Summers in the Sooner state are unlike any others. Although we do not have the crystal clear waters along the white sand beaches or the snow-capped mountains that many consider paradise, Oklahoma offers many other types of terrain and aquatic landscapes to give us fantastic memories. This article will highlight 10 of the best things to do during those hot summer months if you happen to be in Oklahoma.
1. Visit the Watermelon Festival
It can't be summer in Oklahoma if you haven't eaten any watermelon. The small town of Rush Springs in Southwestern Oklahoma will be sure to give you the best watermelon you can find. Every August, Rush Springs holds its Watermelon Festival. This is fun for all ages as it includes over 50,000 pounds of their finest watermelon, carnival attractions, and live music. This is genuinely a must-attend event in Oklahoma for the summertime. Be sure to get there early to get a good parking spot because there will be many people in attendance.
2. Take a Ride on the Dunes
For all of you ATV and motorbike enthusiasts, Little Sahara State Park is just for you. Who knew you could find 75-foot dunes in Oklahoma? Well, Oklahomans knew. And we take advantage of this geographical marvel as often as we can. At over 1,600 acres, Little Sahara will provide you with ATV fun, camping, and other memories. If you do not have an ATV or dirt bike, do not worry. There are plenty to rent to enjoy the dunes in Oklahoma.
3. Find Your New Favorite Local Brew
Cold beer and Oklahoma go together like peanut butter and jelly if you meet the legal drinking age. While there are many places to get your favorite brew, Prairie Artisan Ales OKC offers some truly remarkable flavors. They will give you anything your taste buds desire, from rich stouts to lip-puckering sour ales. With 16 rotating taps, visiting this venue will be an all-evening affair. Just remember to be responsible and do not drink and drive. Not in OKC? Check out the other local breweries on Why Not OK!
4. Stop and Smell the Flowers
If beautiful flowers and plants are what you consider a good time, Oklahoma has just the place for you. Lendonwood Gardens in Grove, Oklahoma, offers you the chance to view more than 1,200 different types of plants, depending on the month. Though hot and mostly dry, the summer months will still give you spectacular daylilies, hostas, annuals, and impatiens. Here, you will be privileged to visit six distinct areas, including the display garden, oriental garden, Japanese pavilion, English terrace garden, American backyard garden, and the azalea garden. Don't just take our word for it. Schedule your visit now!
5. Reconnect with Nature at a Campground
Outdoors in Oklahoma is a must. Is there a better way to experience the outdoors than to spend a few nights under the stars? We do not think so. Camping at Yogi-Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is the place to go for family fun. Located at the stunning Lake Eufaula, Yogi and Boo Boo will be sure to provide your family with all the necessary accommodations to make this camping trip your best yet.
Camping comes aplenty in Oklahoma. Beaver's Bend State Park in Broken Bow and Greenleaf State Park in Braggs are other great places to visit.
6. Cool Down with a Unique Soda
Cool down this summer (we know you will need to) by visiting POPs in Arcadia, Oklahoma. This wonderful and historic establishment will offer you over 650 different styles and flavors of Soda. You can also satisfy your hunger with a yummy hotdog or hamburger here. You cannot miss this place with its giant pop statue standing in front of the store, and you will certainly not regret making the trip.
7. Enjoy Live Music at Rocklahoma
How about you attend one of the major rock music festivals in the country? Pryor, Oklahoma, hosts its annual Rocklahoma, where you will sit or camp side-by-side with bikers, metalheads, or just someone who enjoys good music. Rocklahoma always offers a stellar lineup of the hottest Rock bands in the world. You will see over 70 acts on three different stages for three whole days. This show lasts from noon to after midnight. It is a full day of rock-n-roll. What sounds better than that?
8. Celebrate Your Independence Like an Okie
What is the special day that lies smack-dab in the middle of summer? The one where we get to celebrate our freedom? That's right, the fourth of July. And Oklahoma hosts one of the best, most spectacular firework displays you can find. At Grand Lake, you will be able to witness the wonders of the Duck Creek Firework show. Find a spot to anchor your boat or bring a lawn chair and sit on the banks; you will remember this show for the rest of your life.
9. Explore a Natural Gypsum Cave
If you want to get relief from the sun but do not want to go indoors, then Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom, Oklahoma, is just for you. This is the most extensive natural gypsum cave system open to the public. You can take a guided tour or go spelunking. Whichever way you choose, this marvel will satisfy your adventuring needs.
10. Try a Unique Form of Fishing
In Oklahoma, you will most likely find yourself fishing this summer. You can participate in the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley if you have the nerve. If you don't know what noodling is, then you are surely not from Oklahoma. However, you can still enjoy the show, and maybe you'll decide to join in. You can also enjoy a massive catfish cook-off while waiting to see who bare-handedly caught the largest catfish. It will be a truly memorable time.
How Do You Spend Your Oklahoma Summers?
Oklahoma offers so much to do, especially in the summer months. Do not hesitate to get out there and create your very own top 10 list of things to make your summer in Oklahoma truly special. Share your favorite summer activity in the comments below. Happy adventuring, my fellow Okies!