Day Trips to the North of OKC

Continuing with our look at the many incredible places and things to experience in Oklahoma, this article focuses on some of the amazing adventures that are available to OKC-area families by just taking a short drive to the north. One of these spots is typically less than two and a half hours away. But under usual driving conditions, the others take less than an hour and a half to reach. Bartlesville Located about 40 minutes north of Tulsa, Bartlesville has a population of approximately 36,000. Of the locations listed in this article, with the approximately two hours and twenty minutes it takes to drive from OKC, Bartlesville takes the longest to reach. Bartlesville is the home of Price Tower, the only skyscraper ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, this 221-foot building currently houses an art center, restaurant and hotel.  Just outside the city limits you will find the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. This all-in-one museum, lodge and ranch is also home to buffalo, elk and cattle. The Bartlesville Union Depot is a must-see for train lovers. Offering a static display of a Santa Fe steam locomotive and cars, visitors can climb aboard and explore the engine and walk around the other cars. The 26-room Frank Phillips Home is open for tours Wed – Sat – the mansion is the one-time home of the founder of Phillips Petroleum. This site is well-maintained and filled with the original furnishings. Stillwater In addition to being home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater is where the award-winning Oklahoma WONDERtorium can be found. Children’s play is taken very seriously here. There are many educational exhibits and events are hosted throughout the year, so there’s always something new and exciting to get involved with and enjoy. Oklahoma’s only live bug-petting zoo, OSU’S Insect Adventure is a spot every insect-loving child should experience. Open the first and third Saturday of every month, it offers a large collection of beautiful arachnids (spiders), insects and other arthropods. A knowledgeable staff is on-hand to answer questions. If you have Transformer fans in your family, you’ll want to be sure to drive past one or both G & M Body Shop locations on the east and west side of Stillwater. A statue of Optimus Prime can be found outside the shop at 2207 E. 6^th Ave. and a statue of BumbleBee is located at 5104 W. 6^th Ave. Enid Located 100 miles northwest of the metro area, Enid is situated on the historic Chisholm Trail and is home to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. The center offers exciting exhibits about various aspects of various times in Oklahoma history, including a living history village where buildings built at the turn of the century can be explored. The Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and Adventure Quest is a great place for kids to expend energy. The museum features an outdoor playground area, with a three-story wooden castle, mazes, a water table, slides, swings, a tot area and a dinosaur dig. And that’s just what’s outside! Inside the museum there are a lot of great hands-on learning exhibits, including a tinkering exhibit, medical clinic and critter clubhouse. Watonga Some 75 miles from the metro, Roman Nose Park is located close to Watonga. Opened in 1937, the mid-century lodge has recently been renovated and boasts a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nestled in a lovely canyon with gypsum rock cliffs and natural freshwater springs, the park’s many attractions and activities include:  horse stables (spring to fall), pony rides, hayrides, swimming (late May to early August), an 18-hole golf course, a volleyball court, hiking trails, miniature golf, paddle boats, canoeing, two lakes, trout fishing and a general store. Some activities and hours are seasonal, so it’s wise to call ahead at 580-623-7281 to make sure everything you want to experience will be available when you visit.