Exploring Oklahoma by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just southwest of Tulsa, the historic town of Claremore invites visitors to experience a charming slice of Oklahoma’s heritage from a unique vantage point aboard the Claremore Scenic Railroad. This heritage train winds its way through verdant countryside, offering a leisurely ride that captures the spirit of old-fashioned rail travel. The journey, roughly an hour long, passes through rolling hills, historic sites, and lush farmland, making it an ideal way to see northeastern Oklahoma’s rural beauty. Riding the train in spring or fall allows passengers to enjoy the vibrant colors of blooming wildflowers or autumn foliage, enhancing the nostalgic experience with a natural spectacle.
Down near the southern edge of Oklahoma, about 35 miles south of Ardmore, lies Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. This vast body of water straddles the Oklahoma-Texas border and is a haven for boating enthusiasts. Visitors can rent boats or join guided tours to explore the lake’s sprawling coves and islands. One favorite destination is the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, located on the lake’s Oklahoma side, where boaters can glide quietly past wetlands teeming with migratory birds, deer, and even elusive bobcats. The refuge’s tranquility and diverse wildlife make spring and early summer the best times to visit, when migratory birds are most active and the water’s edge blooms with lush greenery.
In central Oklahoma, roughly 45 minutes east of Oklahoma City, the tallgrass prairie of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve offers a wild and windswept landscape best appreciated from above. Many visitors take to the skies in hot air balloons, launched near Pawhuska, to drift over this last remnant of a once vast ecosystem. Floating quietly in a balloon, you can spot roaming bison herds, prairie dogs popping up from their burrows, and the gently rolling hills blanketed in native grasses. Sunrise flights are especially magical here; the early light casts long shadows and paints the prairie in golden hues, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere that ground-based visitors can’t replicate.
Heading east toward the Ozark foothills, about 30 minutes from Tulsa, the Arkansas River offers some of Oklahoma’s most thrilling paddling and boating experiences. Near the town of Gore, you’ll find access points to the river’s scenic stretches, where calm waters pass through wooded bluffs and limestone formations. Kayakers and canoeists often take the Rodgers Rapids section, a moderate run that blends gentle white water with serene paddling. The river’s natural beauty, combined with its accessibility, makes it a favorite for outdoor adventurers. Early autumn is ideal here, when water levels drop slightly and the surrounding forest begins to blush with fall colors, creating a perfect backdrop for a day on the water.
In the far northwest corner of Oklahoma, near the small town of Alva about 150 miles from Oklahoma City, the Black Mesa area provides a rugged landscape that contrasts sharply with the rest of the state. Here, balloonists and adventurers alike are drawn to Black Mesa State Park. It’s home to Oklahoma’s highest point at 4,973 feet, and offers spectacular aerial views that reveal a patchwork of mesas, canyons, and grasslands. Hot air balloon rides launched from this remote area provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the vastness of the High Plains region. The dry, clear air of late summer and early fall is perfect for ballooning, offering excellent visibility and steady winds.
In the heart of Tulsa, the Tulsa Union Depot Historic District offers a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. This beautifully restored station, once a bustling hub for passengers and freight, now serves as a cultural landmark. Although regular passenger rail service no longer operates here, the depot often hosts vintage train excursions and events that celebrate the city’s railway heritage. The architecture itself, with its intricate brickwork and Art Deco details, makes a visit rewarding, especially during evening events when the building is lit up against the night sky.
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation’s capital of Durant sits on the shores of Lake Texoma and is a gateway to exploring the region by water. Boat tours here often include visits to Snake Creek Bay and the historic Washita Battlefield area, where the waterway reveals layers of Native American history. These tours provide a unique way to learn about the Choctaw people’s heritage while enjoying the lake’s serene environment. Summer evenings are particularly delightful for boaters, as the sunset paints the sky in vibrant colors reflected perfectly on the water’s surface, making for an unforgettable twilight cruise.
Together, these experiences reveal Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes and rich history through immersive, scenic journeys. Whether you’re gliding along ancient river channels, drifting silently over prairie grasslands, or rolling through countryside aboard a vintage train, the state’s varied terrain and culture come alive in ways that invite exploration beyond the highways and byways. Each mode of travel opens a different window into Oklahoma’s soul, offering visitors a memorable blend of adventure, nature, and heritage.