Frontier Country Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, dine, stay, and learn about the unique culture and customs of Frontier Country in Oklahoma, with helpful tips and recommendations for your trip.


Introduction to Frontier Country

Frontier Country, located in Oklahoma’s Great Plains, presents an excellent opportunity for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts to experience Oklahoma’s unique vibe. Dotted with fascinating historical landmarks, beautiful outdoor spaces, and quaint towns, this region offers a taste of true Americana.

List of Places to Visit in Frontier Country

Explore Frontier Country by visiting the following top places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: One of the most extensive museums of its kind, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum showcases the rich Western heritage, art, and culture through artifacts, exhibits, and artworks.
  • Chickasaw Cultural Center: This center hosts informative exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and performances to help visitors learn more about Chickasaw Nation’s history, culture, and traditions.
  • Oklahoma History Center: The Oklahoma Historical Society’s flagship museum offers a glimpse into the state’s diverse history, from ancient times to modern-day.

Natural Attractions of Frontier Country: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Turner Falls Park: Known for its beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural swimming pools, Turner Falls Park is an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  • Lake Thunderbird State Park: With its 6,000 acres of water and 86 miles of shoreline, Lake Thunderbird is a popular spot for boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking.
  • Lake Murray State Park: This park features over 12,000 acres of outdoor adventure, including camping, fishing, golfing, and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Frontier Country

For a great hiking and biking experience, check out these trails:

  • Ouachita National Recreation Trail: 30-miles of this trail pass through the Ouachita Mountains, offering scenic views and excellent hiking and biking terrain.
  • Lake Hefner Trails: 15.5-mile trail that loops around Lake Hefner, offering stunning views of Oklahoma City’s skyline.
  • Lincoln Boulevard Trail: This 14.7-mile trail passes through the heart of Oklahoma City and connects with many other trails, making it an excellent option for avid bikers.

Best Things to Do in Frontier Country: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the must-do activities and tours in Frontier Country:

  • Oklahoma River Cruises: Take a relaxing cruise on the Oklahoma River and experience the city’s skyline from a different angle.
  • Frontier City Theme Park and White Water Bay: Enjoy thrilling rides, water slides, and much more in this entertainment park that caters to visitors of all ages.
  • Rodeo and Cowboy Experience: Visit Oklahoma’s Rodeo Hall of Fame and Cowboy Museum and experience the rodeo history and culture of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Frontier Country

Here is a week-long itinerary for Frontier Country:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and enjoy some horseback riding at the Lazy E Ranch.
Day 2 Visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City.
Day 3 Take a day trip to Turner Falls Park, hike the trails, or take a dip in the natural swimming pools.
Day 4 Visit Chickasaw Cultural Center and enjoy some fishing, boating, and water sports on Lake Thunderbird.
Day 5 Explore the unique natural formations in the Alabaster Caverns State Park and learn about its history.
Day 6 Experience some exciting rides at Frontier City Theme Park and White Water Bay.
Day 7 Visit Lake Murray State Park, enjoy some golfing, or take a sunset cruise on the lake and wrap up your Frontier Country trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Frontier Country

If you are looking to satisfy your taste buds, Frontier Country has some excellent options of local delicacies and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue: Frontier Country’s barbecue is a must-try, with juicy and tender meat, delicious sauce, and a unique smoky flavor.
  • Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger: This famous burger features a meat patty with a grilled onion slice on top; some restaurants add pickles or cheese.
  • Oklahoma Caviar: This dish is a dip made of black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, and other vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Prairie Artisan Ales: This brewery offers a range of beers, including Belgian-style ales, organic farmhouse ales, sours, and stouts.
  • Iron Monk Brewing Company: A Stillwater-based brewery that serves traditional-style beers, including American wheat, pale ale, India pale ale, and stout.

Where to Stay in Frontier Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Frontier Country offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, that cater to various budgets.

  • 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City: A luxurious hotel in Oklahoma City that boasts an art museum and contemporary rooms.
  • Sparrow Modern Guesthouse: This boutique-style accommodation features beautifully decorated rooms, excellent service, and complimentary breakfast.
  • Bunk House Lodge: If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then this hostel in Stillwater, with its laid-back vibe, is perfect.

What to Buy in Frontier Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for authentic souvenirs and local products to bring back home? Here are some ideas:

  • Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center and Museum: Shop for traditional Chickasaw crafts and souvenirs, including jewelry, apparel, pottery, and more.
  • OU Campus Corner: Located in Norman, this shopping district offers unique fashion boutiques, gift shops, and souvenir stores.
  • Pops 66 Soda Ranch: This famous soda ranch along Route 66 offers over 700 beverage options, including some hard-to-find vintage sodas and snacks.

Local Culture and Customs of Frontier Country

Frontier Country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is worth exploring. The Chickasaw Nation’s culture and traditions, the cowboy and western way of life, and Oklahoma’s native art and music are some of the elements that define Frontier Country’s local culture.

Best Time to Visit Frontier Country

The best time to visit Frontier Country is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild, and the outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Frontier Country

Here are some do’s and don’ts of Frontier Country:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Be friendly and courteous to people you meet.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property.
  • Disrespect the wildlife.
  • Litter or pollute the natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Frontier Country

Overall, Frontier Country is a safe place to visit. However, the following precautions are advisable:

  • Be cautious of tick and mosquito-borne illnesses.
  • Check local weather conditions before planning outdoor activities.
  • Take necessary precautions against theft and property crimes.

Health in Frontier Country

Frontier Country has several healthcare and medical facilities that offer quality health care services.

Getting to Frontier Country: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Frontier Country

  • Will Rogers World Airport (OKC): Located in Oklahoma City, this airport is the main entry point to Frontier Country.
  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL): Located about 2 hours from Frontier Country, this airport may be a better option for some visitors.

Bus Stations Near Frontier Country

  • Oklahoma City Bus Station: Located downtown, this station serves several bus lines, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines.
  • Tulsa Bus Station: Located south of Tulsa, this station serves Greyhound and Jefferson Lines.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is an excellent option for those who want more flexibility and convenience.
  • Private Transportation: Private shuttles, taxis, and transportation services are also available.

How to Get Around in Frontier Country

The best way to get around Frontier Country is by car. Car rentals are available at airports and other locations, and the roads are well-maintained.

Where to Go Next from Frontier Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore further, here are some nearby destinations worth considering:

  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
  • Tulsa
  • Ozark National Forest

Conclusion

Frontier Country is a unique and fascinating region that offers something for everyone. From exploring the natural wonders to experiencing the local culture and traditions, there is no shortage of things to do and see here. With this travel guide, we hope you can plan an enjoyable and memorable trip to Frontier Country.



    Greater Oklahoma City
    Guthrie
    Norman
    Okemah
    Purcell
    Seminole
    Shawnee
    Stillwater
    Stroud
    Wewoka