10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Moore, Oklahoma
If you live in Moore, Oklahoma and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find small‑town diners, lake views, Route 66 photo spots, and even wild bison.
All of the ideas below are
outside Cleveland County, so they’re perfect when you want a short
road trip from Moore without going too far. We’ll explore fun things to do in nearby
Canadian, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties.
1. Cruise Historic Route 66 in Yukon (Canadian County)
Looking for that classic
Route 66 vibe? Head about 30–40 minutes northwest to
Yukon in Canadian County.
You’ll find old‑school neon signs, murals, and family‑owned restaurants that feel like a step back in time. It’s an easy half‑day trip, but you can stretch it into a full day if you stop a lot.
- Walk along Main Street and grab coffee or a burger at a local spot.
- Look for Route 66 murals and quirky roadside photo ops.
- Plan your trip around local festivals like the Czech Festival if you like small‑town events.
If you grew up near Route 66, this drive feels like flipping through an old family photo album. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a fun excuse to get out of Moore for a few hours.
2. Lake Day at Lake Overholser (Oklahoma County)
Sometimes you just need water and open sky.
Lake Overholser, on the west side of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, is less than 45 minutes from Moore and feels surprisingly peaceful.
- Walk or bike the paths along the lake.
- Watch the sunset from the dam area.
- Bring a picnic and a book and just slow down for once.
On a clear evening, the sunlight on the water is gorgeous. It’s not a big flashy attraction, but that’s the charm. If you’re tired of busy city parks, this low‑key lake is a relaxing
day trip from Moore.
3. Art, Food, and Brick Streets in Downtown OKC (Oklahoma County)
Want something a little livelier? Point your car about 20–30 minutes north toward
downtown Oklahoma City.
You can build a full DIY day trip with a simple loop:
- Start in the Bricktown area for coffee and canal views.
- Walk to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and stretch your legs.
- Browse small shops or art galleries in Automobile Alley or nearby districts.
Downtown OKC is great if you like to just park once, then wander. Every time I’ve gone, I’ve discovered a new food spot or side street I hadn’t noticed before. If you want “city energy” without a long drive, this is one of the best
things to do near Moore.
4. Reflect and Remember at the Oklahoma City National Memorial (Oklahoma County)
For a more serious and meaningful trip, visit the
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in downtown OKC.
Even if you’ve been before, going back as an adult or with family can feel completely different. The memorial is outdoors and free to walk around, and the museum (ticketed) adds more context.
- Quiet paths and the Field of Empty Chairs encourage reflection.
- The reflecting pool offers a peaceful place to sit and think.
- It’s a powerful teaching moment if you bring older kids or teens.
It’s not a “fun” road trip in the silly sense, but it’s one of the most important
places to visit near Moore. Many people come away feeling grateful, thoughtful, and more connected to Oklahoma’s story.
5. Explore Old Town Norman (Cleveland Border / Oklahoma County Access)
Norman itself is in Cleveland County, so we’ll skip its attractions, but you can still enjoy the
short drive north through Oklahoma County roads to get to the outer edges and then into town.
Here’s a simple way to turn it into an enjoyable out‑of‑county drive with a Norman stop at the end:
- Take surface roads through south Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County) instead of the interstate.
- Stop at a local bakery or cafe on the way for breakfast.
- Continue on to explore Norman’s walkable downtown afterward.
The fun here is in the journey: two‑lane roads, fields, and that classic Oklahoma sky stretching for miles. If you ever feel like your week has been nothing but highway traffic, this slower route can be surprisingly refreshing.
6. Small‑Town Vibes in Purcell (McClain County)
About 20–30 minutes south of Moore, across the Canadian River, is
Purcell in McClain County—sometimes called the “Heart of Oklahoma.”
It’s a great quick trip when you want to see something different without planning all day.
- Stroll through the small downtown and pop into local shops.
- Check out country cafes for a plate of comfort food.
- Drive back roads and enjoy the rolling hills and horse farms.
If you like that slower, small‑town feel—where people still wave at you from their trucks—Purcell is a relaxed
short road trip from Moore.
7. River Views and Back Roads Near Lexington and Washington (McClain County)
Just a bit farther, the
LexingtonWashington
Follow back roads that run near the river and farmland.
Stop at small convenience stores or diners that locals love.
Bring a camera for those “big sky” Oklahoma shots.
Have you ever taken a drive with no firm plan—just a direction and a full tank of gas? That’s the spirit of this little adventure. It’s simple, but it can clear your head like nothing else.
8. Wildlife and Wide Open Spaces at the Wichita Mountains (via Canadian County Route)
The
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is farther out, but you can turn it into a full‑day road trip from Moore by swinging through parts of
Canadian County on the way.
You’ll likely pass through or near places like
Mustang or
El Reno as you head west before turning south toward the refuge.
Once you reach the refuge area:
- Watch for free‑roaming bison and longhorn cattle.
- Drive to scenic overlooks for huge rock and prairie views.
- Pack sandwiches and have a picnic surrounded by nature.
It’s one of the most iconic outdoor trips within a reasonable distance of Moore. You’ll be tired when you get home, but in that good, “I really did something today” kind of way.
9. Classic Americana in El Reno (Canadian County)
If you love old‑school diners and friendly locals, take the 45–60 minute drive to
El Reno in Canadian County.
El Reno has a real
small‑town on Route 66 feel, with a few unique local touches.
- Walk around downtown and check out historic buildings.
- Try a famous local onion burger at a hometown cafe.
- Explore a bit of Route 66 history and grab some fun photos.
Trips like this remind you that not every “vacation” needs a theme park or a huge budget. Sometimes all you need is good food, a short drive, and a change of scenery.
10. Casino Night or Food Stop in Shawnee (Pottawatomie County)
Looking east from Moore, about 45 minutes away, you’ll find
Shawnee in Pottawatomie County.
Whether you’re into gaming or just want new places to eat, it’s a fun option for a simple night out or a day trip.
- Try your luck at one of the local casinos (if that’s your thing).
- Explore historic downtown Shawnee and its brick streets.
- Check out local diners, bakeries, and coffee shops.
If you’re tired of hitting the same few restaurants around Moore and Oklahoma City, Shawnee adds a few more choices to your weekend list.
Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips from Moore
Want to make these little adventures smoother and more fun?
- Keep a “go bag” in the car: reusable water bottles, a light jacket, phone charger, and some snacks.
- Use back roads when you can: the journey can be just as good as the destination.
- Leave room for surprises: if you see an interesting sign for a local cafe or park, stop and check it out.
Some of the best
things to do near Moore aren’t big attractions at all—they’re those little discoveries you didn’t plan on.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near Moore?
You don’t have to drive all day or spend a ton of money to feel like you “got away.” From
Canadian County lakes and
Oklahoma County city spots to
McClain County small towns and
Pottawatomie County casinos, there are plenty of easy
day trips from Moore waiting just beyond your usual routine.
- Have you tried any of these road trips?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem outside Cleveland County?
Share your go‑to drives and must‑stop spots in the comments—your idea might inspire someone’s next Saturday adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family in the Moore area who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
They might be surprised by how many fun little trips are just a short drive away.
Comments
Post a Comment