1. Lake Murray State Park (Ardmore)
Why Visit: Lake Murray State Park is a peaceful haven for nature lovers. This is the perfect place to escape into nature, offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and a relaxing lake for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a beautiful lodge and spa where you can enjoy some downtime after a day of exploring the outdoors. It’s a great spot for mindfulness, yoga, or simply reconnecting with nature.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, water activities, nature walks, and relaxation by the lake.
2. Turner Falls Park (Davis)
Why Visit: Known for its stunning 77-foot waterfall, Turner Falls Park is a serene and tranquil place perfect for a wellness retreat. You can swim in the natural pools beneath the falls or take a peaceful walk through the lush forest. It’s a beautiful spot for mindfulness and meditation, surrounded by natural beauty.
Wellness Focus: Waterfalls, swimming in natural pools, nature walks, and relaxation.
3. Oxley Nature Center (Tulsa)
Why Visit: Located in Tulsa’s Oxley Nature Center, this peaceful space offers a break from the hustle and bustle. You can take part in a relaxing nature walk through wooded trails, meditate by the ponds, or enjoy the serenity of the environment. The nature center provides an opportunity to connect with the local flora and fauna.
Wellness Focus: Nature walks, birdwatching, meditation, and connecting with the natural world.
4. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Medicine Park)
Why Visit: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning landscapes of rugged mountains and peaceful prairies. You can hike, do yoga in nature, or simply enjoy the stunning vistas. It’s a great place to take a break from traveling and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, yoga in nature, wildlife watching, and scenic vistas.
5. Relax at The Artesian Hotel (Sulphur)
Why Visit: Located near Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur has a focus on wellness. The hotel offers a spa with a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs. After your spa treatment, take a stroll through the nearby natural springs or explore the nearby park, which is full of opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Wellness Focus: Spa treatments, relaxation, mineral springs, and walking through nature.
6. Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Sulphur)
Why Visit: The Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers natural springs, hiking trails, and peaceful lakes. You can swim in the cool waters of Veterans Lake or enjoy a scenic walk around the springs. The park is an excellent spot for outdoor relaxation, offering a peaceful atmosphere perfect for meditation, yoga, and reflection.
Wellness Focus: Swimming, hiking, meditation by the springs, and outdoor relaxation.
7. Spavinaw Hills Wildlife Management Area (Spavinaw)
Why Visit: If you love hiking and quiet reflection, the Spavinaw Hills Wildlife Management Area offers beautiful, tranquil trails to explore. Nestled in the Ozarks, this area provides solitude and a chance to disconnect. It’s a peaceful place for walking, picnicking, and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, nature walks, and peaceful retreats.
8. Quartz Mountain State Park (Lone Wolf)
Why Visit: Located near Quartz Mountain, this park offers stunning mountain views and a tranquil environment perfect for wellness activities. You can hike the mountain trails, swim in the lake, or enjoy peaceful camping. The area’s quiet, natural beauty makes it an ideal place for meditation and recharging after a long drive.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, swimming, outdoor relaxation, and quiet meditation.
9. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum (Claremore)
Why Visit: The Will Rogers Memorial Museum offers a blend of history and relaxation, situated in the scenic Claremore hills. While the museum itself focuses on the life of Will Rogers, you can take a peaceful walk around the grounds, relax in the garden, or meditate while enjoying the beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
Wellness Focus: Quiet reflection, walking in the gardens, and connecting with history.
10. Yoga in the Park (Tulsa)
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a group wellness experience, check out Yoga in the Park in Tulsa. Held in one of the city’s serene parks, these outdoor yoga sessions allow you to practice in a peaceful setting while connecting with nature and others.
Wellness Focus: Yoga, mindfulness, and community wellness activities.
11. The Rock Creek Trails (Norman)
Why Visit: Rock Creek Trails in Norman offers a peaceful environment for walking, jogging, or cycling. The natural surroundings are perfect for quiet contemplation or outdoor yoga. Take a break along the trails and enjoy the peaceful environment for self-reflection or simply to unwind.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, walking, jogging, and outdoor relaxation.
12. Red Rock Canyon State Park (Hinton)
Why Visit: Red Rock Canyon State Park offers a quiet and stunning environment with beautiful red rock formations, hiking trails, and a serene creek. It’s a great spot for meditation or yoga in nature, and the peaceful surroundings will help you feel rejuvenated.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, outdoor yoga, and connecting with the natural world.
13. Healing Springs (Sulphur)
Why Visit: Known for its mineral-rich waters, Healing Springs in Sulphur offers a chance to relax and recharge by soaking in the waters believed to have therapeutic benefits. Whether you’re relaxing by the spring or taking a peaceful walk in the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area, this is an ideal spot for wellness seekers.
Wellness Focus: Mineral baths, relaxation, and healing waters.
14. Meditation at the Spiritual Living Center (Tulsa)
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a spiritual retreat along Route 66, the Spiritual Living Center in Tulsa offers meditation sessions, quiet reflection, and peaceful community events. This is a perfect stop for those seeking a deeper connection to self-care and wellness practices.
Wellness Focus: Meditation, spiritual wellness, and peaceful reflection.
15. Hiking at the Ozark Plateau (Eastern Oklahoma)
Why Visit: For wellness travelers looking to get away from it all, the Ozark Plateau provides miles of hiking trails through lush forests and peaceful streams. The untouched beauty of the plateau offers the perfect environment for a quiet and reflective walk, meditation, or yoga in nature.
Wellness Focus: Hiking, outdoor yoga, and connecting with nature.
Wellness Tips for Route 66 in Oklahoma:
Stay Hydrated: Oklahoma can be hot, especially in summer, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
Pack Light and Comfortable: If you plan on hiking or doing yoga, bring light, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.
Embrace the Quiet: Many of Oklahoma’s Route 66 attractions are more remote and offer a peaceful atmosphere, making it easier to take time for relaxation, reflection, and self-care.
Mindful Moments: Take time throughout your trip to practice mindfulness, whether it’s meditating by a lake, practicing yoga on a mountain trail, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset.