Oklahoma City started with homesteaders racing across undeveloped land to stake their claim in 1889, but has grown to become the state’s largest and most modern city. This one-rugged town now boasts “Bricktown”, a booming commercial district complete with fast-growing businesses, exceptional entertainment venues and fantastic restaurants.
But every once in awhile, it’s nice to get out of the big city and hit the road for an adventure. That’s why we’ve put together this list of attractions and eateries for our campers, all located within one tank of OKC.
KOAs along the way:
| Wellington | Salina |
Places To See And Things To Do:
GuthrieAmerican Banjo Museum – A little pickin’, a little grinnin’ and a whole lot of 4-string banjos can be seen and enjoyed at this Guthrie must-see.
WichitaOld Cowtown Museum – Don’t just read about history—see it for yourself. Tour historic buildings, talk with costumed history interpreters and learn what life was like in the 1870′s.
HutchinsonKansas Cosmosphere & Space Center – Since 1962, visitors to the Cosmosphere have been having an out-of-this-world experience right in Hutchinson. See interactive exhibits, spend time in the planetarium and don’t miss the IMAX® show.
SalinaRolling Hills Wildlife Adventure – Prepare to get up close and personal with the animals housed at Rolling Hills, while the museum gives you a new appreciation for wildlife around the globe.
Places To Eat:
SalinaBoneyard Grill – Get it by the plate or get it by the pound. This is Oklahoma BBQ done right.
EdmondHumble Pie – Whether you’re in the mood for Chicago deep-dish or New York Style, you can get it at this pizzeria.
SalinaCozy Inn – You can’t be in Salina and not grab a bag of Cozies at this famous burger joint. These sliders are served up the same way they have for 80 years…their way.
WichitaThe Donut Whole – These cake donuts start with Kansas buttermilk, and are then topped with everything from peanut butter to bacon. The drive-thru is open 24 hours a day for your craving convenience.
KOAs along the way:
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Burkburnett/Wichita Falls Abilene Durant/Choctaw Casino Dallas/Arlington |
Dallas Northeast/Caddo Mills Mount Pleasant Texarkana |
Places To See And Things To Do:
NormanNOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory – Storm chasers will love the chance to tour this facility, including the School of Meteorology, observation deck and the Storm Prediction Center. Advanced registration needed.
GrapevineLegoland of Grapevine – If you liked Legos as a kid, you’re gonna love this place. The whole family will have fun visiting the Lego Factory, racetrack, cinema and more. There’s even a café!
ArlingtonChelsea’s Tea Room & Boutique – This perfectly pink boutique is for the ladies. Little girls will love dress-up tea parties, while moms will adore checking out the gifts and accessories.
Ft. WorthFort Worth’s Stockyards Station – Cowboy (and cowgirl) up at the Stockyards, where you’ll be find great restaurants, awesome shops and, if you plan it right, a herd of Texas longhorns.
Places To Eat:
NormanO Asian Fusion – Here, local ingredients are transformed into a variety of sushi, dumplings, wraps and soups. Bento box lunches are available for campers on the go.
Wichita FallsMcBride’s Land & Cattle Co – Order up a delicious mesquite broiled steak, cooked just the way you like it, or go for something a little more interesting, like fried frog legs. Tasty sides, too!
DentonBochy’s Bistro – Start the day off right with breakfast at Bochy’s, where they specialize in homestyle goodness served with a smile. Open for lunch and dinner as well.
KOAs along the way:
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Oklahoma City East Checotah/Lake Eufaula West Tulsa NE/Will Rogers Downs Sallisaw/Fort Smith West |
Ft. Smith/Alma Eureka Springs Joplin |
Places To See And Things To Do:
JenksOklahoma Aquarium – You’ll be amazed at the array of salt and fresh water fish that call the aquarium home, including the largest bull sharks in captivity.
MuskogeeUSS Batfish- Located in War Memorial Park, this WWII sub sank 3 enemy submarines and other vessels while in service. Now visitors can explore its interior to better understand its power and purpose.
BartlesvilleWoolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve – In addition to a 3,700 acre wildlife preserve, you’ll also find a museum full of western art, Native American pieces and firearms. For little kids there is an animal barn and children’s playground.
Eureka SpringsQuigley’s Castle – Prepare to be charmed by the story of Elise Quigley’s, whose green thumb and imagination gave rise to an extensive garden and one-of-a-kind home. Make your plans soon; it’s open March through November.
Places To Eat:
TulsaKilkenny’s Irish Pub – Authentic Irish boxty, bangers and mash and corned beef and cabbage are just a few of the favorites you’ll find. A traditional pub menu and comprehensive beer, wine and spirits selections are also available.
BartlesvilleFrank and Lola’s – Friendly service, live music and a variety of menu items make this casual dining restaurant a favorite with locals. Leave room for the bread pudding.
ShawneeGeorgios Pizzeria – Owner Tony Veliu makes his pizza from scratch, using recipes handed down from his father. Pastas, stromboli and dessert round out the menu.
ShawneeR&R Curry Express – Authentic Indian cuisine made using traditional, time-tested recipes. Locals recommend the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Butter Chicken.
KOAs along the way:
|
El Reno West Elk City/Clinton |
Amarillo |
Places To See And Things To Do:
Mountain ViewOklahoma Buffalo Tours – Have you ever wondered what a buffalo looks like up close? Then this wildlife adventure is perfect for you.
McLeanDevil’s Rope Museum – Driving into McLean, a once-booming Route 66 town, provides a glimpse of the past. Among its unique offerings is the Devil’s Rope Museum, called the largest barbed wire museum in the world.
Outside AmarilloCadillac Ranch – No north Texas tour is complete without a stop at the famed Cadillac Ranch, a public art project created in the 1970′s. You’ll see 10 Caddies (1949-1963) buried, tail fins up, “decorated” with frequently-changing graffiti.
AmarilloDon Harrington Discovery Center – Curiosity is encouraged at this kid-friendly attraction, which houses permanent exhibits, a digital planetarium, and interactive games.
Places To Eat:
El RenoSid’s Diner – What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. This roadside diner, featured in 2010 on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food”, is all about burgers, especially their mammoth fried onion burger. Word of caution-bring cash or a checkbook. No credit or debit cards accepted.
Elk CitySimon’s Catch – Some folks call it the best fried catfish in Western Oklahoma…shouldn’t you judge it for yourself? Simon’s offers all you-can-eat seafood as well as steaks and sides.
McLeanWildflower Market – On your Mother Road adventure, pull on in and grab pizza, sandwiches or melt-in-your mouth BBQ at this grocery store/restaurant combo.
AmarilloGreen Chile Willy’s – Bring your appetite when you go to this local favorite, which specializes in chicken fry (steak or chicken) smothered in green chili or jalapeno jack. Save room for their homestyle cobbler!
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