The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chandler, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

If you're looking for adventure and exploration, a road trip from Chandler, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the perfect getaway. This scenic route offers a taste of Texas and Oklahoma and a chance to experience some of the best attractions along the way. The trip covers approximately 381 miles, and the halfway point is Valley View, TX, making it the perfect spot to take a break and explore. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip.

1. Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a one-of-a-kind place that celebrates the Western spirit with art and memorabilia. For history buffs, this museum provides an insight into the cowboy culture of the American West. The exhibits feature a variety of Western-themed art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Additionally, it showcases the history of cowboys and Indians, as well as their clothing, weapons, and other cultural aspects.

Fun fact: The museum hosts the annual Prix de West Invitational, which is considered one of the most prestigious art exhibitions of Western art in the world.

2. Explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescue workers of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. This memorial is a place of remembrance, hope, and peace, and it is open year-round to visitors. The outdoor memorial consists of a reflecting pool, a field of empty chairs, and a survivor tree, which is a symbol of resilience. The museum exhibits showcase the history of the bombing, as well as the response and recovery from the incident.

Fun fact: The survivor tree is a 90-year-old American elm that has become a symbol of hope and strength.

3. See the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in southwestern Oklahoma. The refuge covers over 59,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, longhorn cattle, elk, prairie dogs, and coyotes. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the mountains, hike the trails, or go rock climbing. Additionally, the refuge offers camping opportunities and fishing in its streams and lakes.

Fun fact: The refuge was established in 1901 as one of the first wildlife refuges in the United States.

4. Take a walk around the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a stunning destination for nature lovers. This 66-acre garden features seasonal flower displays, 17 different gardens, and an over-the-top pumpkin patch. The garden also boasts a beautiful collection created by the late American architect and designer Alexander McQueen. Visitors can walk around the gardens, take a guided tour, or attend various events held throughout the year.

Fun fact: The arboretum has over 2,000 varieties of azaleas, one of the largest collections in the world.

5. Visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the women who have contributed to the Western way of life. The museum features exhibits about cowgirls who have achieved success in rodeos, ranching, and entertainment. Additionally, the museum highlights the role of women in the formation of the American West. Visitors can take a guided tour, watch a film about cowgirls, or attend various events held at the museum.

Fun fact: The museum was originally founded in 1975 in Hereford, Texas, by Margaret Formby. It moved to Fort Worth in 2002.

In conclusion, a road trip from Chandler, Texas, to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. The trip covers approximately 381 miles, and the halfway point is Valley View, TX. From exploring Western heritage at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, to witnessing the resilience of the survivor tree at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, to marveling at the beauty of nature at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, this trip has it all. Depending on the stops and plans made along the way, the trip can be completed in two to three days.