Aline OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aline, Oklahoma.
1. Sod House Museum
HISTORIC PIONEER HOMESTEAD
The Sod House Museum encloses the only original sod house still standing in Oklahoma that was built by a homesteader. This unique historical attraction is full of rich history and provides visitors with a glimpse into pioneer life on the plains. The sod house is over 125 years old and is carefully preserved under the guidance of dedicated museum curators.
2. Gloss Mountain State Park
STUNNING GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Gloss Mountain State Park showcases striking mesa formations with a distinctive shiny selenite coating that gives the mountains their name. Visitors can climb to the top of Cathedral Mountain via a staircase and hiking trail to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains. The park offers picnic areas, informational kiosks, and self-guided nature trails for a memorable outdoor experience.
3. Great Salt Plains State Park
UNIQUE CRYSTAL DIGGING SITE
Great Salt Plains State Park features a vast salt flat where visitors can dig for unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals found nowhere else in the world. The park encompasses a large saline lake popular for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Birdwatchers are drawn to the adjacent national wildlife refuge, which serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds.
4. Cherokee Strip Museum
LAND RUN HISTORY
The Cherokee Strip Museum preserves the history of the largest land run in United States history that opened the Cherokee Outlet to settlement. The museum features historical exhibits, artifacts, and photographs documenting pioneer life and the development of northwest Oklahoma. Visitors can explore the five-acre complex that includes a one-room schoolhouse, homesteader's cabin, and other historical buildings.
5. Alva's Market
LOCAL PRODUCE HUB
Alva's Market offers visitors a taste of local Oklahoma flavors with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and specialty food items. The market serves as a community gathering spot where visitors can interact with local farmers and craftspeople. Seasonal events and cooking demonstrations make this a vibrant destination for food enthusiasts.
6. Northwest Oklahoma Concert Series
REGIONAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
The Northwest Oklahoma Concert Series brings diverse musical talent to the region throughout the year. Performances range from classical orchestras to contemporary bands, offering entertainment for various musical tastes. The concert series represents a cultural cornerstone for the area, drawing visitors from surrounding communities.
7. Alabaster Caverns State Park
NATURAL UNDERGROUND WONDER
Alabaster Caverns State Park features the largest natural gypsum cave in the world open to the public. The 3/4-mile cavern showcases rare black alabaster and houses several species of bats in its cool interior. Guided tours take visitors through the main cavern, while more adventurous explorers can obtain permits for wild caving in the park's undeveloped caves.
8. Jigg's Smokehouse
LEGENDARY BBQ JOINT
Jigg's Smokehouse is a renowned dining establishment famous for its award-winning BBQ and massive sandwiches. The restaurant has been serving hungry travelers and locals since 1976 with its signature smoked meats and homemade sides. Its walls are adorned with memorabilia and photos of customers who have attempted to finish the enormous 'Bomber' sandwich.
9. Little Sahara State Park
DUNE RIDING PARADISE
Little Sahara State Park features over 1,600 acres of sand dunes rising up to 75 feet, providing an exceptional playground for off-road enthusiasts. Visitors can rent dune buggies and ATVs to explore the rolling sand formations that resemble a desert landscape. The park offers camping facilities and observation points for those who prefer to watch the dune-riding action from a distance.
10. Covington Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL GOODS
Covington Farmers Market connects local producers directly with consumers in a vibrant community setting. The market features seasonal produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, and specialty foods from the surrounding region. Regular events, including cooking demonstrations and live music, enhance the shopping experience for visitors.
11. Mennonite Heritage Museum
CULTURAL RELIGIOUS HISTORY
The Mennonite Heritage Museum documents the rich history of Mennonite settlers who helped shape the agricultural landscape of northwest Oklahoma. Exhibits showcase traditional farming implements, household items, and religious artifacts important to Mennonite culture. The museum offers guided tours that provide insight into the religious practices, farming techniques, and daily life of these industrious settlers.
12. Boiling Springs State Park
NATURAL SPRING OASIS
Boiling Springs State Park is named for its natural springs that appear to boil as sand shifts from water pressure below the surface. The park offers excellent hiking trails through diverse terrain including wooded areas, springs, and streams rich with wildlife. Recreational amenities include a swimming pool, fishing lake, and camping facilities that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Main Street Enid
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Main Street Enid features a charming downtown district filled with locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. Visitors can explore historic architecture while browsing through unique merchandise not found in typical retail chains. The district regularly hosts community events including First Friday art walks, seasonal festivals, and sidewalk sales that showcase local talents and businesses.
14. Railroad Museum of Oklahoma
VINTAGE TRAIN COLLECTION
The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma houses an extensive collection of railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and restored train cars that document the importance of rail transportation in developing the American West. Visitors can explore full-sized locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars on the museum grounds. Interactive exhibits demonstrate how railroads transformed rural Oklahoma from frontier territory to thriving agricultural communities.
15. Simpson's Old Time Museum
WILD WEST EXPERIENCE
Simpson's Old Time Museum transports visitors back to the Wild West with its authentic recreations of frontier-era storefronts and settings. The museum doubles as a working movie set where Western films are produced, adding to its unique appeal. Visitors can try on period costumes, handle props, and even participate in staged gunfights for an immersive historical experience.