8 Ideal Oklahoma Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
Oklahoma is located in the southern United States, bordering Colorado and Kansas to the north, Missouri and Arkansas to the east, Texas to the south and west, and New Mexico to the west of its Panhandle region. It has a diverse terrain from tree-covered hills to treeless plains. The state boasts generally pleasant and mild weather due to a southern humid belt merging with a colder northern continental one and humid eastern and dry western zones that cut through the state.
Pair the favourable weather with the state's cultural history relating to Route 66 and its Native American heritage, and you have 8 towns that are ideal for a 3-day weekend.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park is known as America’s cobblestone community due to the abundance of cobblestones in the area that were used to construct most of the buildings and give the town its signature appearance. Immerse yourself further at Bath Lake, a natural granite swimming pool with clear, mild-temperature water, making for comfortable swimming. Bring the whole family to Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center, which brings people, science, and nature together through interactive exhibits. They also have over 90 native and non-native fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammal species on exhibit.
Enjoy a stay at Harper’s Landing, a waterfront getaway filled with a mix of modern technology, antiques, art, and amenities. Each room has a balcony or deck for enjoying the natural scenery on the grounds, including a 12-foot waterfall on the premises. Grab a bite to eat or an ice-cold beverage at Park Tavern, open Wednesday-Sunday. It is the perfect place for a 3-day weekend, and regularly hosts live entertainment.
Guthrie
Guthrie is Oklahoma’s territorial capital due to ongoing restoration efforts, which have made the town's downtown area the largest Historic Preservation District in the nation. Learn about the history of the individuals who founded the state of Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library. The museum holds artifacts, photographs, and paintings spanning from 1889 to 1913. Stop at the Wander Inn and sample a wide variety of handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Stay at the Judge's Chamber - a luxury bed and breakfast housed inside a Neo-Classical mansion built in 1902, allowing guests to step back in time all while providing cozy modern amenities and a free gourmet breakfast. It is also located near many nearby attractions, such as the Pollard Theatre, Guthrie’s year-round local theatre company, producing six or more plays and musicals annually, with performances shown Thursday to Sunday, making it a must-visit for any 3-day weekend.
Elk City
Elk City is a historic Route 66 town that keeps the history of the famous route alive in its National Route 66 & Transportation Museum. The museum covers all eight states that the route runs through, displaying numerous artifacts, antique cars, and rare historical documents that capture the spirit of Route 66. Cannot get enough of Route 66? Stop at 66 ToGo - a Route 66-themed diner that serves kids' meals in vintage car and pickup boxes that double as take-home mementos.
Explore Ackley Park West, which has a free skate park, ball fields, picnic area, a 1.25-mile walking trail, and is home to a 42-foot-tall Centennial Lighthouse, which was dedicated to honor Oklahoma’s centennial birthday. Enjoy a relaxing stay at Bluebird Inn, conveniently located in the historic downtown and filled with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms.
Duncan
Duncan is a charming Old-West town located in southern Oklahoma, where it is said time stands still. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center maintains that history through art and tales of the Old West. It also features interactive exhibits where guests can sit in a saddle and attempt to rope a longhorn steer.
Spend an afternoon exploring Duncan Lake. With four miles of shoreline and 550 acres of recreational space, Duncan Lake has something for everyone, from fishing, disc golf, hiking, and boating. Enjoy authentic barbecue at the award-winning Rib-Crib, serving quality smoked meats in a casual, comfortable dining environment.
McAlester
McAlester is one of the state's oldest communities, located 90 miles south of Tulsa and 120 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. Use OYO Hotel McAlester as a base for exploring the town. It is located right on Main Street in the heart of downtown. From here, explore McAlester’s unique attractions such as McAlester Scottish Rite Masonic Center - one of the largest in the region, full of historic architecture, a library, costume room, and a 1930 custom-built Kimball organ with over 3,100 pipes.
Venture through the 25-acre McAlester Arboretum, which is home to some of the most unique trees and plants in the United States. Here you will see more than 750 types of fauna and several species of Oaks, Elms, Maples, and Willows in this extensive collection of trees. Lovers of European-style beer will enjoy a visit to BierKraft to sample a tasting flight of many ales and stouts.
Muskogee
Muskogee is a town steeped in a combination of military history and Native American heritage. The U.S.S. Batfish Submarine & Military Museum is one of Muskogee's most unique attractions. The Batfish was used during World War II and was later decommissioned, where it found a new mission in Muskogee — to educate the public and honor those who served. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the five tribes linked to the area in a museum that houses art and artifacts representing their unique history.
Stay at the quirky Whitlock Wishouse Bed & Breakfast, which is decorated with antiques from 39 countries. There are also many modern amenities, such as a hot tub and swimming pool.
Ada
Ada is located on the northeast edge of southern Oklahoma’s scenic Chickasaw Country. Wintersmith Park may be a small 150 acre park, but it packs a punch with lakeside views, stone bridges, trails, a public amphitheater a public swimming pool, and courts for various ball games. Peach Tree Farms is a popular roadside stand that opens every summer, primarily selling peaches, plums, and blackberries straight from their orchard. Bring your own bucket for u-pick opportunities during the blackberry and sunflower seasons.
Relax at Quality Inn of Ada, which offers spacious rooms with individual climate control and a free continental breakfast. It is conveniently located near attractions, including the Stateman’s Lounge, which is located at the Inn. It regularly hosts performances by local musicians and karaoke events that go hand in hand with cold beer and signature cocktails.
Ardmore
Ardmore is home to Lake Murray State Park - Oklahoma's first and largest state park, consisting of 12,500 acres of forested, rolling hills around clear-watered Lake Murray. There’s plenty to do both on and off the water, including fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking. For a unique accommodation experience within the park, stay at Lake Murray Floating Cabins, which come in a variety of sizes and styles, with cabins holding up to 18 people and smaller individual pods for one person.
Enjoy a day out with the whole family at The Clubhouse, which has a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment options for all ages, including an arcade, mini golf, go-karts, and a zipline. Wander the streets of Ardmore’s historic downtown area and stop at the Dew Drop Inn for a casual outing where you will enjoy crafted cocktails and tasty food to pair with them.
The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in the Sooner State
Oklahoma’s mild year-round weather makes it an appealing choice for a 3-day weekend. Whether you are a car-fanatic who wants to soak up the culture of the famous Route 66, a history buff who wants to explore the vast Native American history of the state, or if you simply want to unwind in a charming town and eat a nice meal paired with a handcrafted cocktail, Oklahoma is an obvious choice. These are 8 Ideal Oklahoma Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025.
