10 Easy Road Trips From Del City, Oklahoma: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The County
If you live in or near Del City, Oklahoma, you probably know all the usual spots around home. But what about those
short road trips just beyond Oklahoma County?
Today, we’re heading out of the county lines and into these nearby areas:
Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, and Pottawatomie counties. All of these are an easy drive from Del City and perfect for a day trip or a simple weekend escape.
Think small-town charm, great food, Route 66 vibes, lakes, and wide-open skies. Gas up the car, pack some snacks, and let’s go.
1. Route 66 Cruising & Shopping in El Reno (Canadian County)
El Reno sits about 35–45 minutes west of Del City and serves up a classic slice of
Route 66 nostalgia.
Why go: Old-school diners, onion burgers, and small-town charm.
- Stroll Downtown El Reno: Wander the historic streets, pop into antique shops, and check out the murals. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.
- Chase Route 66 history: Follow the old highway signs, stop at roadside markers, and imagine what road trips felt like back in the 1950s.
- Try the famous onion burger: El Reno is known for its fried onion burgers. They’re simple, messy, and incredibly good.
If you like slow drives, vintage signs, and a small-town feel, this is an easy half-day trip from Del City.
2. Lake Hefner Views & Trails (Canadian County Side)
Lake Hefner stretches across the northwest side of the Oklahoma City metro, and parts of its surroundings touch Canadian County. It’s a quick drive from Del City—usually around 25–35 minutes.
What to do:
- Walk or bike the trail: There’s a paved trail that loops much of the lake. You’ll see joggers, cyclists, and families out enjoying the breeze.
- Watch the sailboats: On a nice, windy day, the sailboats look like something out of a postcard.
- Catch a sunset: The sunsets over the water can be stunning, especially on clear evenings.
It’s close enough for a quick escape but feels far from the usual neighborhood routine.
3. Norman’s College-Town Energy (Cleveland County)
Head about 30–40 minutes south of Del City and you’ll hit
Norman, home of the University of Oklahoma.
Why it’s worth the drive: It has that lively college-town energy without being overwhelming.
- Walk Campus Corner: This area near the university is packed with restaurants, shops, and coffee spots. Great for people-watching and grabbing lunch.
- Explore downtown Norman: Check out local boutiques, used bookstores, and art tucked into side streets.
- Game day vibe (even if it’s not game day): Even on a quiet weekend, you can feel the football culture just walking around.
If you like a mix of history, youth, and good food, Norman makes a fun and easy day trip.
4. Lake Thunderbird State Park Escape (Cleveland County)
Just east of Norman, about 40–50 minutes from Del City,
Lake Thunderbird State Park is a go-to option when you want some nature without driving hours.
What you can do:
- Picnics by the water: Pack a cooler, throw in some sandwiches, and grab a shady picnic table along the shoreline.
- Hiking and walking: The park has several trails with easy-to-moderate terrain—nothing too intense, just enough to stretch your legs.
- Boating and fishing: If you have a boat, kayak, or fishing gear, this lake is a convenient place to use it.
On a summer afternoon, it’s a simple way to cool down and feel like you’ve really “gone somewhere” without a long drive.
5. Small-Town Charm in Kingfisher (Kingfisher County)
Kingfisher sits northwest of Del City, roughly a 1–1.25 hour drive, depending on your route. The town feels like the kind of place where time slows down a bit.
Why visit: When you’re tired of city traffic, Kingfisher’s quiet streets and historic feel can be a breath of fresh air.
- Walk through the historic downtown: Classic storefronts, older brick buildings, and a relaxed pace.
- Check local cafés or diners: Sit down for a simple meal—burgers, chicken-fried steak, or pie—and enjoy that small-town hospitality.
- Drive the countryside: The drive itself can be part of the trip: open fields, big skies, and that wide-open Oklahoma feel.
If you need a reset, a simple drive to Kingfisher is a good way to clear your head.
6. Chandler’s Route 66 & Small-Town Stops (Lincoln County)
Chandler, in Lincoln County, sits along old
Route 66 and is about 45–55 minutes east of Del City.
Highlights:
- Route 66 atmosphere: You’ll see older buildings, vintage signs, and that classic highway charm.
- Stroll downtown Chandler: Walk around, browse local shops, and chat with folks. It’s laid-back and friendly.
- Roadside photo ops: Keep your eyes open for classic cars, murals, or old gas station fronts. These make fun photo stops for social media.
Chandler is ideal if you love road history and enjoy driving with no real rush.
7. Guthrie’s Historic Downtown (Logan County)
About 50–60 minutes north of Del City,
Guthrie feels like stepping into another era. It’s known for its well-preserved brick downtown and historic buildings.
What to enjoy:
- Walk the brick streets: The sidewalks and storefronts give off an old-time, Western-meets-Victorian vibe.
- Browse antique and vintage shops: You never know what you’ll find—records, old signs, furniture, and more.
- Seasonal events: Guthrie often hosts festivals, parades, and themed weekends. If you time your visit right, you might catch something special.
Guthrie is a great choice if you like history, architecture, and a slower pace.
8. Countryside Drive & Small-Town Stops Around Logan County
Sometimes the best
“thing to do” near Del City isn’t a single attraction; it’s the drive itself. Logan County, beyond Guthrie, has plenty of rural backroads.
Ideas for a simple day:
- Create your own loop: Use a map app to plan a loose loop north of Guthrie and just start exploring.
- Look for local cafes and small markets: Stop when something looks interesting. Some of the best finds are unplanned.
- Sunset drive back: Aim to be heading home around golden hour. Oklahoma’s evening skies can make even a regular county road look amazing.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to roll the windows down and play your favorite playlist, this kind of trip is hard to beat.
9. Shawnee’s Downtown Vibe (Pottawatomie County)
Shawnee lies about 40–50 minutes east of Del City and offers a lively mix of old and new.
Why Shawnee works for a short road trip:
- Walkable downtown: You’ll find local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and historic buildings all within a few blocks.
- Art and murals: Keep your eyes open for colorful street art—perfect if you like taking photos on your trips.
- Local eats: Grab lunch at a mom-and-pop spot and try something you can’t get from a chain restaurant.
Shawnee has just enough going on to fill a relaxed day without feeling crowded.
10. Lake & Backroad Combo Near Pottawatomie County
After checking out Shawnee, you can turn the day into a full mini road trip by exploring nearby lakes and backroads in and around Pottawatomie County.
How to make a full day of it:
- Start in Shawnee: Coffee, breakfast, and a walk downtown.
- Hit a nearby lake or recreation area: Bring a folding chair, a book, or a fishing pole and enjoy a few quiet hours near the water.
- Scenic drive home: Take a different route back toward Del City. Even a 10–15 minute detour can show you a side of Oklahoma you don’t usually see.
It’s a simple formula: town + lake + backroads = a low-stress day that still feels like a getaway.
Tips for Short Road Trips From Del City
To make these out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Keep a “go bag” in the car: Toss in a phone charger, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a reusable water bottle.
- Check hours before you go: Small-town shops and restaurants sometimes close early or on certain days.
- Bring cash: A few places may not take cards, especially in more rural areas.
- Take the scenic route: When possible, hop off the interstate and try state highways or farm-to-market roads.
A road trip doesn’t have to be long or expensive. From Del City, you can cross a county line in no time and feel like you’ve gone somewhere new.
Ready to Plan Your Next Del City Day Trip?
Living in or near Del City means you’re surrounded by easy getaways:
Route 66 towns, lakes, historic downtowns, college vibes, and peaceful backroads—all within roughly an hour’s drive.
Which of these
10 short road trips are you thinking about first?
- Are you more into lakes and nature or historic downtowns and diners?
- Do you prefer a quiet drive or a busy main street?
Share your thoughts in the comments:
Have you taken a favorite day trip from Del City that’s in Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, or Pottawatomie County?
Tell your story, drop your tips, and help other local travelers discover new places.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes, the best adventures are waiting just one county over.
Comments
Post a Comment