10 Easy Road Trips From Midwest City, Oklahoma: Fun Things To Do Nearby
If you live in or near
Midwest City, Oklahoma and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour or so, you can reach small towns, lakes, museums, and historic sites that feel a world away from your usual routine.
The best part? All of these ideas are
out of Oklahoma County
Canadian County, OK
Cleveland County, OK
Kingfisher County, OK
Lincoln County, OK
Logan County, OK
Pottawatomie County, OK
Most of these road trips from Midwest City are within a 30–60 minute drive, which makes them perfect for a half-day or full-day escape.
1. Wander the Historic Streets of Guthrie (Logan County)
About 45 minutes north of Midwest City, Guthrie, OK feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. This old territorial capital is packed with red-brick buildings, antique shops, and quirky little spots around every corner.
Why go:
- Stroll through the Guthrie Historic District with its late 1800s and early 1900s architecture.
- Browse antique stores and vintage shops along the main streets.
- Grab coffee or a snack at a local café and people-watch.
If you like old buildings and ghost stories, Guthrie is your place. In the fall, the brick streets and changing leaves make it especially cozy.
Road-tip: Wear comfy shoes. You’ll want to park once and walk most of the day.
2. Enjoy Lake Fun at Lake Thunderbird State Park (Cleveland County)
About 40–45 minutes south of Midwest City, Lake Thunderbird State Park near Norman is a classic Oklahoma getaway. If you’ve been craving water, trees, and open sky, this is an easy win.
Things to do:
- Swim at the designated swim beaches.
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bring your own boat.
- Hike or bike the lakeside trails.
- Pack a picnic and find a shady spot by the shore.
On a hot summer day, this quick lake escape can feel like a mini-vacation. It’s a handy spot for families, couples, or even a quiet solo afternoon.
Road-tip: Throw in sunscreen, bug spray, and a cooler with drinks. The Oklahoma sun doesn’t play around.
3. Explore Downtown Norman & Campus Corner (Cleveland County)
Just under an hour from Midwest City, Norman, OK mixes college-town energy with small-town charm. Even if you’re not a Sooner fan, the area around the University of Oklahoma is fun to wander.
Don’t miss:
- Walking around Campus Corner – bars, restaurants, and local shops.
- Checking out street art and murals in downtown Norman.
- Grabbing a burger, taco, or coffee at a local spot.
On game days, the town buzzes with energy. On quieter weekends, it’s a relaxed spot for browsing, eating, and just hanging out.
Road-tip: Park near downtown and explore on foot. If you’re there in the evening, plan for dinner and maybe some live music.
4. Step Back in Time in Kingfisher (Kingfisher County)
Kingfisher sits about an hour northwest of Midwest City and offers a peaceful slice of small-town Oklahoma life. It’s a nice change of pace from city traffic.
What to do:
- Check out local historic sites and markers around town.
- Walk through the town center and notice the old storefronts and classic architecture.
- Grab lunch at a local diner and chat with the regulars if you’re feeling friendly.
Kingfisher isn’t about big attractions. It’s more about slowing down, taking a drive through the countryside, and enjoying the quiet.
Road-tip: Make it a “scenic drive” day: head out on backroads, roll down the windows, and enjoy the open farm views.
5. Discover the Heart of Shawnee (Pottawatomie County)
About 45 minutes east of Midwest City, Shawnee, OK is one of the easiest day trips you can make. The downtown area has been getting more attention lately, with new shops, restaurants, and murals.
Things to check out:
- Walk through downtown Shawnee and look for public art and historic buildings.
- Stop into a bakery or coffee shop for a treat.
- Visit local boutiques for handmade goods and gifts.
Shawnee has that classic “main street” feel, with a mix of old and new. It’s an easy place to wander for a few hours without a strict plan.
Road-tip: If you like photography, bring your camera. The murals and old brick storefronts make great backdrops.
6. Drive the Backroads to Chandler (Lincoln County)
Just under an hour east of Midwest City, Chandler, OK is a small town with Route 66 vibes and a relaxed atmosphere.
What to enjoy:
- Cruise portions of old Route 66 on your way to or from Chandler.
- Explore the town center and look for historic signs and buildings.
- Stop at a mom-and-pop spot for lunch or a slice of pie.
If you like Americana, road history, or simple, quiet towns, Chandler makes a great low-key weekend drive.
Road-tip: Take the slower roads when you can instead of the highway. Half the fun is the drive itself.
7. Stroll Through El Reno’s Historic District (Canadian County)
Around 45–50 minutes west of Midwest City, El Reno, OK offers history, food, and that open-sky Western feel.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- Walk the historic downtown and check out the old buildings and storefronts.
- Try a famous local onion burger at a long-time El Reno spot.
- Explore a bit of Route 66 heritage passing through the area.
El Reno has a down-to-earth vibe and is especially fun if you enjoy small-town diners and a little bit of road-trip nostalgia.
Road-tip: Go hungry. The onion burgers are a must-try if you’ve never had one.
8. Relax by the Water at Lake Overholser Area (Canadian County)
On the far west side of the metro, in Canadian County, the Lake Overholser area makes a simple, laid-back day trip from Midwest City.
Things to do:
- Walk or bike along the dam and lakeside trails.
- Fish from the shoreline or nearby spots if you have your gear.
- Catch a sunset over the water – it’s often gorgeous.
This is an easy escape when you don’t want to go far, but you need some space, fresh air, and water views.
Road-tip: It’s a great spot for an evening drive after work, especially in spring and fall.
9. Take a Country Drive to Wellston & Rural Lincoln County
Head about 45 minutes east toward Wellston, OK and you’ll find rolling hills, open fields, and a taste of rural Oklahoma life.
What makes it special:
- A peaceful drive with less traffic and more scenery.
- Small-town stops where you can grab a snack or drink.
- Country roads that are perfect for clearing your head.
Sometimes the best things to do near Midwest City are the simplest. A slow drive, windows down, good playlist on, and you’re set.
Road-tip: Fill up on gas before you go, and download your music in case cell service gets spotty on backroads.
10. Sunday Drive to Crescent & Rural Logan County
About an hour northwest of Midwest City, up past Guthrie, lies the Crescent, OK area in Logan County. It’s a good pick if you like truly quiet small towns.
What to expect:
- Classic small-town main street with local businesses.
- Surrounding farmland and long stretches of two-lane roads.
- Big Oklahoma skies that seem to go on forever.
This is one of those spots where you don’t need a checklist. Just drive, stop where things look interesting, and enjoy being away from the crowds.
Road-tip: This makes a great Sunday afternoon drive before the workweek kicks back in.
Tips for Road Trips From Midwest City
To keep your short road trips easy and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check hours: Small-town restaurants and shops may close early or be closed on Sundays.
- Bring cash: Some local spots still prefer cash or have card minimums.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, charger, sunglasses, and a light jacket depending on the season.
- Be flexible: The best road-trip finds are often the ones you don’t plan.
When I’ve taken similar trips around Oklahoma, the stops that stick with me aren’t always the “big” attractions. It’s the small bakery with the friendly owner, the quiet park bench by a lake, or the unexpected mural in a tiny downtown.
Ready to Plan Your Next Midwest City Road Trip?
From historic Guthrie and college-town Norman to relaxed lakes and quiet farm roads, there are plenty of things to do near Midwest City, Oklahoma without going far. You don’t need a plane ticket or a week off. Just a tank of gas, a free afternoon, and a little curiosity.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these 10 road trip ideas would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, or Pottawatomie County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let everyone know your go-to day trip from Midwest City.
And if you found this list helpful, please share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” They might just discover their new favorite weekend escape.
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