Oklahoma Is Full Of Hidden Gems Most Of Us Drive Right Past

I'm not from here originally, but I spent many summers growing up in Oklahoma.

Dad worked in the oil business, so moving around was just part of life. By the time I was an adult, I'd already lived in a handful of places, and somehow I've ended up back in Oklahoma for the third time.

I like it here, but one thing I've noticed over the years is, everyone seems to complain a lot about this rumored lack of things to do. Everybody is always looking for somewhere else to go, something new to do.

Why Do We Always Leave Oklahoma In The Summer?

Growing up, it was usually Oklahoma City, Branson, or Dallas. These days it might be somewhere different, but I still see the same pattern. We spend half the summer trying to leave Oklahoma without really thinking about everything that's sitting right here.

That's probably normal. If you see the same things every day, they're no longer special, right?

Now don't get me wrong. I loved the yearly trip to Frontier City and White Water Bay. Do people still call it White Water Bay? I know it's Hurricane Harbor now, but as you get some age on you, you understand. What was will always be to most of us.

The "Been There, Done That" Problem

Most kids are so addicted to new experiences, with this odd "been there, done that" spoiled sensibility, so once they've been to the theme parks, that's it. Even my own nephews are convinced they've seen it all and done it all. And even though we read shampoo bottles while bored in the bathroom as kids, I'm sure we were the same to a lesser degree.

With age comes the realization that there are no boring places, only boring people. And in the weirdest way possible, a lot of Okies think the most incredible places are anywhere else.

No disrespect to Colorado, Arkansas, New Mexico, or Texas, but Oklahoma is full of stuff to do. You just have to have the gumption to get out and explore.

If nothing comes to mind, here are 10 hidden gems across Oklahoma that are absolutely worth the drive.