Oklahoma Tourism
Great Salt Plains and
Alabaster Caverns
Oklahoma
At the Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge, group members roll up their sleeves and dig for selenite crystals on the salt flats. Oklahoma is the only place worldwide that grows this crystal.
Individual crystals and clusters range from clear to topaz to light purple. Crystals, dug out soft and wet, harden as they dry. The park moves the dig site every year to allow crystals to replenish themselves.
Groups can prearrange digging tools.
“It’s the element of surprise and the treasure hunt that people enjoy,” Stallbaumer said. “The ground has several inches of thick salt crust that coaches can drive out on.”
Alabaster Cave, located 90 minutes west, remains the world’s largest natural gypsum cave open to the public. A three-quarter-mile trail, showcased by an unusual lighting system, brings out the cave’s highlights.
“Even though there are walkways and steps, it’s a more active experience,” said Stallbaumer. “Ranger-led tours explain the different formations.”
Ouachita National Forest
Oklahoma
The fall foliage of Ouachita National Forest satisfies nature-lovers on the Talimena National Scenic Byway that connects Talihina, Okla., to Mena, Ark. Along the drive, historic sites with exhibits and numerous turnouts with panoramic vistas allow for a leisurely trip.
“The 54-mile road was actually constructed to view fall foliage,” said Todd Stallbaumer, consumer and trade marketing director for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “I’ve driven it several times, and it’s one of the more unexpected ecosystems of the state. Most people think of Oklahoma as flat, but the landscape will surprise you.”
Robbers Cave State Park, a historic gangster hideout for Pretty Boy Floyd and Belle Starr, offers a swimming beach, a pool with bathhouse, miniature golf, horseback riding stables, paddleboat rentals and a nature center with naturalist programs.
The annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival, held by Lake Carlton and framed by the sheer stone bluffs, features more than 190 arts-and-crafts vendors, food, rides and entertainment. The festival’s Fall Foliage Cruise — a pre-1982 hot-rod custom and classics car and truck show — attracts 500 vehicles from the multistate region and nationwide.
