Oklahoma Road Trips | Tulsa World

From the vast open space near Black Mesa in the panhandle to the towering Kiamichi Mountains in Southeastern Oklahoma, there's no denying the abundant beauty of the state. Taking inspiration from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's "Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Oklahoma," World Scene Writer Brandi Ball is exploring the best Oklahoma road trips.

Upcoming locations:
Robbers Cave State Park
Talimena National Scenic Byway
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Glover River
Beaver's Bend

What other beautiful Oklahoma location do you think should be featured? Let Brandi know at brandi.ball@tulsaworld.com or 918-581-8369.

Robbers Cave State Park

Travelok.com's Top 10

1. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
2. Quartz Mountain Resort
3. Chickasaw National Recreation Area
4. Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park
5. Natural Falls State Park
6. Talimena National Scenic Byway
7. Grand Lake of the Cherokees
8. Glover River
9. Black Mesa Area
10. Robbers Cave State Park

Read more at travelok.com

Headlines

Talimena National Scenic Byway among most beautiful drives in U.S. 6/26/2011

At about 1,000 feet, Jim Lambert took off his motorcycle helmet and stood in silence.

Robbers Cave State Park evidences beauty of eastern Oklahoma 6/19/2011

When it comes to Oklahoma's good looks, apparently the state gets most of it from the eastern side of the family.

History becomes spiritual experience at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve 5/14/2011

Excited laughter mixed with wonderment is bountiful upon the grounds of Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve.

Dutch Pantry in Chouteau dishes up simple life 1/29/2011

With a wink and a smile, Gentry Moore gives a 'come on over' nod.

Grand Lake ready to come alive for season 5/22/2011

At the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Grand Lake sparkles as the crown jewel among Oklahoma's 55,646 miles of shoreline.

Natural Falls is a sliver of wonder among Oklahoma beauty 6/5/2011

As the water dropped 77 feet, over rock formations and into a lagoon below, little Colby Crawford's mouth was gaping wide open.

<< Previous Next >>

Multimedia

Natural Falls State Park

Grand Lake Attractions

Locations

NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK
918-422-5802
Located six miles west of West Siloam Springs on U.S. 412 and 1/8 mile south of 412.
Day use is $4 per car (from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). Primitive campsites $12; firewood for purchase. Bathrooms on site.
Events, including weddings, are allowed on the park's premises. Rent the Red Fern Reunion Center, which has a kitchenette, for as little as $50.

GRAND LAKE ATTRACTIONS
Cherokee Queen Dinner Cruises
Docked at 11368 U.S. 59 Grove at Sailboat Bridge, Grove
918-786-4272
Cruises glide past beautiful homes along Grand Lake, Monkey Island, Shangri-La Resort and Har-Ber Village.

Har-Ber Village
4404 W. 20th St., Grove
918-786-3488
It is one of the largest antique museums in the U.S. with 112 buildings housing antiques collections. Admission is $7.50 for adults (ages 14-62), $5 for seniors and free for kids 14 and under. Group discounts available.

Ugly John's Bar and Grill
450780 Thunder Bay Road, Afton
918-782-2104
Full-service marina with bar and grill. Open-air, laid-back restaurant right on the water. Live music after dark on Saturdays. Ugly's is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays that fall on Monday. Kitchen opens at noon and closes at 9 p.m. Bar is open Fridays until midnight and 2 a.m. on Saturdays, holidays.

The National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum
55251 E. Highway 85A, Afton
918-257-4234
The 40,000-square-foot facility houses more than 50 custom-built exotic vehicles by world-renowned custom car builder and designer Darryl Starbird, as well as many other famous hot rod and custom car builders.

Disney-Blue State Park and the Pensacola Dam
Two blocks east of Disney on Oklahoma 28, between flood gates.
918-435-8066
Disney-Blue State Park sits on 32 acres of Grand Lake frontage with 40 campsites. Bass-fishing is abundant near the park.