Oklahoma has some great areas with excellent off-roading trails. But why stop at a day of riding your ATV and going home? Enjoy a whole day of fun and adventure when you start out at Keystone Lake. Sand Springs is a small-town with a ton of history and some great local restaurants. Stay overnight at a dude ranch to really relax and enjoy some downtime. It’s time to start your adventure.
Hickory House is on the northwest side of the lake. Grab some coffee and breakfast before your day of fun outside. It’s a traditional diner with good home-style cooking.
Appalachia Bay Recreation Area is the only one at Keystone Lake open for off-roading, but it’s a popular site for off-roaders. Go 12 miles west of Sand Springs on Highway 64 to the Bear’s Glen exit. Take a right turn, after the overpass, turn right again. Then take the first left to the end of the road. This particular area has picnic tables and restrooms. There is a fee for daily use, $4 per vehicle. The area can close when the waters are high. It’s an urban wildlife refuge, with plenty of birds. Bring a camera and binoculars to enjoy nature. In some seasons, you might even see eagles.
The Steer Inn is a locally-owned family steakhouse that serves lunch and dinner. On Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, but the steaks are highly recommended. They hand bread their onion rings too, so don’t miss out on those!
Meadowlake Ranch is a bed and breakfast, dude ranch, and event center nestled among spring-fed lakes, waterfalls, bluffs, and gardens. It’s the perfect place to stay after a day of off-roading. You can soak in an oversized Jacuzzi tub and then relax in the tranquil evening. In the morning, you’ll be treated to hot coffee and a delicious southern breakfast. Ask about their “Dude for a Day” if you’d like to try your hand at ranch activities.
Sand Springs was a planned industrial town, and it has a rich history. Page is fondly remembered in the community today. The museum was built to honor him. It’s a lovely example of Art Deco architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America. It houses many exhibits which illustrate Sand Springs’ history. It’s the first stop on the self-guided historic tour map. When you leave the museum, take a walk around town to visit some of the most interesting places that tell the story of Sand Springs. It includes a Native American Cemetery, St. Patrick’s Parish, and the springs.
