Stargazing has always been a popular way to spend an evening in Oklahoma – no matter the time of year or location. This fall, there are quite a few astronomical events to look out for, along with plenty of stunning locations to catch them. We offer a helpful location list for your autumnal outdoor adventures.
Black Mesa State Park
Located in Kenton, this park is perfect for an evening of gazing at the Milky Way and meteor showers. The park has some of the darkest skies in the state, as there are no major nearby towns to pollute the view, and is also home to the Okie-Tex Star Party, happening this year on Sept. 19-27; it’s a community astronomy event featuring speakers, great food and giveaways.
Robber’s Cave State Park
Located near Wilburton, this is another ideal stargazing spot with extremely dark skies for optimal viewing conditions. If you want to make a weekend out of it, the park also has hiking trails, mountain biking and rock climbing, as well as plenty of space for camping in the Sans Bois Mountains. Fun fact: This was also the hideout for notable outlaws Belle Starr and Jesse James in the late 1800s.
Roman Nose State Park
Located near Watonga, this park is named after highly respected Southern Cheyenne Chief Henry Roman Nose. With elevated plateaus and a location that’s a sizable distance from the lights of OKC, this is another beautiful spot to spend a weekend staring into the skies. The park is also full of strong cultural heritage to soak in, as well as the Cherokee Trading Post & Travel Mart, which has unique Native American clothing, décor and accessories.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Nestled in Lawton, this 59,000 acre land is ideal for a variety of nature-centric activities. Camping on Charon’s Garden Trail is the best way to see the clear night sky, and since no more than ten people are issued a camping permit within a three day period, overcrowding won’t be an issue. At approximately 525 million years old, the mountains are home to a vast array of plants, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, all waiting to be in your next Instagram photo … from a distance, of course.
Ouachita National Forest
Located near Hodgen, this is the oldest national forest in the southern United States and has some truly breathtaking views. Not only will your evening be filled with stars dancing in the sky, the day can be used to take the Talimena Scenic Drive, a national scenic byway that spans 54 miles from Oklahoma into western Arkansas and contains some of the most beautiful autumnal foliage the state has to offer.
Gloss Mountain State Park
Located in Fairview, this unique park has miles and miles of prairie and native red dirt, a unique setting for your stargazing getaway. Sometimes called the Glass Mountains, the area has high selenite content which can look like shiny glass in the right lighting. Make sure to travel to the top of Cathedral Mountain for some spectacular views and a great photo opportunity of Lone Mountain Peak.
Main image cutline: Fall’s ample astronomical events can be viewed at many outdoor locations – including Black Mesa State Park, pictured here. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
