Arcadia Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Arcadia, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture.


Introduction to Arcadia

Located in Greater Oklahoma City, in Frontier Country, Arcadia is a charming town steeped in history and stunning natural beauty. Founded in 1889, Arcadia is a hotspot for tourists seeking a unique cultural experience.

List of Places to Visit in Arcadia

There is no shortage of places to visit in Arcadia, whether you’re interested in history, natural beauty, or outdoor adventures. Here are our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Arcadia Round Barn: A historic landmark built in 1898, it’s the only truly round barn ever built. Originally built for local dairy farmers, it now houses a museum and performance space showcasing local musicians and performers.
  • Pop’s 66: An iconic gas station and soda pop shop on Route 66. Admire the vintage cars in the lot, and sample from over 600 soda pop flavors.

Natural Attractions of Arcadia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Arcadia: A stunning lake with over 1,800 acres of water and shoreline to explore. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities here.
  • Arcadia Lake Trail: A 3.4-mile trail encircling the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and foliage.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arcadia

Arcadia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking routes to choose from. Here are our top picks:

  • Arcadia Conservation Education Area: A 180-acre site with miles of hiking and biking trails. Enjoy the serene natural beauty, and spot various wildlife species such as deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
  • Klinger Lake Wildlife Management Area: A 3,400-acre area offering over 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Best Things to Do in Arcadia: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures, Arcadia offers a range of other activities and tours for visitors to enjoy:

  • Oklahoma River Cruises: Experience the beauty of Oklahoma City and Central Oklahoma by taking a serene river cruise.
  • Pops Car and Bike Show: Hosted every Saturday night in summertime, this weekly car and bike show is a must-visit for automobile enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arcadia

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Arcadia, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Arcadia Round Barn Museum in the morning, followed by lunch at the famous Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store, and spend the afternoon at the Oklahoma Railway Museum.
2 Spend the day hiking or biking in the Arcadia Conservation Education Area, and have dinner at the rustic and charming Bedlam BBQ.
3 Take a scenic cruise down Oklahoma River, followed by lunch at the historic Packard’s New American Kitchen. Spend the evening exploring the outdoor sculptures and installations of the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.
4 Spend the day fishing, boating, or swimming at beautiful Lake Arcadia, and have dinner at Eischen’s Bar, the oldest bar in Oklahoma.
5 Explore the wildlife and nature of Klinger Lake Wildlife Management Area, followed by lunch at the family-friendly Silver Moon Café. Spend the evening at HeyDay Entertainment for games and bowling.
6 Take a day trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, followed by dinner at the highly-acclaimed Mahogany Prime Steakhouse.
7 Spend the last day of your trip at Pop’s 66, admiring the vintage cars and tasting from over 600 soda pop flavors. Cap off your trip with dinner at Fish City Grill.

Food and Drink Scene of Arcadia

Arcadia boasts a wide variety of dining and drinking options, from family-friendly diners to high-end restaurants. Here are our top picks for local flavors:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried chicken at Eischen’s Bar: It’s been voted the best fried chicken in Oklahoma, and for good reason. Served with white bread and pickles.
  • Burgers and root beer at Sonic: An iconic fast-food chain with its roots in Oklahoma.

Local Beverages

  • Soda pops at Pop’s 66: Over 600 different flavors are available, including classic and unusual types.
  • Hand-crafted cocktails at Packard’s New American Kitchen: A cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft beers, wine, and spirits.

Where to Stay in Arcadia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Arcadia offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are our top picks:

  • Pecan Valley Inn Bed & Breakfast: A cozy and charming bed & breakfast with beautiful gardens and affordable rates.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Edmond/Old Town: A high-end hotel with all the amenities, located a short distance outside of Arcadia.

What to Buy in Arcadia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Arcadia is known for its unique local products and souvenirs. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Route 66 memorabilia at Pop’s 66: Take home a piece of American history with a souvenir from Pop’s 66.
  • Local art from Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center: Browse the gift shop for unique art and crafts by local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Arcadia

Arcadia is steeped in history and local culture, and visitors are encouraged to learn about and celebrate these traditions. Here are some key cultural customs:

  • Respecting the environment: Arcadia is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and visitors are encouraged to preserve it.
  • Celebrating Route 66: Arcadia is located on the famous Route 66, and visitors should take advantage of the historic and cultural significance of this iconic highway.

Best Time to Visit Arcadia

The best time to visit Arcadia is from April to May, and from September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the fall foliage is at its peak. However, Arcadia is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arcadia

Do:

  • Take a scenic hike or bike ride through the beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Learn about the history and culture of the town, and appreciate its unique attractions.
  • Respect the environment and support local businesses.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural surroundings.
  • Disrespect or damage historic landmarks or cultural traditions.
  • Be rude or disrespectful to locals or other tourists.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arcadia

Arcadia is generally a safe town, and visitors need not worry about crime or violence. However, visitors should take care when hiking, biking, or engaging in other outdoor activities, and follow safety guidelines.

Health in Arcadia

Arcadia is located in a region with a high risk of tornadoes, and visitors should be aware of the risks and follow safety guidelines in the event of a weather emergency.

Getting to Arcadia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Arcadia have several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Arcadia

  • Will Rogers World Airport (OKC): The closest major airport, approximately 29 miles from Arcadia.

Bus Stations Near Arcadia

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Approximately 20 miles from Arcadia.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular choice for visitors who wish to explore the town and surrounding areas independently.
  • Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are available in the area.

How to Get Around in Arcadia

Arcadia is a small town, and visitors can easily navigate it on foot or by bike. However, a car or other vehicle is recommended for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Arcadia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Oklahoma City: The state capital is only 20 miles away, and offers a range of attractions including museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
  • Tulsa: A vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, located approximately 100 miles north of Arcadia.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor adventures, Arcadia has something to offer everyone. With charming local culture, beautiful outdoor scenery, and unique attractions, Arcadia is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

Arcadia's round barn Arcadia's round barn