10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Owasso, Oklahoma
If you live in
Owasso, Oklahoma and feel like you’ve already done every park, restaurant, and movie theater in town, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you’ve got small towns, lakes, museums, and quirky stops just waiting for a quick road trip.
Here are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Owasso that take you into nearby counties like Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Rogers, Wagoner, and Washington. All of these are great for a day trip or a relaxed weekend.
1. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve – Osage County
About 50–60 minutes northwest of Owasso,
Woolaroc feels like stepping into another world.
You drive through rolling hills, then suddenly you’re in a place with:
- Buffalo, elk, and longhorn cattle roaming the grounds
- A surprisingly large western art museum
- Historic oil boom and aviation exhibits
- Shaded picnic areas and walking paths
Set on the old ranch of oilman Frank Phillips, it mixes Oklahoma history, Native American art, and wide-open space. It’s a great spot if you like museums but also want to be outdoors.
I’ve walked those trails on hot summer afternoons, and there’s something calm about watching buffalo graze just a few yards away. It doesn’t feel like “touristy Oklahoma.” It just feels real.
Why go from Owasso?
It’s close enough for a half-day trip, but there’s plenty to fill a full day. Families, couples, and history buffs all find something to enjoy here.
2. Pioneer Woman Mercantile & Downtown Pawhuska – Osage County
If you’ve ever watched
The Pioneer Woman on TV, you already know about
Pawhuska, roughly an hour northwest of Owasso.
At
The Mercantile you’ll find:
- Hearty comfort food (think chicken fried steak, biscuits, and pie)
- A fun, multi-level bakery and coffee area
- A big country store full of kitchen goods and gifts
The whole downtown area has seen a revival thanks to the show. You can stroll around, snap photos of old brick buildings, and browse little shops.
Tip: Lines at The Mercantile can get long on weekends. If you’re an early riser, get there closer to opening time for shorter waits.
3. Lake Skiatook – Osage & Other Nearby Counties
Looking for water, sunshine, and sunsets?
Lake Skiatook is one of the prettiest lakes within a short drive of Owasso, sitting mainly in Osage County.
What you can do:
- Rent a boat or jet ski at the marina
- Swim in clear coves
- Go fishing for bass or crappie
- Relax at a lakeside restaurant or patio (seasonal)
Lake Skiatook is known for its rugged shoreline and blue water. It feels less crowded than some other Oklahoma lakes, which is a nice bonus if you want peace and quiet.
From Owasso: Plan about a 40–50 minute drive depending on which part of the lake you visit.
4. Bartlesville & Price Tower – Washington County
Head north about 45–55 minutes and you’ll reach
Bartlesville in Washington County, a town with a strong oil history and some surprising architecture.
One standout is the
Price Tower, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s a tall, coppery, geometric building that looks like nothing else in Oklahoma.
Things to do in Bartlesville:
- Tour or visit Price Tower (check current tour options)
- Walk around historic downtown
- Explore local museums and small shops
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café
If you’re into design or photography, this is an easy but inspiring trip from Owasso.
5. Claremore & Will Rogers Memorial Museum – Rogers County
About 30–40 minutes east of Owasso,
Claremore sits in Rogers County and is closely tied to humorist and actor
Will Rogers.
The
Will Rogers Memorial Museum includes:
- Movie clips and recordings
- Personal items and exhibits on his life
- Beautiful views over the hills
Even if you don’t know much about him, the museum gives you a sense of old-school Oklahoma charm and wit. Afterward, stroll through downtown Claremore, which has antique shops and local diners.
Why it’s perfect from Owasso:
It’s a short, low-stress drive and makes a great half-day trip. Add lunch or a coffee stop to stretch it into a full day.
6. Blue Whale of Catoosa – Rogers County
This one is pure roadside Americana. Just off historic
Route 66 in Rogers County, the bright blue whale sitting in a small pond is one of Oklahoma’s most iconic oddball stops.
At the
Blue Whale of Catoosa you can:
- Walk inside the whale structure
- Take fun, silly photos
- Have a picnic at nearby tables
- Stretch your legs during a longer Route 66 drive
From Owasso, it’s an easy 20–30 minute trip, depending on where you start. If you’re traveling with kids, they usually love this stop. Honestly, so do most adults.
7. Sequoyah Bay State Park – Wagoner County
Head about an hour southeast of Owasso and you’ll reach
Sequoyah Bay State Park near Fort Gibson Lake in Wagoner County.
This is a laid-back, budget-friendly nature trip with:
- Picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Playgrounds and open fields
- Boat ramps and shoreline for fishing
- Plenty of shade in the warmer months
If your idea of a perfect day is a cooler packed with sandwiches, a couple of camp chairs, and plenty of time by the water, this spot will be right up your alley.
Tip from experience:
Bring bug spray, especially if you’re going in the evening during late spring or summer. The views at sunset are worth it, but the mosquitoes think so too.
8. Okmulgee & Dripping Springs / Okmulgee Lake Area – Okmulgee County
Drive about an hour south from Owasso into
Okmulgee County, and you can visit the quiet lake areas near Okmulgee.
Around the
Okmulgee / Dripping Springs lakes, you’ll find:
- Hiking trails through the woods
- Fishing spots along the shoreline
- Camping areas if you want to stay overnight
- Simple, peaceful lake views
On the way, the town of
Okmulgee itself has an old small-town feel, with historic buildings and local eateries where you can grab lunch or a snack.
This kind of trip is great if you just need to unplug. No big attractions, just slower pace and fresh air.
9. Pawnee & Pawnee Bill Ranch – Pawnee County
About an hour to the west of Owasso, in
Pawnee County, you’ll find the
Pawnee Bill Ranch and the town of Pawnee.
Pawnee Bill was a famous Wild West showman, and his ranch now offers:
- A historic home and small museum
- Buffalo, longhorn, and other animals on the grounds
- Seasonal events with an old-west flair
The town of Pawnee itself has a classic Oklahoma courthouse square and a relaxed, old-fashioned feel. It’s the sort of place where you might end up chatting with locals at a diner over pie and coffee.
10. Sapulpa’s Route 66 Charm – Creek County
West and a bit south of Owasso, in
Creek County, you’ll find
Sapulpa, another town with strong
Route 66 roots.
Things to explore in and around Sapulpa:
- Vintage Route 66 signs and photo spots
- Historic downtown buildings
- Local diners and burger joints with that classic roadside feel
If you enjoy the nostalgia of the “Mother Road,” Sapulpa makes for a fun, themed day trip. You can easily pair it with a stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa if you feel like making a mini Route 66 loop from Owasso.
Tips for Short Road Trips From Owasso
To make these day trips from Owasso smoother and more enjoyable:
- Check hours for museums and attractions before you go.
- Pack a small cooler with water and snacks, especially in summer.
- Keep some cash on hand for parking or small-town shops.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for lakes and outdoor spots.
None of these drives are very long, but planning a little helps you focus on enjoying the day instead of scrambling for details.
Ready to Hit the Road From Owasso?
Living in or near
Owasso, Oklahoma gives you a great starting point for easy road trips. In less than an hour or so, you can:
- See wildlife at Woolaroc
- Eat comfort food in Pawhuska
- Relax by the water at nearby lakes
- Walk through history in small-town museums
You don’t need a long vacation to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. Sometimes, all it takes is a tank of gas, a free afternoon, and a willingness to explore the counties around you.
Have you tried any of these road trips from Owasso?
Share your favorite nearby spots, hidden gems, or day-trip stories in the comments.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone in the Owasso area looking for new things to do near home.
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