10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Stillwater, Oklahoma (Payne County)
If you’re looking for a laid‑back college town with real Oklahoma charm,
Stillwater, OK should be on your list. Tucked in
Payne County, roughly halfway between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Stillwater is home to Oklahoma State University, great local food, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a long weekend, or visiting OSU, here are
10 things to do in and near Stillwater that offer a real taste of this friendly town.
1. Explore Oklahoma State University’s Beautiful Campus
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the
Oklahoma State University (OSU) campus. It’s one of Stillwater’s biggest attractions and an easy place to spend a morning or afternoon just wandering.
Stroll past the stately
Edmon Low Library and its large fountain, then walk over to
Theta Pond. In spring, the trees are lush and green, and you’ll often see ducks gliding across the water. It’s a peaceful spot to sit on a bench and people‑watch.
If you’re visiting in the fall, the campus really comes alive. Orange and black decorations, students in OSU gear, and a buzz in the air around game days make it feel like a classic college town movie set.
- Great for: walking, photos, casual exploring
- Tip: Parking is easier on weekends or late afternoons.
2. Catch Game Day Excitement at Boone Pickens Stadium
If you’re in Stillwater during football season, try to experience an
OSU Cowboys game at
Boone Pickens Stadium. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the energy is contagious.
The stadium sits right on campus, and on fall Saturdays the whole town seems to turn orange. Fans set up tailgates, music plays, and you’ll see everything from cowboy hats to body paint.
Inside the stadium, the crowd is loud and proud, but still family‑friendly. Hearing the roar when OSU scores a touchdown is a “you had to be there” kind of moment.
- Great for: sports fans, families, college town vibes
- Tip: Buy tickets early for big rivalry games, and plan for extra time to find parking.
3. Step Back in Time at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum
Stillwater might surprise you with this one. It’s home to the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, a must‑see for wrestling fans and sports history buffs.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Historic photos and memorabilia
- Olympic stories and highlights
- Interactive displays that help explain the sport’s history in the U.S.
Even if you didn’t wrestle in high school, it’s fun to see how deep the tradition runs in Oklahoma and across the country. The exhibits do a good job of telling personal stories, not just listing stats.
- Great for: sports lovers, families, history fans
- Tip: Plan about 1–2 hours, and pair it with a walk around campus since it’s nearby.
4. Relax by the Water at Boomer Lake Park
If you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Stillwater,
Boomer Lake Park is one of the best spots in town.
This large lake and park north of campus offers:
- A paved walking and biking trail that loops around the water
- Fishing spots along the shore
- Plenty of picnic areas and open space
You might see joggers, families with strollers, or college students sprawled out on blankets. On a calm evening, the sunset over the water is worth slowing down for.
If you like a little more activity, bring a bike or a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
- Great for: walking, biking, picnics, photography
- Tip: Early mornings and evenings are cooler and less crowded in summer.
5. Visit the Botanical Beauty of The Botanic Garden at OSU
Just a short drive from central Stillwater, you’ll find a peaceful escape at
The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University. It feels like you’ve stepped out of town and into a quiet country garden.
You can wander through:
- Themed gardens with flowers and native plants
- Shaded walking paths
- Small ponds and natural areas
It’s the kind of place where you naturally start walking slower and taking deeper breaths. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll enjoy exploring the paths and spotting butterflies.
- Great for: nature lovers, couples, quiet time
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water on hot days. Check for seasonal events and plant sales.
6. Experience Farm Life at Lost Creek Safari
Looking for something a little different? Head just outside Stillwater to
Lost Creek Safari, a small, hands‑on
USDA‑licensed exotic animal park.
Here, you can:
- Feed and pet friendly animals
- See species you don’t normally find on a typical farm
- Get up close for photos and fun family moments
It has more of a personal, family‑run feel than a huge zoo, which is part of its charm. Kids tend to love it, but plenty of adults end up grinning just as much when a curious animal walks right up to them.
- Great for: families with kids, animal lovers, small groups
- Tip: Check opening days and hours before driving out; they can vary by season.
7. Eat Like a Local at Iconic Stillwater Restaurants
You can’t talk about fun things to do in Stillwater without talking about the food. This town takes local flavor seriously.
Two spots in particular draw visitors from all over Oklahoma:
Eskimo Joe’s
This famous restaurant and bar is known for:
- Cheese fries and classic burgers
- Lively, college‑town atmosphere
- Its trademark smiling logo on T‑shirts and souvenirs
It’s a little loud, a little crowded, and very fun—especially on weekends and game days.
The Hideaway Pizza
A Stillwater original, Hideaway serves up:
- Thick, cheesy pizzas with lots of toppings
- Colorful, casual dining rooms filled with OSU spirit
- Options that work well for groups and families
If you’re anything like most visitors, you might end up eating here more than once.
- Great for: casual dining, groups, classic Stillwater experience
- Tip: Expect waits during peak times; late afternoons are usually easier.
8. Dive Into Local History at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar
To understand how Stillwater and Payne County became what they are today, stop by the
Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar.
The museum shares:
- Stories from the early pioneer and settlement days
- Photos and artifacts showing how the town has changed
- Rotating exhibits on local life and culture
It’s not overwhelming or too big. You can explore at your own pace and walk away with a better feel for the area’s roots.
- Great for: history lovers, curious travelers, rainy or hot afternoons
- Tip: Check their website or social media for special programs or temporary exhibits.
9. Enjoy Live Music, Shopping, and Events in Downtown Stillwater
Downtown Stillwater might be smaller than a big city, but it has a cozy, local feel that’s easy to love.
Along Main Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find:
- Local shops selling gifts, clothing, and OSU gear
- Cafés and coffee shops perfect for a quiet break
- Bars and venues with live music on certain nights
On some weekends, you’ll run into special events, car shows, or street festivals. If you enjoy discovering a town’s personality through its small businesses, this is where you’ll feel it most.
- Great for: evening strolls, shopping, nightlife
- Tip: Ask locals or check online for what’s happening the weekend you’re in town.
10. Get Outdoors in Payne County: Lakes, Trails, and Country Drives
If you’re willing to drive a bit outside Stillwater,
Payne County offers quiet country scenery and outdoor recreation that can turn a simple weekend into a full mini‑getaway.
Here are a few ideas:
- Kaw Lake day trip (about an hour or so away):
Great for boating, fishing, and wide‑open water views. Pack a cooler and make a day of it.
- Scenic drives around Payne County:
Take the back roads, especially near sunset, and you’ll see big skies, farm fields, and classic Oklahoma landscapes.
- Small‑town stops:
Check out nearby communities for local diners, antique stores, and friendly chats with locals.
Sometimes the best part of visiting Stillwater is stepping just outside it and seeing what rural Oklahoma looks and feels like.
- Great for: road trippers, photographers, anyone needing a reset
- Tip: Fill up your gas tank in town and bring snacks and water, as services can be spaced out.
Planning Your Stillwater Trip
Stillwater works well for:
- A college visit weekend
- A family road trip stop between Oklahoma City and Tulsa
- A sports‑themed trip built around an OSU game
- A relaxed couple’s weekend with good food and easy walks
You’ll find a mix of chain hotels and local lodging, plus plenty of reasonably priced places to eat. Most main attractions are within a short drive of one another, which makes getting around simple.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a true Oklahoma college town, with friendly people, wide streets, and a slower pace,
Stillwater, Oklahoma is a perfect choice.
Share Your Stillwater Stories
Have you been to Stillwater or Payne County?
- Which spot was your favorite?
- Did you discover a great restaurant or hidden gem that deserves a shout‑out?
I’d love to hear your tips, questions, and experiences.
Drop a comment below and share your own Stillwater travel story, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip through Oklahoma. Your insight might help someone else plan their perfect Stillwater getaway.
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