and other livestock, and the house itself is furnished with time-period-appropriate furniture and open for tours. Ranch facilitators say that a trip to the ranch can be an especially meaningful trip for grandkids to take with their grandparents. The ranch is located at 9501 E. 380 Rd., Oologah, OK 74053. For more information, call at (918)341-0719 or visit their website at www.willrogers.com. Be sure to check out their online calendar for upcoming special events!
2. Wanda’s Blue Hole Park
Photo credit: Mary Smith
Missy David’s article, “Swimming at Blue Hole,” originally published on her Honeybee Mama blog in 2013, remains one of TulsaKids’ most popular web articles during the summer. While David and her crew had quite the adventure getting to Blue Hole, the beauty and clarity of the water made the drive worth it! Plus, if you read her article, she has helpful tips that will help keep you from getting lost on the way.
Mary Smith, intern and writer for TulsaKids, visited Wanda’s Blue Hole Park in summer 2017. Here are her three tips to consider to help you make the most of your experience.
In addition to swimming, Blue Hole also offers camping facilities and concessions. If you’re not yet convinced, watch this video produced by Visit Cherokee Nation:
3. The Arcadia Round Barn (Arcadia, Oklahoma)
Built in 1898 and restored in 1992 by a group of dedicated volunteers, the Arcadia Round Barn stands out both because of its history and because of its unique appearance! The barn was built with the idea that a circular barn would be able to withstand tornadoes, and the structure is two stories high with an impressively domed ceiling. For more information, visit www.arcadiaroundbarn.com.
4. Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park & the Fiddle House (Foyil, Oklahoma)
Ed Galloway was one of Oklahoma’s premier folk artists, and his Totem Pole Park is a vibrant, lasting monument to his work, which was driven by an interest in Native American culture. The largest totem is 90 feet high. Additionally, the property houses the Fiddle House, which is an eleven-sided building containing more of Galloway’s creations and other mementos. Go here for more information, including travel directions. Or check out Honeybee Mama‘s 2012 blog post about her family’s visit, complete with some fun pictures!
5. POPS (Arcadia, Oklahoma)
What better way to end a road trip on a hot summer day than with a selection of over 700 sodas? In addition to this unrivaled collection, Pops also houses a diner offering burgers, shakes, and more. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the iconic, 66-foot soda bottle rising over the horizon. Visit their website at www.pops66.com for directions and a complete menu. Learn more and whet your appetite for a refreshing beverage in this video by DiscoverOklahoma:
