Trying to decide where to vacation this summer might be fun theoretically but once you start adding all the money, it's kinda depressing. Like many others, my family will be doing a series of 'staycations' where we seek out adventure within a day's drive.

In that vein, I wanted to find some beauty in our little corner of the world. The Oklahoma Tourism Bureau has tons of info on how to have fun in OK. They have even listed their top 10 most beautiful places in Oklahoma, which I have listed below and added a little bit about what I think of each one - I think number one will surprise you.

So here are the top 10 most beautiful places in Oklahoma according to the Oklahoma Tourism Bureau. Happy traveling!

Click on the titles for maps and more details

  • 10

    Robber's Cave State Park

    This state park has an awesome view and a deep history as one of the hideouts of Jesse James.  Lots of horse trails and the steep sandstone bluffs.

    Credit: Thomas & Dianne Jones via Flickr
    Credit: Thomas & Dianne Jones via Flickr
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  • 9

    Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve

    A nature preserve and state park in the northwest corner of OK.  It hosts OK's highest elevation and if you're a hiker, you can see three states at the same time.

    Credit: Chris M. Morris via Flickr
    Credit: Chris M. Morris via Flickr
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  • 8

    Glover River

    The last major free-flowing river in Oklahoma.  This is one of the best places to drop a canoe in OK.  There is a lot of fishing and it's pretty secluded and still virtually 'wild.'  If you want to truly disconnect, this could be the spot

    Credit: Robert Nunnally via Flickr
    Credit: Robert Nunnally via Flickr
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  • 7

    Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

    A 1,300 miles of scenic shoreline bordered by five state parks.  Even when we're in drought, it is still beautiful and full of things to do.

    Credit: groov3 via Flickr
    Credit: groov3 via Flickr
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  • 6

    Talimena National Scenic Byway

    The place to go if you want to see the leaves change in the fall.  Going through the mountains is beautiful anytime, but fall really shines.  This would be an amazing ride on the back of a motorcycle.

    Credit: fw_gadget via Flickr
    Credit: fw_gadget via Flickr
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  • 5

    Natural Falls State Park

    Located in the northeastern part of the state and even has a 77-foot waterfall (that you don't have to turn on and off. . . this is a REAL one).  Lots of trails and camping and hiking.

    Credit: oklanica via Flickr
    Credit: oklanica via Flickr
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  • 4

    Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park

    You can smell the pines and sit by the river and read a book  It makes you think you are in Vermont until you meet someone along a hiking trail and you realize that people this friendly are really from Oklahoma.

    Credit: fw_gadget via Flickr
    Credit: fw_gadget via Flickr
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  • 3

    Chickasaw National Recreation Area

    Near Sulphur this area is a great place for hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, going on a picnic and doing whatever else makes you happy.  It used to be call the "Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters" by the Chickasaw Nation.

    Credit: Jonathan C. Wheeler via Flickr
    Credit: Jonathan C. Wheeler via Flickr
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  • 2

    Quartz Mountain Resort

    One of the coolest places I've visited.  In fact, we had a great company retreat there in the winter with the snow sparkling on the ground.  The lake is amazing, the wildlife is fantastic and it makes you think of the happiest times of your life.

    Credit: Nate via Flickr
    Credit: Nate via Flickr
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  • 1

    Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

    The NUMBER ONE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN OKLAHOMA ACCORDING TO TRAVELOK.COM.  It's pretty impressive that this designation belongs to something in our own backyard.  With over 59,000 acres of ancient mountains and amazing history and wildlife, you can get a week's worth of fun in less than one day's drive.  Of course, if you've never gone up Mount Scott and seen the amazing views, you're missing out!

    Credit: Jonathan C. Wheeler via Flickr
    Credit: Jonathan C. Wheeler via Flickr
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