10 Easy Road Trips From Enid, Oklahoma: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Garfield County
Looking for fun
day trips from Enid, Oklahoma that don’t take all day to reach? You’re in a great spot. Enid sits near several smaller towns and outdoor gems that are perfect for quick road trips.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Garfield County, in nearby counties like Alfalfa, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, and Noble. So if you’re craving new scenery, you won’t have to drive more than a couple of hours.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge – Alfalfa County
If you only do one road trip from Enid, make it this one.
About an hour northwest, near Jet in
Alfalfa County, the
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge feels like you’ve left Oklahoma and landed on another planet. Wide white flats stretch out for miles, and it almost looks like snow in the middle of summer.
What can you do there?
- Dig for hourglass selenite crystals (seasonal and in designated areas)
- Birdwatch during spring and fall migration
- Hike the short nature trails
- Fish along the lakes and creeks
If you have kids, the crystal digging is a huge hit. You’ll get dusty and salty, but that’s part of the fun. Bring old clothes, buckets, and plenty of water.
Looking for a unique Instagram-worthy shot? Those salt flats at sunrise or sunset are hard to beat.
2. Great Salt Plains State Park – Alfalfa County
Right next door to the wildlife refuge is
Great Salt Plains State Park, also in Alfalfa County. Many people combine the two into one full day trip.
At the state park, you can:
- Camp or stay in cabins
- Kayak or boat on the lake
- Swim at the designated beach area
- Ride bikes on paved and dirt paths
The lake is shallow in many spots, which makes it friendly for families. If you’re used to clear blue mountain lakes, this one is different—salty, wide, and kind of eerie in a cool way.
Pack a picnic, throw a couple of camp chairs in the back of the truck, and just enjoy a slow day by the water.
3. Medford & Pond Creek Small-Town Stroll – Grant County
Sometimes you don’t need a big attraction. You just need a quiet small town, a cup of coffee, and a slower pace for a few hours.
Head north to
Grant County and check out
Medford and
Pond Creek.
Here’s how to make a simple day of it:
- Walk Medford’s small downtown and check out local shops and cafes.
- Drive the country roads and enjoy wide-open wheat and canola fields.
- Stop in Pond Creek for a bite at a local diner.
On a clear evening, the sunsets out there seem to go on forever. If you’re used to city lights, you’ll notice right away how bright the stars are once the sun goes down.
It’s nothing fancy—and that’s exactly the charm.
4. Kaw Lake Adventures – Kay County
Drive northeast from Enid to
Kaw Lake in
Kay County, and you’ll find one of northern Oklahoma’s favorite water spots.
Kaw Lake offers:
- Fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass
- Boating and jet skiing
- Camping at several public campgrounds
- Hiking and horseback riding on surrounding trails
If you’re into fishing, this lake has a strong reputation in Oklahoma. I know families who plan their whole summer around a few Kaw Lake weekends.
It’s big enough that you can always find your own quiet cove, even on busy days. Pack your cooler, grab sunscreen, and plan to stay for sunset—it’s worth it.
5. Ponca City History & Mansions – Kay County
After some lake time, or as a separate trip, head to
Ponca City in Kay County. This is one of the best
road trips from Enid if you like history and architecture.
Ponca City was an oil boom town, and you can still see that past in its grand homes and historic sites.
Top things to check out:
- The famous oil-era mansion and its gardens
- Downtown Ponca City shops and local restaurants
- Public art and historic markers around town
Strolling through the older neighborhoods feels a bit like time travel. It’s a nice change of pace from Enid, without being overwhelming.
6. Hennessey Wine & Wheat Country – Kingfisher County
Head south from Enid into
Kingfisher County, and you’ll reach
Hennessey, a small town that mixes farm country with a surprising touch of wine culture.
On this trip, you can:
- Visit a local winery or tasting room (check hours before you go).
- Drive scenic farm roads lined with wheat and hay fields.
- Grab lunch in town and walk around main street.
This is a great couples’ day trip or a relaxed outing with friends. It’s close enough that you don’t have to rush, and you can easily be back in Enid by evening.
If you time it around harvest season, you might even catch combines rolling through the fields—that’s real Oklahoma life right there.
7. Kingfisher: Pioneer History & Rivers – Kingfisher County
While you’re in Kingfisher County, give the county seat,
Kingfisher, its own visit. This is another easy
day trip near Enid with a nice mix of history and outdoor time.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk through town and explore historic buildings.
- Enjoy park space near the river—great for a picnic.
- Drive a loop around town to see classic Oklahoma neighborhoods and farmland.
It’s the kind of place where you can park the car, take your time, and feel like you’ve stepped back a few decades in the best way.
8. Guthrie’s Victorian Charm – Logan County
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, head southeast to
Guthrie in
Logan County. This is one of the most charming
historic towns near Enid.
Guthrie is known for its
Victorian-era downtown, brick streets, and well-preserved buildings. It was once the territorial capital, and it still has that “old capital city” feel.
Things to enjoy:
- Walk the brick streets and browse antique shops.
- Check out old churches and restored storefronts.
- Grab coffee or ice cream and people-watch.
Guthrie is especially fun around the holidays, when the town decorates and hosts special events. But honestly, it’s worth a visit any time of year.
If you like photography, you’ll leave with a full camera roll.
9. Canton Lake & Outdoors – Major County
Head west from Enid into
Major County and beyond, and you’ll reach
Canton Lake, a popular spot for camping and lake life.
While the main lake stretches into another county, you’ll pass through Major County and some pretty countryside to get there, making it a solid road trip idea from Enid.
At or around the lake, you can:
- Camp in tents or RVs
- Boat, ski, and tube on the water
- Fish early in the morning or around sunset
- Stargaze once it gets dark—far from city lights
This is a great weekend getaway if you want to sleep under the stars and unplug for a bit. Bring layers; even in warmer months, nights by the lake can get cool.
10. Perry & the Heart of Noble County
Finally, head east from Enid to
Perry in
Noble County. This small town has a classic Oklahoma courthouse square and a proud local history.
Here’s how to enjoy a simple day in Perry:
- Walk around the courthouse square and check out local businesses.
- Find a local café for breakfast or lunch.
- Take a short drive through town to see older neighborhoods and parks.
Perry has that “everyone knows everyone” feel, and it’s a comfortable place to slow down and take a breath. It’s an easy half-day trip from Enid when you just want to get out of your usual routine.
Tips for Planning Your Enid Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Enid even smoother, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check hours and seasons for lakes, parks, and attractions, especially crystal digging and campgrounds.
- Keep gas in the tank before you hit smaller highways—stations can be spread out.
- Bring water and snacks, especially for kids or longer drives.
- Watch the weather—Oklahoma storms can roll in fast.
You don’t need a huge budget to explore. Most of these spots are either free or low-cost, and the drive itself is half the fun.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Enid
Those are 10 easy, out-of-county
things to do near Enid, Oklahoma, in Alfalfa, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, and Noble counties. Whether you’re into lakes, history, or just quiet country drives, you’ve got plenty of options within a short distance.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
- Have you visited any of these places?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem near Enid that others should know about?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy Oklahoma road trip ideas out of Enid. The more we share, the more people discover how much there is to do right in our own backyard.
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