Stars and Stripes Forever
From sun-scorched red dirt roads to crystal-blue waters, America’s heartland is the perfect place for star-spangled adventures. Set out to find on-the-water fun and fireworks at your favorite lake. Feast on Oklahoma’s best BBQ. Freedom is yours this holiday weekend.
LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK
11500 Park Office Rd • Kingston
Spend your Fourth of July boating and camping, swimming and sunbathing, golfing and horseback riding at this impressive state park. Don’t miss the Independence Day Fireworks Show at Roosevelt Bridge starting at dusk on Monday, July 3!
NEARBY: Texoma Casino, Madill Gaming Center, Marina del Rey, Flowing Wells Resort
LAKE MURRAY WATER SPORTS & MINI GOLF
3322 Lodge Rd • Ardmore
Outdoor recreation for all ages can be found at Lake Murray State Park. Book a party barge or kayak rental, enjoy water slides and trampolines or relax with a round of mini golf. A colorful fireworks display over Lake Murray starts at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 1.
NEARBY: Lake Murray Marina, Sunset Beach, Lake Murray Lodge, Lake Murray Riding Stables, Lake Murray Golf Resort
SCISSORTAIL PARK
300 SW 7th St • Oklahoma City
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the whole family to enjoy an evening of inspiring music by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, concluding with spectacular fireworks over downtown Oklahoma City. It all begins July 3 at 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
NEARBY: Omni Hotel, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Revolutions (Lower Bricktown), Exhibit C, OKC Streetcar
SMOKIN’ JOE’S RIB RANCH
3165 Jollyville Rd • Davis
Order your flavorful, homemade barbeque to-go and enjoy smoked ribs, pulled pork, potato salad and all the fixings somewhere with a spectacular view. Nothing says summertime like tasty barbeque, and few do it like Smokin’ Joe’s.
NEARBY: Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, River Bottom Campground & Tubing, Turner Falls Park, Arbuckle Mountains
BEDRÉ CAFÉ
14 W Muskogee Ave • Sulphur
Stop in downtown Sulphur’s resident 1950s-style diner for a made-to-order sandwich, hand-dipped ice cream, gourmet coffee, shakes and a variety of baked goods. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up after exploring southeastern Oklahoma’s natural beauty.
NEARBY: Chickasaw Visitor Center, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Buffalo Springs, Lake of the Arbuckles
CAPITALS ICE CREAM
1006 N Hudson Ave #100 • Oklahoma City
Cool down with a frozen treat of your own creation at Capitals Ice Cream in Midtown. Choose from a variety of ice cream flavors, fruit, cereal, candy and cookies or go for a limited-time-only July special that is sure to make your tastebuds dance.
NEARBY: The Collective Kitchen and Cocktails, Waffle Champion, Elk Valley Brewing, Ambassador Hotel, The Garage Burgers & Beer
THE BUTCHER BBQ STAND
3402 W Hwy 66 • Wellston
One taste of this award-winning recipe and you’ll see why The Butcher BBQ Stand draws a line each weekend. Whether you go for smoked sausages, pulled pork, juicy brisket or burnt ends, this family-owned joint serves up an Independence Day feast like no other.
NEARBY: POPS 66 Soda Ranch, Frontier City, Cole Family Fireworks
Party in the USA
Tip your hat to the grand old flag with a weekend of fun experiences.
Fourth of July Destinations
Lake Texoma State Park is home to one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. Famous for its striped bass, Texoma has been dubbed the Striper Capital of the World. Kingston, Oklahoma, even celebrates the popularity of striper fishing with the Kingston Striper Festival held each June.
Lake Murray Water Sports and Mini Golf offers family-friendly fun for visitors of all ages. After an action-packed day of kayaking or hanging out on a party barge, relax with a refreshing sno-cone and a quick game on the 18-hole miniature golf course.
There’s no way you’ll be leaving hungry after a trip to Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, where the massive lunch and dinner platters stocked with smoked meats and fresh sides are big enough for two or even more.
Bedré Café, situated in The Artesian Hotel in downtown Sulphur, is a 1950s-style diner that serves made-to-order sandwiches, baked goods, cakes, pies, ice cream and, of course, chocolate. Bedré Café is a great place to bring the family for a delicious American meal in a fun environment.
Since 1933, Bob’s Pig Shop in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, has been a hotspot for barbecue aficionados from all around. Open six days a week, this local joint features everything from traditional favorites to Tex-Mex specialties in a rustic, friendly environment.
Set in the heart of downtown, Oklahoma City, this beautiful gathering space features 70 acres of lush gardens, fun on the water, kid-friendly activities and exciting events. Whether you come for a live concert or the weekly farmer’s market, there’s always more to discover at Scissortail Park.
Take the storied Route 66 east to Wellston, Oklahoma, and you’ll come upon a barbeque joint that’s nearly as legendary as the Mother Road itself: The Butcher BBQ Stand. Here, a father-and-son team continue crafting their award-winning competition meats for hungry travelers Friday through Sunday, year-round.
