Set amidst natural swimming holes and beautiful beaches, Turner Falls Park is a scenic destination that both families and individuals can enjoy in the beautiful state of Oklahoma. Turner Falls Park vacation rental locations in the area include private log homes, hillside cabins and spacious multi-level houses for large groups. Hike from the Arbuckle Mountain Springs to the cascading Turner Falls, where you can go swimming or diving. Bring tubes and float down the waterways, or spend an afternoon looking for frogs, turtles, and other wildlife.
1. Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley is a small town located in Garvin County, Oklahoma. Once a part of the Indian Territory, this sleepy settlement features many buildings listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visit the tiny Amtrak Depot, or take a short walk through town to the Santa Fe Railroad. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the small shops on the brick-lined streets and can stop in one of the local restaurants for a bite to eat. There are several casinos in the area for adults to enjoy, and the entire family can head to Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park to see more than 800 species of animals.
2. Elmore City
Spend your days relaxing away from the crowds when you choose a vacation rental in Elmore City. In this farming town, you can mingle with locals at the small strip mall located downtown. The Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park is in the nearby town of Wynnewood. There, you and the kids can hold and feed baby wolves and other animals.
3. Arbuckle Lake
Close to Turner Falls is Arbuckle Lake. This calm body of water is ideal for boating, fishing, skiing, and even birdwatching. Some vacation rentals come equipped with canoes or kayaks, so you can float around on the lake with your family and enjoy the scenery. The Arbuckle Mountains tower above the lake and provide a retreat for those who love rock climbing amidst the rock formations.
4. Ardmore
Stay close to the business and cultural district in Ardmore. Visit the Tucker Tower Nature Center to see various wildlife of the region, or take time out to tour the Greater Southwest Historical Museum to learn about life in Oklahoma before it was a state. Sprawling green pastures and farmlands dot the landscape, creating a beautiful atmosphere for those who like taking pictures. Break the heat by spending a day with the kids at the Lake Murray Water Sports Park.
5. Davis
Home to Turner Falls, David is the perfect place for family adventure. If hiking is your hobby, spend the day in Turner Falls State Park, where you can head up to the falls and go swimming. Experience thrills and excitement by ziplining through the trees, or retreat from the outdoors and visit the Toy and Action Figure Museum for the largest collection of action figures. Across the street from the Museum, you’ll find a small cafe with delicious home cooked meals.
6. Sulphur
Sulphur lies just to the north of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Downtown, you’ll find grand old buildings with a stunning architecture where you can shop or mingle with the locals. Find detailed information about the hottest tourist spots in the region at the Chickasaw Visitor Center, or rent a horse from one of the local stables and go on a horseback riding tour.
7. Duncan
Home to oiling and railroading, Duncan has a variety of historic and interesting sites to see. Spend the afternoon at the Stephens County Historical Museum, or stop by the Rock Island Railroad Museum to learn about life during the Gold Rush. The Chisolm Trail Museum features a cattle drive, and there is a small theater you can visit to learn about life on the trail. Vacation rentals in Duncan include furnished apartments and modern cabins.
8. Lake Murray
If you like golf, Lake Murray is an ideal choice, as it has several golf courses to play on. You can also challenge the family to a game of mini golf. In the downtown area, you’ll find a large antique store and multiple restaurants that serve everything from barbecue to international cuisine. Relax and melt away stress at the local yoga studio, or rent a bike and pedal through Lake Murray State Park.
9. Ada
Ada is a mid-sized college city with a significant downtown area and plenty of green space. If you like to read, the Ada Public Library is a historic building near the center of town that is worth a stop. Go hiking along the gardens in Wintersmith Park, or take the family to the laser center for a day of entertainment. Main Street is home to several bars, shops, and a small theater, offering plenty of things to do once the sun goes down.
10. Ada Arts District
The Ada Arts District lies close to the East Central University and several Native American Heritage attractions. Browse through the Chickasaw National Archives, and read the documentation outlining the Chickasaw Nation. Take your time enjoying the Chickasaw Hall of Fame Monument, which names some of the most important members of the nation. In the arts district, you can watch a play at the McSwain Theater or visit the college to enjoy the students’ recitals.
11. Norman
Norman offers plenty of things to do once you plan your stay. Tour the wineries and vineyards in the area, or play a round of golf at a local course. If you like museums, head to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, or the Rose Rock Gallery and Museum.
12. Washita River
The Washita River is a 9-mile-long whitewater river that provides the perfect backdrop for fun and excitement. Go whitewater rafting, or drop in your kayak for some intense thrills. After drying off, spend an afternoon exploring the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. There, you can watch a reenactment of the Calvary attack on the Cheyenne Indians in 1868.