The Best Hidden Gems of Oklahoma: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Oklahoma is best known for the Great Plains, but the plains represent the smallest portion of our state. It's just the Northwest Corner and the Panhandle. The rest of Oklahoma is decidedly more interesting.

I don't say that to disparage our plains, the wide open country is a thing a true beauty, but there are some other gems around the state you'd likely enjoy experiencing yourself.

The Glass Mountains.

That's what everyone calls them, but this mountain range is part of the Gloss Mountains State Park in Northwest Oklahoma.

The plateaus out that way, just North of Fairview, have such a high concentration of selenite crystals, if you catch a peek at the right time of day, the mountains glimmer as if they were carved out of glass.

Whether you like to hike or you're an old-fashioned rock-hound, it's a really neat place to experience.

The Wichita Mountains.

I know, I probably don't have to tell you how beautiful the Wichita Mountains are. I think it's a mandatory pilgrimage for all Okies to drive through the refuge at least once... but the most beautiful areas of the mountains are found off the beaten path.

That's probably the wrong way to put it, the paths are pretty well beaten out there. The best parts of the Wichita Mountains are away from the areas 99% see. Most of them are located in the areas outside of the refuge fences, West of the visitors center.

Tons of trails will take you to some incredibly beautiful and diverse places. Whether you're looking for an easy walk through nature or a challenging climb to the top of Crab Eyes, the Wichitas are worth exploring beyond the paved roads.

Robbers Cave.

This day-trip is as much beautiful scenery as it is rich and taboo Oklahoma history.

Robbers Cave is a state park now, but in the early days, it was rumored to be the hideout of the notorious outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr. Word has it there's a big pile of gold buried somewhere within the park.

Even if you're not looking to cash in on a treasure hunt, there are lots of low-key and relaxing things to do. You can take a hike, have a picnic, and explore the infamous Robbers Cave.

Consider it a trip into the Wild West.

Will Rogers Highway.

The Mother Road, Route 66. It's legendary for the drive between Chicago and Long Beach, the stretch that still travels through Oklahoma has experienced a renaissance of sorts in the last two decades.

Newly built retro shops and restaurants have been built, and aside from the gas, it's free to explore all the way from Miami to Texola.

Don't get the wrong idea, there is a lot of wide-open empty space on that drive, but there are also a ton of attractions and stops along the way. Plus, name one person you know who has driven Route 66 all the way across Oklahoma... Be the person your friends know.

Blue Hole.

Salina may not be known for a lot, but aside from being the oldest town in Oklahoma, it's home to the best swimming hole in the state.

Blue Hole Park is a beautifully blue natural spring hole that is open to whoever wants to take a dip from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There is a cost that goes along with it, but at $15 per car, whether you're riding solo or driving in with maximum capacity, it's all the same.

Not only is it the most beautiful swimming hole in the state, but it's also really kid-friendly. The water is shallow, the beach is warm, and the spring-fed water is really cold. While that may be a turnoff, it'll feel refreshing on a hot day.