For Oklahoma Christian University students staying on or near campus for spring break, there are a variety of getaway options located just hours from Oklahoma City and Edmond which allow students to get off campus and explore without leaving the state.
Below are some of the most popular day trips to take, as voted on by Oklahoma Christian students. Responding via the Talon’s social media, students shared why they enjoy getting off campus and exploring Oklahoma’s various national parks and top tourist destinations.
Chickasaw National Park: 105 miles from campus
Water is the main attraction at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Featuring Little Niagara and Rock Creek, swimming holes and shaded streams await visitors from around the state.
According to alumnus Jimmy Tucker, “There are a lot of relaxing spots and hiking trails to explore.”
Tulsa: 97 miles from campus
From museums and performing arts centers to outdoor activities, Tulsa offers a unique variety of experiences for visitors. Highlights include the Oklahoma Aquarium, Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum, Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the Brady Theatre.
Great Salt Plains: 133 miles from campus
Located northwest of Enid, OK, is the home of the largest saline flat in the central lowlands of North America. With more than 11,200 acres of salt plains, the state park offers a variety of recreation experiences, including the opportunity to mine for crystals as large as 38 pounds.
Woolaroc: 146 miles from campus
The Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve features 3,700 acres home to more than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds, in addition to a rustic lodge and museum. Admission is $12 for guests 12 through 64, with $10 admission for ages 65 and older. Children ages 11 and younger are free.
According to sophomore Christi Stumpff, “[I] love love love going to Woolaroc. The scenery is beautiful.”
Wichita Mountains: 98 miles from campus
Located an hour and a half from the Oklahoma Christian campus, the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is a 60,000-acre wildlife refuge with hiking, biking, rappelling and camping opportunities. Visitors can also drive up a winding road to enjoy views from the top of Mount Scott.
Turner Falls: 91 miles from campus
Considered one of the state’s most impressive natural wonders, visitors to Turner Falls can view a 77-foot waterfall and enjoy swimming and hiking. Nearby, Lake Murray offers cabins, camping, hiking trials and a marina and nature center, and the drive-through Arbuckle Wilderness Park allows visitors to view exotic creatures in their natural habitat.
Okarche: 35 miles from campus
The town is famous for Eischen’s, one of Oklahoma’s oldest restaurants and best known for its secret fried chicken recipe. Eischen’s was featured in 2009 on an episode of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
According to senior Chris Roberts, “[I enjoy] driving to Okarche to eat at Eischen’s. [It’s a] legendary restaurant.”
Route 66: 10 miles from campus
Students can take one of the United State’s first and most famous highways on a day or weekend trip out of Oklahoma City. Highlights include eating at Rock Café in Stroud, visiting the blue whale in Catoosa or seeing the restored Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro. Pops and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton are also popular tourist destinations along the historic highway.
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