
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Oklahoma City, United States
1. Myriad Botanical Gardens
A 15-acre urban park with over a thousand species of plants, featuring a children's area and a great lawn for events.
- Eco-Friendly Restrooms: The gardens use water-efficient fixtures to minimize water usage.
- Composting Program: Organic waste from the café and events is composted on-site.
- Native Plant Conservation: The gardens focus on planting native species to support local ecosystems.
2. Wheeler Ferris Wheel
Iconic ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline.
- Solar Powered Lights: The Ferris wheel is equipped with solar-powered lights reducing energy consumption.
- Eco-Friendly Vendors: Local food and art vendors at the site emphasize sustainability.
- Green Spaces: Surrounding areas include green spaces for picnicking and relaxation.
3. Oklahoma River
A system of rivers that offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
- Streambank Restoration: Riverbanks are being restored to support native wildlife.
- Eco-Tour Guides: Knowledgeable guides share information about the local ecosystems.
- Water Conservation Efforts: Water conservation practices are implemented to protect the river ecosystem.
4. Oklahoma City Zoo
A 119-acre zoological park with over 500 species of animals.
- Sustainable Food Practices: The zoo uses sustainable food sources and reduces waste.
- Eco-Friendly Buildings: Buildings on the zoo's grounds are energy-efficient and designed to minimize environmental impact.
- Animal Conservation Programs: The zoo participates in various conservation programs to protect endangered species.
5. Oklahoma Aquarium
A public aquarium featuring exhibits of marine and freshwater habitats.
- Energy Efficient Lighting: The aquarium uses energy-efficient LED lighting to minimize energy consumption.
- Water Recycling Systems: The aquarium recycles water to conserve resources and maintain healthy habitats.
- Educational Programs: The aquarium offers educational programs about marine conservation.
6. Harn Homestead
A historical farmstead that showcases rural Oklahoma life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: The homestead uses sustainable farming techniques to minimize environmental impact.
- Educational Programs: Visitors can learn about the history of Oklahoma agriculture and sustainable living.
- Native Plant Restoration: The homestead focuses on planting native species to support local ecosystems.
7. Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge offering bird watching and nature photography opportunities.
- Habitat Restoration: The refuge is restoring habitats to support native wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Visitors can learn about the local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Conservation Efforts: The refuge focuses on protecting endangered species and their habitats.
8. Lake Hefner
A popular recreational lake offering boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
- Water Quality Monitoring: The lake's water quality is monitored to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
- Eco-Friendly Boat Rentals: Boats for rent are equipped with electric motors to minimize emissions.
- Native Plant Restoration: The lake's surrounding areas include native plant species to support local ecosystems.
9. Overholser Mansion
A historic mansion offering tours showcasing the life of a wealthy Oklahoma family in the early 20th century.
- Sustainable Building Practices: The mansion uses sustainable building materials and practices.
- Educational Programs: Visitors can learn about the history of Oklahoma and sustainable living practices.
- Green Spaces: The mansion's grounds include green spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
10. Frontier City
An amusement park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment.
- Solar Panels: The park uses solar panels to generate electricity.
- Recycling Programs: The park has recycling bins throughout the park to encourage waste reduction.
- Eco-Friendly Rides: Some rides use electric power to minimize emissions.
11. SandRidge Expresso
A coffee shop chain that uses sustainable practices and supports local artists.
- Composting Program: Organic waste is composted to enrich the soil.
- Sustainable Coffee Practices: Coffee beans are sourced sustainably and fair trade certified.
- Local Art Exhibition: The shop exhibits work by local artists, supporting the local arts community.
12. Riverwind Casino
A casino offering gaming, dining, and entertainment options.
- Energy Efficient Buildings: The casino uses energy-efficient buildings to minimize environmental impact.
- Sustainable Food Practices: The casino uses sustainable food sources and reduces waste.
- Water Conservation Efforts: Water conservation practices are implemented to protect the local ecosystem.
13. The Jones Assembly
A music and event venue that emphasizes sustainability and local talent.
- Solar Panels: The venue uses solar panels to generate electricity.
- Composting Program: Organic waste is composted to enrich the soil.
- Local Art Exhibition: The venue exhibits work by local artists, supporting the local arts community.
14. 21c Museum Hotel
A boutique hotel featuring contemporary art and sustainable practices.
- Energy Efficient Buildings: The hotel uses energy-efficient buildings to minimize environmental impact.
- Sustainable Food Practices: The hotel uses sustainable food sources and reduces waste.
- Art Exhibition: The hotel exhibits contemporary art to support the local arts community.
15. Bode Vineyard and Winery
A vineyard and winery that uses sustainable viticulture practices.
- Sustainable Wine Practices: The vineyard uses sustainable wine-making techniques to minimize environmental impact.
- Native Plant Conservation: The vineyard focuses on planting native species to support local ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Visitors can learn about sustainable wine-making practices and the local ecosystem.