Katie OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Katie, Oklahoma.
1. The Blue Whale of Catoosa
ROUTE 66 ICON
The Blue Whale of Catoosa stands as one of the most famous Oklahoma roadside attractions and popular things to see on Route 66. Originally built by Hugh Davis for his wife Zelta on their family swimming pond, it eventually became open to the public. Though the swimming pond closed in the late 1980s, this beloved Route 66 icon has been preserved by locals and the town.
2. Robbers Cave State Park
HISTORIC OUTLAW HIDEOUT
Robbers Cave State Park offers a captivating mix of history and nature situated in the San Bois Mountains. The park is steeped in legend, having once served as a refuge for notorious outlaws like Jesse James in the wake of the Civil War. Visitors can explore 25 miles of hiking trails with spectacular clifftop views, paddle on peaceful Lake Carlton, or attend the annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival which welcomes over 80,000 people each year.
3. Tucker Tower
CASTLE ON THE LAKE
Tucker Tower stands tall and prominent like an ancient castle on the shores of Lake Murray in Ardmore. Built by the Works Progress Administration and originally intended to be the summer retreat for Oklahoma governors, it now serves as a nature center featuring local artifacts and nature programs. The tower provides the perfect place for visitors to enjoy lake views and create their own castle dreams in Oklahoma's oldest state park.
4. Center of the Universe
ACOUSTIC PHENOMENON SPOT
The Center of the Universe in Tulsa is a mysterious acoustic phenomenon where standing in the center of a concrete circle creates an echo that only you can hear. This peculiar spot has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unexplained acoustic properties. Visitors often test the effect by standing in the center and speaking aloud, experiencing their voice coming back amplified while those outside the circle hear nothing unusual.
5. Centennial Land Run Monument
HISTORIC BRONZE SCULPTURE
The Centennial Land Run Monument commemorates the historic 1889 land run with a stunning bronze sculpture installation. The monument features 45 larger-than-life figures of land run participants racing to claim new homesteads in what would become Oklahoma territory. This impressive artwork spans 365 feet in length, making it one of the largest bronze sculptures in the world.
6. BOK Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The BOK Center serves as Tulsa's premier entertainment venue and architectural landmark designed by renowned architect César Pelli. This 19,199-seat multi-purpose arena hosts major concerts, sporting events, and shows throughout the year. The distinctive stainless steel exterior with its sweeping curves has made it an iconic part of the Tulsa skyline since opening in 2008.
7. The Cave House
QUIRKY HISTORIC HOME
The Cave House in Tulsa began its life in the 1920s as a restaurant built to resemble a natural cave. This quirky structure later became a private residence and is now open for tours, showcasing its unusual architecture and colorful history. Visitors are captivated by its flowing concrete forms, grottos, and the many stories of its past, including rumors it once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
8. Arkansas River Historical Society Museum
RIVER HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Arkansas River Historical Society Museum in Catoosa features permanent exhibits exploring the rich history of the Arkansas River and the McClellan Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Visitors can learn about the river's importance to transportation, commerce, and settlement in the region through interactive displays and historical artifacts. The museum provides educational programs about this vital waterway that has shaped Oklahoma's development.
9. Arcadia Round Barn
ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
The Arcadia Round Barn is a distinctive Route 66 landmark built in 1898 and restored in 1992 after years of deterioration. The unique round structure with its self-supporting roof was designed by William Harrison Odor to withstand Oklahoma's strong winds. Today, this historic barn serves as a museum and event venue, drawing visitors from around the world to experience a piece of early Oklahoma farm architecture.
10. Talimena Scenic Byway
STUNNING MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Talimena Scenic Byway offers a breathtaking 54-mile drive through the Ouachita Mountains between Talihina, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas. Known for its spectacular views, especially during fall foliage season, the winding road features numerous vista points for photography and appreciation of the landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking trails, camping areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities along this nationally designated scenic byway.
11. Lake Murray State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, encompasses 12,500 acres of pristine natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Murray. The park also features golf courses, tennis courts, horseback riding trails, and cabin rentals for extended stays in this outdoor paradise.
12. Chickasaw Cultural Center
NATIVE HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Chickasaw Cultural Center offers an immersive journey into the history, culture, and traditions of the Chickasaw Nation. The 109-acre campus features interactive exhibits, traditional village recreations, cultural demonstrations, and a theater presenting films about Chickasaw heritage. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens, sample traditional foods at the Aaimpa' Café, and shop for authentic Native American crafts and art.
13. Beavers Bend State Park
MOUNTAIN FOREST RETREAT
Beavers Bend State Park showcases some of Oklahoma's most stunning scenery with its crystal-clear waters of Broken Bow Lake surrounded by pine-covered hills. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park for trout fishing in the Mountain Fork River, hiking through old-growth forests, and water activities on the lake. The park's rustic cabins, campgrounds, and mountain lodges make it a perfect destination for experiencing the natural beauty of southeastern Oklahoma.
14. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
ANCIENT MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE HAVEN
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge protects over 59,000 acres of ancient mountain habitat that supports free-ranging bison, elk, deer, and longhorn cattle. Visitors can explore over 15 miles of hiking trails, climb to the summit of Mount Scott for panoramic views, or enjoy wildlife photography throughout the refuge. With over 1.7 million visitors annually, this natural treasure offers opportunities for fishing, rock climbing, and experiencing one of Oklahoma's most pristine ecosystems.
15. Medicine Park
COBBLESTONE RESORT VILLAGE
Medicine Park is a charming cobblestone resort town nestled at the entrance to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1908 as Oklahoma's first planned resort community, the town features distinctive round cobblestone architecture that gives it a unique character. Today, visitors enjoy the small-town atmosphere, Bath Lake swimming area, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants along Medicine Creek.