10 Easy Road Trips Near Sand Springs, Oklahoma (All Outside Tulsa County)
If you live in or around
Sand Springs, OK and you’re itching to hit the road, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find lakes, small towns, museums, and beautiful prairie views—without ever staying in Tulsa County.
This guide covers
10 short out-of-county road trips from Sand Springs to nearby counties like
Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Rogers, Wagoner, and Washington. It’s perfect for weekend adventures, day trips, or when you just need to get out and explore something new.
1. Mannford & Keystone Lake – Creek County Getaway
If you enjoy the water, a quick trip to
Mannford in Creek County is a great way to spend the day. While the town is small, it’s a popular launch point for exploring the western side of
Keystone Lake (the parts outside Tulsa County).
You can:
- Swim at one of the lake’s public swim areas
- Launch a boat and fish for bass, crappie, and catfish
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lakeside views
On summer weekends, you’ll see families grilling, kids splashing near the shore, and people cruising by on boats and jet skis. If you time it right, sunsets over the water can be incredible—fiery reds and oranges reflecting off the lake.
It’s an easy, low-stress road trip from Sand Springs that still feels like a mini vacation.
2. Bristow – Route 66 Charm in Creek County
Head southwest into
Bristow, OK, a classic small town with a strong
Route 66 vibe. If you enjoy roadside history and a relaxed downtown, this is a fun half-day or full-day trip.
Things to do in Bristow:
- Walk through the historic downtown and explore local shops
- Check out old Route 66 landmarks and vintage signs
- Grab a bite at a local café or diner
Bristow has that “step back in time” feeling. On my last visit, I ended up chatting with a local shop owner for 20 minutes about old Route 66 stories—one of those simple, unexpected travel moments that stick with you.
If you love small-town Americana, you’ll feel right at home.
3. Okmulgee – State Park Lakes & Small-Town Flavor
Drive south to
Okmulgee in Okmulgee County and you’ll find a nice mix of nature and local culture. It’s a great option if you want a full day of exploring.
Top stops near Okmulgee:
- Okmulgee Lake – Fishing, kayaking, camping, and quiet lakeside spots
- Dripping Springs Lake – Known for clear water and good boating
- Historic downtown – Old brick buildings, murals, and small eateries
If you like to hike, walk some of the trails around the lakes. They’re not extreme, but they’re enough to stretch your legs and enjoy the trees and water views. Bring a cooler, some snacks, and plan to stay until evening if you want that peaceful “lake at dusk” atmosphere.
4. Osage Hills State Park – Osage County’s Hidden Gem
Northwest of Sand Springs, in
Osage County, you’ll find
Osage Hills State Park—one of the more underrated state parks in Oklahoma.
Here you can:
- Hike through rolling hills and wooded trails
- Look for deer and wild turkeys along the road
- Fish in the park’s small lake or creek
- Stay in a rustic cabin if you want to turn it into an overnight trip
The scenery changes with the seasons. In the fall, the trees light up in shades of orange, yellow, and red. In spring, everything feels bright and fresh, perfect for a picnic. If you’re from Sand Springs and you’re used to town traffic and noise, the quiet out here can feel almost like a reset button.
5. Pawhuska – Pioneer Woman & Tallgrass Prairie in Osage County
Pawhuska, also in
Osage County, has become a major road trip destination, thanks in part to
The Pioneer Woman brand. But there’s more to see than just a TV-famous restaurant.
Things to check out:
- Pioneer Woman Mercantile – Restaurant, bakery, and shop
- Downtown Pawhuska – Historic buildings and boutiques
- Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (north of town) – Open prairie and free-roaming bison
If you drive up to the
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. The open sky seems huge, and the grasslands stretch for miles. Keep your eyes open for bison—sometimes they’re right near the road.
It’s amazing that such wide-open country is just a short road trip away from Sand Springs.
6. Pawnee – Small Town, Big History in Pawnee County
Head west into
Pawnee County to visit the town of
Pawnee, a place full of Old West and Native American history.
Popular stops include:
- Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum – Learn about the famous Wild West showman
- Pawnee Bathhouse & Lake – Historic WPA-era stone bathhouse by the water
- Downtown Pawnee – Quiet streets, old storefronts, and local diners
The Pawnee Bill Ranch is especially interesting if you enjoy Old West stories. You can walk around the grounds, see historic buildings, and imagine what life was like over 100 years ago.
For families, combining the ranch with a stop at the lake makes a full day of light exploring, photos, and fresh air.
7. Claremore – Rogers County’s Classic Route 66 Stop
To the northeast, you’ll find
Claremore in Rogers County, another key stop along
Route 66. It has a nice mix of museums, history, and small-town charm.
Highlights in Claremore:
- Will Rogers Memorial Museum – Dedicated to the famous humorist and actor
- Historic Route 66 sites and photo ops
- Local shops and cafés around town
The
Will Rogers Memorial Museum sits on a hill with a pretty view of the town below. Even if you don’t know much about Will Rogers going in, you’ll walk away with a better sense of Oklahoma’s history and humor.
If you enjoy road trips with a bit of learning mixed in, Claremore makes a great destination.
8. Oologah Lake – Rogers County Waterfront Escape
Also in
Rogers County,
Oologah Lake is a popular escape for folks who like being on or near the water.
Here’s what you can do:
- Launch a boat or jet ski and explore the lake
- Fish for bass, catfish, and crappie
- Find a quiet spot to camp or picnic near the shoreline
On warm weekends, you’ll see campers, boat trailers, and families posted up near the water. But because the lake is pretty big, it rarely feels overcrowded.
If you’ve been spending too many afternoons indoors, this is the kind of place that reminds you how good a simple day outside can feel.
9. Fort Gibson Lake – Wagoner County Adventure
Drive southeast toward
Wagoner County and you’ll run into
Fort Gibson Lake, a large reservoir with plenty of room to spread out and play.
At and around Fort Gibson Lake, you can:
- Camp at one of the lakeside campgrounds
- Swim at designated swim beaches
- Launch a boat and explore coves and inlets
- Enjoy evening campfires and starry night skies
If you’re from Sand Springs, this lake trip can easily turn into a fun weekend getaway. Pack your camping gear, a cooler full of food, and maybe a fishing rod, and you’ve got everything you need for a couple days of unplugged relaxation.
10. Bartlesville – Museums & Modern History in Washington County
North of Sand Springs, in
Washington County, sits
Bartlesville—a city with a unique mix of oil history, modern architecture, and family-friendly attractions.
Things to do in Bartlesville:
- Price Tower – A striking building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
- Local museums that tell the story of the oil boom days
- Parks and walking paths for a relaxed afternoon
One fun way to spend the day is to start with a museum visit, grab lunch in town, then stroll around and enjoy the historic and modern architecture. Bartlesville doesn’t feel like just another small Oklahoma town—it has its own character and style.
Tips for Planning Your Sand Springs Day Trips
To make these out-of-county road trips from Sand Springs smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather before you go, especially for lake or state park visits.
- Call ahead or visit official websites for hours, fees, or seasonal closures.
- Pack a small cooler with water and snacks—some areas are a bit spread out.
- Bring cash for park entry or small local shops that might not take cards.
- Have a loose plan, but leave room for side roads and surprises.
Sometimes the best part of a short Oklahoma road trip is the unplanned stop—a small café, an old bridge, or a quiet overlook you find along the way.
Ready to Explore Beyond Sand Springs?
Living in or near
Sand Springs, Oklahoma means you’re surrounded by easy day trip options. From
Creek County lakes to
Osage County prairies, from
Route 66 towns in Rogers County to
lakes and history in Wagoner, Pawnee, Okmulgee, and Washington Counties, there’s always somewhere new to explore within a short drive.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Sand Springs?
Which spot is your favorite, and what did you enjoy most?
Share this post with friends and family who are looking for fun things to do near Sand Springs, and
drop a comment with your own tips, hidden gems, or road trip stories. Your ideas might inspire someone’s next adventure!
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