While Oklahoma isn’t known for its fall foliage like New York, we do have beautiful drives like the Talimena National Scenic Byway along with urban parks in various cities to experience fall right here. Here are 10 free places in Oklahoma from the state’s most populated cities, sorted by population.
5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City
Nestled on the city’s northwest side, Martin Nature Park is home to many species of animals, including birds, deer, butterflies, squirrels, fox and reptiles. There are 3.5 miles of gentle hiking trails that twist through 144 acres of woods and grasslands. Trails are of gravel and packed soil, containing short stretches of moderate slopes and occasional steps. The trails make the perfect get-away for the casual nature observer or exerciser.
Since Martin Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary, pets, fishing, hunting, bicycles, swimming, camp fires and other activities that might be destructive to the habitat are not allowed. The park is closed on all City holidays, as well as the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Also in Oklahoma City: Will Rogers Park.
6850 S Elwood Ave, Tulsa
The 300-acre Wilderness of Turkey Mountain stretches from I-44 to 71st Street on the west bank of the Arkansas River in Tulsa. This heavily-wooded property has miles of winding dirt trails and two large ponds, features that date back long before the land was acquired for public usage. The summit of Turkey Mountain rises 300 feet above the Arkansas River and offers a panoramic view of Tulsa. While the main trailhead is only 7 miles from downtown Tulsa, it’s not crowded with people thanks to the park’s many trails. Turkey Mountain is a treasure to all Tulsans.
Also in Tulsa: Tulsa Botanic Garden.
1920 12th Ave N.E., Norman
The George M. Sutton Wilderness Park, or simply known as Sutton Wilderness, greatest attraction is that it includes a variety of habitats. These include prairie patches, wooded areas surrounding a lake, creeks, ponds, and marshes. The diversity found in the park is an important reason why the area attracts and holds so many species of birds and other kinds of animals. The mixture of habitats supports a considerable variety of plants and animals in a relatively small area. Birds like greater roadrunners and American robins, reptiles from water snakes to snapping turtles, amphibians from salamanders to spring peepers, and mammals like cottontails and coyotes all call this area their home.
Also in Norman: Lake Thunderbird State Park.
7101 S. 3rd St., Broken Arrow
The 40-acre Ray Harral Nature Center & Park includes a Nature Center, jogging trail, park benches, two picnic shelters with tables, flowering gardens, an arboretum and a suspension bridge. The park is located off of Tucson Street (121st Street) and west of Lynn Lane behind Childers and Spring Creek schools.
Also in Broken Arrow: Liberty Trail.
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SW 6TH St, Lawton
In Lawton, Elmer Thomas Park is their signature metropolitan park. The open space of the park was designed for passive and active recreational festivals from private and public organizations.
Also near Lawton: Wichita Mountains.
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1501 W. Covell Road, Edmond
Mitch Park is a 280-acre recreational area with five-miles of paved trails, playgrounds, disc golf, and other sport courts.
Also in Edmond: E.C. Hafer Park.
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1903 NE 12th Street, Moore
Buck Thomas Park in Northeast Moore is nearly 130-acres with a playground, fishing, a walking trails, and more.
Also in Moore: Tom Strouhal/Little River Park.
8388-8448 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
The Soldier Creek Nature Trail and Memory Lane is a favorite place for residents to gather, walk, run and enjoy the outdoors in Midwest City. The trail is nestled along the Soldier Creek banks and the John Conrad Golf Course making the trails a beautiful and serene setting for visitors. In addition, the trails system provides walking access to municipal buildings, the City library, and the Senior Center. Currently, the trails system is approximately 7 miles in length, with future plans to expand.
1200 W. Rupe Rd., Enid
Meadowlake Park is one of the larger parks within the City of Enid, located on 110 acres of land.
1200 W. Rupe Rd., Stillwater
Known as the Headquarters Garden for Oklahoma Botanical Garden & Arboretum, the OSU Botanical Garden is located on 100 acres in Stillwater, west of Oklahoma State University. It features the Oklahoma Gardening studio set, the turf and nursery research centers and Centennial Grove. The garden features over 1,000 species of herbaceous and woody plants.
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What’s your favorite place to experience fall in Oklahoma? Leave a comment below to share your adventures.
