Road Tripping Oklahoma: The Perfect Route from OKC to Midwest City

When my food styling assignment in Oklahoma City wrapped up early, I found myself with that rarest of commodities in my perpetually scheduled life: unplanned time. Rather than immediately booking a flight back to California, I decided to explore the surrounding area with the same methodical approach I apply to my international excursions.

The journey from Oklahoma City to Midwest City is deceptively short—just about 8 miles east of downtown OKC. However, I've learned through years of travel that it's rarely about the distance, but rather how you navigate the journey. With that philosophy in mind, I plotted a weekend route that would maximize experiences while minimizing expenses.

I opted to rent a modest SUV rather than my usual luxury selection, finding the mid-size crossover perfectly adequate for navigating both city streets and the occasional detour. Oklahoma's grid-like road system makes navigation remarkably straightforward, but I still recommend using a reliable GPS app to optimize your route, especially when detouring to some of the less obvious attractions.

While spring offers the most pleasant weather window with temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F, the route is navigable year-round. I was fortunate to catch Oklahoma during mid-April when the redbud trees were in full bloom, adding splashes of vibrant purple to the landscape and providing a natural backdrop worthy of any food styling shoot.

My journey began in downtown Oklahoma City, where I spent the morning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. While not exactly light-hearted family fare, the thoughtfully designed space offers important historical context and provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations with older children. The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, with its reflecting pool and field of empty chairs, is particularly moving and costs nothing to visit.

Heading east, I made a strategic lunch stop at Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the historic Stockyards City. This no-frills institution has been serving exceptional steaks since 1910, and while it's not bargain-basement pricing, the quality-to-cost ratio is exceptional. The lunch menu offers smaller portions at reduced prices—perfect for families watching their budget.

After lunch, I ventured to the Adventure District on the city's eastern edge. Here, families face a delightful dilemma: choosing between the nationally recognized Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, or the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. With my lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship, I opted for the latter, where the detailed artistry of saddles, spurs, and Western paintings provided a visual feast comparable to any luxury boutique I've visited globally.

As afternoon transitioned to evening, I discovered the Bricktown Water Taxi—an unexpectedly charming way to view the city from its canal system. At just $12 for adults and $6 for children, it's both an attraction and practical transportation. The knowledgeable boat captains provide entertaining commentary that brings the area's history to life.

While my professional travels typically involve boutique hotels with thread counts that would impress even the most discerning clients, this Oklahoma excursion called for a more practical approach. I discovered several surprisingly comfortable options that bridge the gap between budget constraints and quality accommodations.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oklahoma City Southeast offers an excellent middle ground. Located strategically between OKC and Midwest City, it provides clean, spacious rooms and—perhaps most importantly for families—a complimentary breakfast that goes beyond the standard continental fare. The indoor pool provides a welcome activity for children, especially during Oklahoma's occasionally unpredictable spring weather.

For those seeking even greater value, the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes, allowing families to prepare simple meals and further reduce dining expenses. During my stay, I noticed several families taking advantage of the outdoor grilling area, creating an impromptu community dinner that reminded me of the communal meals I've experienced in Mediterranean coastal towns.

If you're traveling with a portable cooler, you can easily stock up on provisions at the Homeland grocery store on SE 29th Street. This strategy allows for picnic lunches and in-room breakfasts, stretching your vacation dollars substantially further than dining out for every meal. I found their produce selection surprisingly robust, offering fresh options for health-conscious travelers.

My second day began with a visit to Midwest City's crown jewel: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. This expansive 200-acre green space offers walking trails, fishing ponds, and playgrounds that rival those I've seen in cities triple the size. The park's sprawling layout allows families to spread out and find their own space—a luxury increasingly rare in more touristed destinations.

Nearby, the Atkinson Heritage Center provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's history. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1955 home, the center showcases mid-century design that would make any visual stylist appreciate the clean lines and thoughtful details of this architectural era. Admission is free, making it an excellent value-add to your itinerary.

For lunch, I bypassed the predictable chain restaurants in favor of Old Germany Restaurant, a surprising find that has been serving authentic German cuisine in Midwest City since 1976. The lunch specials offer substantial portions at reasonable prices, and the Black Forest cake is worth every calorie—a professional assessment from someone who has photographed desserts on three continents.

The afternoon presented an unexpected highlight at the Charles B. Hall Airpark adjacent to Tinker Air Force Base. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of historic aircraft on display, while children enjoy the opportunity to see these massive machines up close. I found myself captivated by the meticulous restoration work—the same appreciation for craftsmanship that draws me to ancient archaeological sites, just in a more modern context.

For families with children needing to burn off energy before the drive home, the Midwest City YMCA Recreation Center offers day passes at reasonable rates. Their aquatic center features a zero-depth entry pool ideal for younger children, while older kids can enjoy the basketball courts and climbing wall.

While this corridor of Oklahoma won't be mistaken for Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive, my professional eye for retail spaces discovered several shopping experiences that merit attention. As someone who has documented luxury shopping districts from Dubai to Tokyo, I've developed an appreciation for retail environments across the spectrum—from opulent to practical.

Midwest City's Town Center Plaza offers an evolving mix of national chains and local boutiques. I was particularly impressed by Painted Door, a gift shop featuring Oklahoma-made products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. The locally produced honey, artisan soaps, and handcrafted jewelry provide authentic keepsakes that connect to the region's culture and craftsmanship.

For families with children, a stop at Midwest City's Half Price Books location can yield affordable entertainment for the journey home. I always recommend physical books for road trips—they never need charging and work regardless of cellular coverage. Their clearance section offers children's books starting at just $1, making it easy to stock up on reading material without straining your budget.

If your family includes outdoor enthusiasts, the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Oklahoma City makes for an entertaining detour on your return journey. Beyond the expected fishing and hunting gear, their massive aquarium and wildlife displays transform shopping into an educational experience. The store's rustic architecture and detailed dioramas reflect the same attention to environmental design that I've observed in world-class museums.

For those seeking practical travel essentials, I recommend a quick stop at the travel organizer display at Blue Seven in Oklahoma City. These simple but effective zippered pouches have become indispensable in my travel kit, keeping charging cables, snacks, and travel documents neatly compartmentalized whether I'm heading to Singapore or simply driving across Oklahoma.