Budget Travel

Budget-Friendly Tour: 15 Cheap Things To Do In Oklahoma

cheap things to do in oklahoma

If you are interested in the best budget vacation ever, then this must-read article is for you. Because we have created a list of 15 cheap things to do in Oklahoma. Budget constraints deter most of us from traveling the world. The existing pandemic situation has many of us looking towards domestic travel destinations. And the Sooner State has you covered with ample affordable offerings. So if you are planning a road trip, and are looking for affordable places, then you are in the right place.

If bargain-hunting is your favorite sport, check out the slides below to get the most out of your buck when you are in Oklahoma!

Things To Do and See In Oklahoma City

1. The Oklahoma Railway Museum: Unique Experiences

The Oklahoma Railway Museum- Affordable places guide

The railroad was a revolution in itself. It redefined the way American states connected with each other and have become the lifeline of the commerce and industry sectors.

In addition to this, the Oklahoma Railway Museum is a perfect place to visit for people of all ages. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00. Admission is free and donations are welcome.

As an added attraction, the museum also runs train rides on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays between the months of April through September. While the 40-minute ride is not free, they are reasonably priced making it one of the cheap things to do in Oklahoma City.

2. The Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

Oklahoma’s rich history is both colorful and interesting. The Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum is open to everyone and admission is free.

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum - Free craft events for children

Here you can learn about the state’s cultural heritage and participate in free craft activities for children of all ages. The free craft activities are fairly popular and are held every 3rd Thursday of the month at 10 am.

So, if you happen to be in Oklahoma City on that day, then a morning trip to the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum is an educational way to begin the day.

3. Oklahoma State Capital: Take a free self-guided tour

Oklahoma State Capital: Cheap places to see in Oklahoma

Take a free tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Located on more than 100 acres in Oklahoma City the State Capital grounds boast of impressive Greco-Roman architecture and stunning detail work on the inside of the capitol dome. The building includes 650 rooms, changing art exhibits, restored stained glass windows, and you can choose between a self-guided tour or being led by a trained volunteer who will take you through an immersive 45-minute tour.

4. Martin Park Nature Center: Excellent picnic location

visit martin park nature center in oklahoma

Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is rich in culture, art, as well as natural beauty. For those of you who crave outdoors, the Martin Park Nature Center is a must-visit site.

It is also an excellent location to spend the day having a picnic with the family or loved ones.

The nature center is open to the public and offers some of the best trails and paths for nature hikes and walks in Oklahoma City. If you love hiking, then it is a sure place to visit in Oklahoma.

There are plenty of outdoor recreation avenues including a playground with nature as its central theme.

5. Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Traditional & Contemporary collection

places to visit: oklahoma city museum of art

Representing a truly dynamic range of collections and exhibitions, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of the most prestigious centers in the country.

Apart from the traditional collection of paintings, the museum also features some unique pieces of contemporary art like Glass Pieces by world renowned artist Dale Chihuly that are utterly mesmerizing.

While the museum charges admission fees, it has recently been made free for children 18 years of age and younger. This is good news if you are traveling with kids.

Further, the museum allows visitors to enter without admission fees on Sundays in the fall and the spring seasons.

6. Conoco Museum: Free Admission & Interactive Exhibits

125+ years of history of the world's energy corporations in Oklahoma

Located in Ponca City, the Conoco Museum exhibits more than 125 years of history including the company’s beginnings leading up to its present status as one of the largest energy corporations in the world. Filled with interactive exhibits, it is a marvel that this museum charges no admission fee.

Visitors are welcome here to learn about Ponca City’s refinery which also happens to be one of the oldest functional refineries in the United States. Located at a distance of just over 100 miles from Oklahoma City, this museum visit will surely be one of the most unique and inexpensive fun things to do in Oklahoma city.

7. Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion: Located in Oklahoma City

The Dutch-Colonial architecture of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion is a historical sight that is located in the heart of okc. With 12 rooms and an interior area of fourteen thousand square feet, the mansion is filled with relics, antiques, and artwork.

Do not miss a tour of this stately building when you plan your holiday in Oklahoma.

8. Route 66: Massive 400+ miles stretch

Oklahoma's Route 66: Home to many affordable experiences

The Historical Route 66, or simply Route 66 as it is popularly called, is a massive 400+ miles stretch of Mother Road. Named so, as this is the historical road that built the United States of America. Oklahoma is home to the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 that remains in the U.S.

Perfect for a road trip, the stretch is spotted with quirky towns, charming diners, and some unique experiences. Check this guide to top Oklahoma road trip destinations.

9. Bricktown: Myriad entertainment options

Take a walk around the Bricktown canal and check out some of the most popular restaurants that this district has to offer. This downtown district is popular with tourists as well as locals and offers myriad entertainment options in one single package.

Even if you do not intend to spend money on canal taxies or horse-driven carriage rides, there are plenty of options to enjoy your evenings here on a budget.

10. 45th Infantry Division Museum

45th Infantry Division Museum: Oklahoma's affordable attractions

The 45th Infantry Division Museum is a highly recommended place to go in Oklahoma if you are keen on knowing more about the military history of the country. The impressive collection of military artifacts and firearms are on display here.

Some exhibits are comprehensive, such as the Reaves Firearm Collection, which displays infantry and cavalry weapons from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War. Some of the larger artifacts are on display outside in Thunderbird Park, including aircraft, large guns, and tanks. The entire museum is designed to be self-guided. Located in OKC, the Museum also has a wide collection of artillery, tanks, aircraft, and more spread over its 15 acres and 27,000 square feet of exhibit space.

11. Myriad Botanical Gardens: Best Urban Open Space’ in 2015

Crystal Bridge: Oklahoma's Botanical garden experiences

In 2015 the Myriad Botanical Gardens were awarded the title of the Best Urban Open Space by the Urban Land Institute. A day spent here allows you to enjoy attractions like splash fountains, children’s garden, jogging and walking paths, and various educational horticultural programs.

The most attractive feature of these botanical gardens is the Crystal Bridge Conservatory, and this alone makes it one of the cheap things to do in Oklahoma.

12. Keystone Ancient Forest: Cedar trees (500+ years old)

Situated in Northeast Oklahoma, the Keystone Ancient Forest is home to some of the oldest trees in the region including cedar trees that are more than five hundred years old. The nature preserve is spread over 1,300 acres and can be visited on certain Saturdays.

The hiking trails allow visitors to experience spectacular views and breathe in the fresh air like its inhabitants do.

If you are lucky, you can spot American eagles, deer, migratory birds, bobcat, and dozens of species of butterflies. Be sure to check on the open days before you plan your visit here.

13. Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park: Quirky Oklahoma

If you are embarking on the scenic Route 66 drive, then be sure to stop by at the Totem Pole Park. It boasts of “The World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole” and is a popular attraction adding to the folk lore of the area.

This unique park was built by Ed Galloway as an American Indian monument. The park also houses Ed Galloway’s handmade fiddles and artifacts.

14. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: 60,000 acres

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Oklahoma's best natural experiences

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife refuge is spread over nearly 60,000 acres and includes attractions like Quanah Parker Lake, Parallel Forest, and the Holy City of The Wichita.

The refuge is situated in Southwest Oklahoma and is also home to the famous Mount Scott standing at a height of over 2,400 ft above sea level.

15. Lake Eufaula: Oklahoma’s largest lake

Another attraction in Oklahoma is Lake Eufaula. It is Oklahoma’s largest lake and visitors flock here to enjoy a variety of water activities including swimming, boating, skiing, hunting, and fishing. It also offers picturesque trails for avid as well as casual hikers.

Apart from the sandy beaches, visitors have over 600 miles of shoreline to explore and wooded areas rich in wildlife.

The lake also includes 2 state parks and excellent outdoor camping grounds, therefore, making it to our list of cheap things to do in Oklahoma.

Wrapping Up Cheap Things To Do In Oklahoma

Oklahoma certainly has a lot to offer even if you are on a limited budget or traveling with family. Don’t forget to go to these places in Oklahoma. You can further increase your spending capacity by making intelligent accommodation selections. Vacation hotels can be expensive as they offer limited cooking facilities, so you are dependent on eating out for all your meals.

Such limitations have more and more travelers opting for vacation rental homes. The properties offer all the comforts of a home (even when you are on a holiday!) and come fully furnished with all amenities. Our platform www.rentaltrader.com allows you to browse and select from a wide array of properties. For more information, you can fill out our web form or call us directly.

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