10 free things to do in Oklahoma this spring

Oklahoma Christian University students and faculty do not have to break the bank to experience some of Oklahoma’s top attractions this spring. With a variety of free activities, those interested can get off the Oklahoma Christian campus and take advantage of Oklahoma’s unique opportunities without spending a dime.

Oklahoma City National Memorial – Oklahoma City, OK

Visitors to the site of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building can see the outdoor Field of Empty Chairs, the bronze Gates of Time and the Survivor Tree.

Martin Park Nature Center – Oklahoma City, OK

With 2.5 miles of woodland trails, the Martin Park Nature Center offers guided hikes, education programs and an interactive learning center to provide visitors “a place to learn about nature and wildlife in a serene, suburban environment.”

Keystone Ancient Forest – Sand Springs, OK

Inside the 1,360-acre nature preserve, visitors can hike amidst 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees. The preserve also offers 80 varied species of butterflies, along with deer, mountain lions, bobcats, American eagles and migratory birds.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art – Norman, OK

With over 16,000 permanent pieces, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is considered one of the nation’s best university art museums and includes works by Vincent van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Tulsa Gardens – Tulsa, OK

Specialty gardens, fountains and a Victorian-style conservatory welcome visitors to the Tulsa Garden Center. Its Tulsa Municipal Rose Garden features more than 200 varieties of roses in bloom.

Great Salt Plains – Jet, OK

From April through October, visitors can dig for “unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals on the stark and eerily beautiful salt flats of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.” Though the salt plains are devoid of vegetation, they are rich in wildlife and are home to numerous types of birds and other animals.

Robbers Cave – Wilburton, OK

Located in the scenic, hilly woodlands of the Sans Bois Mountains, Robbers Cave State Park offers hikes through the wooded terrain of a former hideout for outlaws traveling through Oklahoma.

Twister Museum – Wakita, OK

Open April through September, visitors can explore the town used for the famous blockbuster “Twister,” and explore the museum for movie props, memorabilia and behind-the-scenes videos.

Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion – Oklahoma City, OK

Featuring beautiful gardens, stately architecture and an Oklahoma-shaped swimming pool, visitors can see where Oklahoma’s governor resides and “get a taste of Oklahoma elegance” on a tour of the Governor’s Mansion.