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Board These 7 Beautiful Trains In Oklahoma For An Unforgettable Experience

Oklahoma offers several memorable train rides for families, each providing unique experiences and activities.

Published Sep 22, 2015

Written by 

Ashley

Although Oklahoma doesn't have a plethora of train rides, we did find several that offer an unforgettable experience.  There's something magical about train rides for kids that they never forget. From the little toddler to the big kid at heart, these train rides will deliver a fun and exciting train memory for the whole family.

1. Christmas Train (Camp Dry Gulch): Adair

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Screenshot from Youtube from user Explore Tulsa

The Christmas Train is a family-favorite tradition in northeast Oklahoma. Tickets must be purchased in advance and do sell out quickly. There are many other activities at the event that make for a fun evening. PLEASE NOTE: THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN IS CLOSED FOR THE 2015 SEASON FOR RENOVATION.

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2. OK Railway Museum: Oklahoma City

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Facebook/Oklahoma-Railway-Museum

Visit the museum, view passengers cars, freight cars and even a steam engine before taking a 40 minute train ride. The museum is free but tickets must be purchased for the train rides. The train rides run the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, April-August.

3. Thomas The Train Ride (OK Railway Museum): Oklahoma City

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Facebook/DayOutWithThomas2015

This special event train ride is a favorite for Thomas The Train lovers. It is held at the OK Railway Museum September 25-27 & October 2-4 , 2015.

4. Polar Express (Eastern Flyer): Bristow

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Facebook/TheEasternFlyer

Relive the experience from the movie Polar Express and take a ride to the North Pole in your pajamas. The train runs on select dates in November and December and lasts about an hour.

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5. Beavers Bend Depot: Broken Bow

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Facebook/Beavers-Bend-Depot

This little train still provides a big excitement for small children scared of bigger trains. The train winds you through the natural forest area to Wahoo Hill at Beavers Bend State Park.

6. Heartland Flyer Train (Amtrak): Oklahoma City

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Facebook/Heartland-Flyer-Train

All aboard this Amtrak train! The Heartland Flyer boards in Oklahoma City and travels to Forth Worth, TX. The train travels daily and the duration one-way is 4 hours and 14 minutes.

7. Quartz Mountain Flyer:

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Facebook/Quartz-Mountain-Nature-Park

This 2-hour train ride takes you through the beautiful Quartz Mountains. The City of Lone Wolf handles the reservations and ticket sales.

Have you been on any of these trains in Oklahoma?  Have any tips for first-time visitors?

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The Surprising Oklahoma Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway

Sulphur offers a mix of luxury and outdoor recreation, featuring the Artesian Hotel and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Updated Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

Looking for a weekend getaway in Oklahoma but don’t want to go too far? If so, consider an escape to one of our favorite hidden gem small towns. Sulphur is the gateway city to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and it’s great for an escape. This little town is full of charm, gorgeous scenery, quaint shops and eateries, and a luxurious hotel, so there are plenty of things to do in Sulphur Oklahoma. Come with us and see for yourself!

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Please note that earlier this year, an EF-3 tornado caused tremendous damage to the town of Sulphur, and the town is still in the process of recovering. Many of the businesses are temporarily closed or have moved their operations online, but there is still plenty to do there. 

Sulphur is known for its mineral springs and as the gateway city to the majestic Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The quaint town is also home to the luxurious Artesian Hotel.

A modern brick building with domed roofs, featuring a sign that reads "Artesian" and landscaped surroundings.
Facebook/TheArtesian

The Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Hotel is one of southern Oklahoma's nicest destinations. Just look at all this luxury that awaits you.

Luxurious hotel room featuring a king bed, elegant decor, and a large window with a scenic view.
Facebook/TheArtesian

You could spend all weekend at the Artesian but there's so much more to do in town, so keep scrolling.

A serene indoor pool with a stone wall, waterfall feature, and blue lighting, surrounded by potted plants.
Facebook/TheArtesian

It's the perfect place to go if you want a mixture of pampering and outdoor recreation. You can relax in the spa located on the second floor or head outdoors and enjoy nature at its finest.

A modern nail salon with comfortable pedicure chairs and sinks, decorated with plants and artwork on the wall.
Facebook/TheArtesian

Just down the road is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area - home to many natural mineral springs and mini waterfalls. You are allowed to swim here, so it's a great place to visit in the middle of summer. The area is also filled with hiking trails, so be sure and pack a good pair of walking shoes.

A serene waterfall cascades into a clear blue pool, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through.
Facebook/TheArtesian

Another fun outdoor activity is a horseback ride through Arbuckle Trail Rides.

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A group of people riding horses along a scenic trail near a lake, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Facebook/Arbuckle-Trail-Rides

Or, head back into town and enjoy the shops and bistros along the Artesian hotel.

Signage for Bedré Café and Okie Twister, decorated with a large red bow, against a clear blue sky.
Facebook/TheArtesian

If you're looking for overnight accommodations that can house large groups or a cabin in nature, check out this rustic Airbnb rental. It's one of our top picks.

A rustic cabin porch with rocking chairs, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.
airbnb.com

Have you ever been to Sulphur? Would you consider this town for a weekend getaway in Oklahoma? Tell us below.

If you plan on hiking the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, be sure to download AllTrails+, so you’ll have access to turn by turn directions for the 30-miles of trails inside the sanctuary.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oklahoma/explore-chickasaw-recreation-ok/

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The Ultimate and Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Oklahoma

Explore Oklahoma's must-see attractions and experiences, from scenic drives to world-class museums.

Updated May 2, 2024

Written by 

Ashley

There are so many things to see and visit in the Sooner State. From beautiful scenery to world-class museums, Oklahoma is full of interesting and beautiful places to visit. Take time out of your busy schedule to see these gems in Oklahoma. Here is a list of all the things you must experience as part of your very own Oklahoma bucket list:

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Facebook/Talimena National Scenic Byway

Colorful glass sculpture with swirling yellow, blue, and green forms, resembling a vibrant, abstract tree.
tigilau/TripAdvisor

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Facebook/Poteau BalloonFest

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Facebook/Nic's Grill

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Facebook/Burn Co Barbecue

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Facebook/Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Silhouette of a person with a feathered headdress, arms raised against a colorful sunset sky.
Facebook/Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club

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Facebook/Bricktown OKC

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Facebook/Oklahoma Aquarium

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Flickr/Drew Tarvin

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Facebook/Price Tower

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Facebook/Alabaster Caverns State Park

A vibrant garden filled with red, pink, and white azaleas surrounded by lush green trees.
Flcikr/Brian Wright

A tall, glass skyscraper with a distinctive triangular top against a clear blue sky.
TripAdvisor/TheExplorerFamily

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Flickr/Karen

A person stands on a circular stone pattern in an urban area, with buildings and a parking structure in the background.
jill, jellidonut... whatever/Flickr

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Facebook/Oklahoma Football

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Facebook/National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Sign reading "You're on... Oklahoma US 66" with a classic highway shield design.
Flickr/David

A panoramic view of rolling green hills and a blue lake, with rocky foreground and distant buildings along the shore.
Doug Miller/Flickr

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Facebook/Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Historic Stockyard City

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Facebook/Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A person walks past a large stone building with arched entrance and decorative landscaping under a clear blue sky.
Sunnysideup987/TripAdvisor

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Facebook/Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM)

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Facebook/Oklahoma City Thunder

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Facebook/Philbrook Museum of Art

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Facebook/WinStar World Casino and Resort

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Facebook/Broken Bow Cabin Lodging

How many of these can you cross off your Oklahoma bucket list? What would you add? Let us know! Need a place to stay while you're exploring the Sooner State? Check out the awesome and unique options from our friends at VRBO.

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