Discover the Best of Oklahoma City’s Nature

Introduction

Oklahoma City is a vibrant place with plenty of natural beauty and attractions to explore. From the Oklahoma River and Lake Hefner to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Martin Nature Park, Oklahoma City offers a variety of natural sites that are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, a place to hike or kayak, or a place to take a leisurely stroll, Oklahoma City has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best of Oklahoma City’s nature, including parks, trails, lakes, and gardens.

Oklahoma River

The Oklahoma River is a 7-mile-long river located in southwest Oklahoma City. It is a great spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and there are several boat tours and adventure parks located along the river. The Oklahoma City Boathouse District, located on the north bank of the Oklahoma River, offers visitors a wide range of activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, and more. The Boathouse District is also home to several restaurants and shops, as well as the Oklahoma River Trails, which offer miles of multi-use trails for walking, running, and biking.

Lake Hefner

Lake Hefner is a 1,500-acre lake located just north of downtown Oklahoma City. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The lake has several boat ramps and docks, as well as several fishing docks. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll around the lake on the 3.3-mile Lakeside Trail or take a relaxing ride on the Lake Hefner Rail Trail.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 17-acre urban park located in downtown Oklahoma City. It is home to a variety of gardens, including a rose garden, a children’s garden, a Japanese garden, and a tropical conservatory. Visitors can explore the gardens and trails or take a tranquil stroll along the Great Lawn. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is also home to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which is one of the largest in the country. The conservatory is home to a variety of plants, including tropical plants, aquatic plants, and cacti.

Martin Nature Park

Martin Nature Park is a 100-acre park located in North Oklahoma City. It features a variety of trails and activities, including a 2.5-mile walking trail, a 1-mile bike trail, and a disc golf course. There are also several picnic areas, a playground, and a lake for fishing. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, owls, hawks, and songbirds.

Will Rogers Park

Will Rogers Park is a 200-acre park located in northwest Oklahoma City. It features a variety of amenities, including a lake, a pond, and a 1.2-mile jogging trail. The park also features a picnic area, a disc golf course, and a playground. Visitors can also take a ride on the Will Rogers Park Train or explore the nearby Will Rogers Gardens.

Oklahoma City Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo is a 119-acre zoo located in northeast Oklahoma City. It is home to more than 1,800 animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and tigers. The zoo also features a variety of educational programs, exhibits, and activities such as a petting zoo, a carousel, and a 4-D theater. The Oklahoma City Zoo is also home to the Oklahoma City Zoo Safari, a drive-through experience that allows visitors to explore the zoo from the comfort of their own vehicle.

Lake Thunderbird State Park

Lake Thunderbird State Park is a 3,400-acre park located in east central Oklahoma. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. The park also has a variety of amenities, including a beach area, a boat ramp, and a playground.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a 9,000-acre park located in south central Oklahoma. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also explore the nearby Platt National Park, which features a variety of trails, scenic overlooks, and historical sites.

McGee Creek State Park

McGee Creek State Park is a 4,600-acre park located in southeast Oklahoma. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also explore the nearby McGee Creek Nature Trail, which features more than two miles of trails and bridges.

Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose State Park is a 3,300-acre park located in northwest Oklahoma. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also explore the nearby Roman Nose Lake, which features several miles of trails and scenic overlooks.

Lake Murray State Park

Lake Murray State Park is a 12,500-acre park located in south central Oklahoma. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also explore the nearby Lake Murray, which features several miles of trails and scenic overlooks.

Conclusion

Oklahoma City is a city full of natural beauty and attractions. From the Oklahoma River and Lake Hefner to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Martin Nature Park, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, a place to hike or kayak, or a place to take a leisurely stroll, Oklahoma City has it all. So come explore the best of Oklahoma City’s nature and discover something new today!