The Best Road Trips from Ardmore, Oklahoma: Exploring Southern Oklahoma

Introduction

Ardmore, Oklahoma is a great starting point for exploring the Southern Oklahoma region. From scenic drives to historic landmarks, there's plenty to see and do in the area surrounding Ardmore. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the best road trips from Ardmore, including top attractions and destinations to add to your itinerary.

The Arbuckle Mountains

The Arbuckle Mountains are a scenic mountain range located just north of Ardmore. The mountains offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. One popular destination in the Arbuckle Mountains is Turner Falls Park, which features a 77-foot waterfall and a natural swimming hole. Other attractions in the area include the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the Lake of the Arbuckles.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is a museum and cultural center located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, about 30 minutes east of Ardmore. The center showcases the history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation through exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch traditional Chickasaw dances, and learn about the history of the Chickasaw people.

The Chisholm Trail

The Chisholm Trail was a historic cattle drive route that ran from Texas to Kansas in the late 1800s. Today, visitors can explore the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Oklahoma, about an hour northwest of Ardmore. The center features interactive exhibits that showcase the history of the Chisholm Trail, as well as a replica of a cattle drive camp and a cowboy theater.

The Red River Valley

The Red River Valley is a scenic region that straddles the border between Oklahoma and Texas. Visitors can explore the Red River Valley Scenic Byway, which runs through small towns and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other attractions in the area include the Red River Museum in Vernon, Texas, and the historic Fort Belknap in Newcastle, Texas.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a somber but important destination located in Oklahoma City, about an hour and a half north of Ardmore. The memorial and museum commemorate the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which killed 168 people and injured hundreds more. Visitors can explore the outdoor memorial, which features a reflecting pool and a field of empty chairs, as well as the museum's exhibits on the bombing and its aftermath.

Conclusion

Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, history, and culture, or scenic drives, there's plenty to explore in the Southern Oklahoma region surrounding Ardmore. From the Arbuckle Mountains to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, these road trips from Ardmore offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers of all ages and interests.