Stillwater Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Stillwater, Oklahoma including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Stillwater

Stillwater, located in Frontier Country, Oklahoma, is a charming city known for its combination of small-town hospitality and big-city attractions. The city is home to Oklahoma State University and boasts a charming downtown area and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Whether you’re into sports, history, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Stillwater.

List of Places to Visit in Stillwater

There are numerous places to visit in Stillwater, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum - Located on the OSU campus, the museum showcases the rich history of wrestling in America and honors the sport’s greatest athletes.
  • Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar - This museum celebrates the history and culture of Stillwater and the surrounding area, from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • Oklahoma Wondertorium - A hands-on children’s museum with exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
  • The Botanic Garden at OSU - This botanical garden features over 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, including a butterfly garden and a children’s garden.

Natural Attractions of Stillwater: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Boomer Lake Park - A 252-acre city park with a 4.5-mile trail around the lake, fishing docks, picnic areas, and plenty of wildlife.
  • Lake McMurtry Natural Resource and Recreation Area - A 1200-acre natural area with over 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as fishing, camping, and boating.
  • Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park - A stunning geological formation with hiking trails, rappelling, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
  • The Eskimo Joe’s Wall of Fame - This mural painted on the side of Eskimo Joe’s restaurant features celebrity signatures and sports figures who have visited Stillwater.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stillwater

Stillwater has multiple hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, including:

  • The Stillwater Creek Trail - A 2.5-mile trail that winds through Stillwater and offers scenic views of Boomer Lake.
  • The Lakeview Road Trail - A 4-mile trail that runs along Lakeview Road and offers stunning views of Lake McMurtry.
  • The Big Blue Trail - A 7-mile singletrack trail in Lake McMurtry Natural Resource and Recreation Area that’s perfect for mountain biking and hiking.
  • The Stillwater Trail System - A network of trails that connect multiple parks and nature areas in Stillwater and the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Stillwater: Activities and Tours

Stillwater has plenty of fun activities and tours for visitors to check out, including:

  • Eskimo Joe’s - A beloved Stillwater institution since 1975, Eskimo Joe’s is a must-visit for its delicious burgers, fries, and iconic t-shirts.
  • OSU Athletics - Catch a game or tour the athletic facilities at Oklahoma State University, which has a storied history in college sports.
  • Painted Okie Tours - This tour company offers fun and informative guided tours of Stillwater’s downtown area and historic sites.
  • The Oklahoma WONDERtorium - Kids and adults alike will love the hands-on exhibits and educational activities at this children’s museum.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stillwater

If you’re spending a week in Stillwater, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore downtown Stillwater and visit the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar.
2 Bike or hike the Stillwater Creek Trail, followed by lunch at Eskimo Joe’s.
3 Visit Lake McMurtry for fishing, boating, and hiking.
4 Tour the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum on the OSU campus.
5 Take a guided tour of Stillwater with Painted Okie Tours.
6 Visit The Botanic Garden at OSU and take a picnic lunch.
7 Head to Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park for rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining.

Food and Drink Scene of Stillwater

Stillwater has a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of delicious local cuisine to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Eskimo Joe’s Cheese Fries - Crispy fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
  • Stillwater Big Red’s Chicken and Waffles - A southern classic with a Stillwater twist - fried chicken and waffles drizzled with local Big Red’s hot sauce.
  • Granny’s Kitchen’s Chicken Fried Steak - A hearty meal of tenderized beef steak, battered and fried to perfection.
  • Hideaway Pizza - This Stillwater-born pizza chain offers delicious pies with creative toppings, like the legendary “Boomer Sooner” pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos.

Local Beverages

  • Eskimo Joe’s Sweet Tea - A refreshing and sweet iced tea that’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
  • Iron Monk Brewing Company’s Ale-Ivan the Terrible - A Russian imperial stout that’s won multiple awards and is a local favorite.
  • Marble Brewery’s Hefeweizen - A light and refreshing wheat beer with hints of banana and clove.

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

Stillwater has a variety of accommodations to suit any budget, including:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Stillwater - A contemporary hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

  • Best Western Plus Cimarron Hotel and Suites - A recently renovated hotel with free breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

  • The Atherton Hotel at OSU - A historic hotel on the OSU campus with an elegant restaurant, coffee shop, and lounge.

  • Stillwater KOA Journey - A rustic camping experience with cabin rentals, RV sites, and tent camping options.

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

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to remember your trip to Stillwater, we recommend checking out:

  • Eskimo Joe’s T-Shirts - These iconic t-shirts are a Stillwater staple and come in a variety of colors and designs.
  • The Amish Cheese House’s Cheese and Sausage - This local shop offers delicious homemade cheese and sausage that make for a great snack or gift.
  • Stillwater Milling Company’s Cowboy Boots - This family-owned business has been making cowboy boots since 1891 and offers a range of styles and sizes.

Local Culture and Customs of Stillwater

Stillwater is known for its friendly and welcoming community, so it’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Residents are also passionate about their sports teams, particularly OSU, and take pride in the city’s history and heritage.

Best Time to Visit Stillwater

The best time to visit Stillwater is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities are in full swing. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stillwater

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Stillwater:

Do:

  • Do visit OSU’s campus and attend a sporting event or tour the facilities.
  • Do try local favorites like Eskimo Joe’s and Stillwater Big Red’s.
  • Do bring comfortable shoes for outdoor adventures and hiking trails.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in parks or on hiking trails.
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers at restaurants and cafes.
  • Don’t forget to check out local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stillwater

Stillwater is a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions like locking your car and being aware of your surroundings at night. If you plan on participating in outdoor activities like hiking or boating, make sure to follow all safety guidelines and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Health in Stillwater

Stillwater has a few medical centers and hospitals for emergencies, including Stillwater Medical Center and OSU Medical Center. If you have any specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before traveling.

Getting to Stillwater: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stillwater

  • Stillwater Regional Airport - A small airport with limited flights, but convenient for travelers flying from within the region.

  • Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City - About an hour’s drive from Stillwater with more flight options.

Bus Stations Near Stillwater

  • Stillwater Bus Station - Located in downtown Stillwater with limited bus service, but Greyhound offers daily routes.

Other Options

  • Driving - Stillwater is easily accessible by car and is located off of Highway 177.

How to Get Around in Stillwater

Stillwater is a walkable city, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer to drive or take public transportation, taxis, rental cars, and Uber/Lyft are all readily available.

Where to Go Next from Stillwater: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to explore the surrounding area, we recommend checking out:

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma - Just a two-hour drive from Stillwater, Tulsa boasts a thriving arts and culture scene and world-class museums.
  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - Located about an hour’s drive south of Stillwater, this wildlife refuge offers scenic hiking trails, rock climbing, and the chance to see bison and other wildlife.
  • Oklahoma City - Oklahoma’s capital city is just over an hour’s drive from Stillwater and offers a wide range of attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Conclusion

Stillwater, Oklahoma is a hidden gem with something for everyone. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or just want to experience small-town hospitality, Stillwater has it all. Plan a visit today and discover this charming city for yourself.

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