Ardmore provides easy access to recreational opportunities in south central Oklahoma and is a midway point for travelers going between Oklahoma City and Dallas. The city, population 23,079, has an artistic, cultural small town feel mixed with a healthy industrial, commercial, oil, and agricultural economy. It is often listed as one of the best places to live in America.
The area's lakes supply a bulk of the outdoor entertainment venues. Skiing, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and boating are favorite activities on Lake Murray. Lake Murray State Park has a resort lodge, camping, golf, and hiking, motorcycle, and horseback trails. To the north, Lake Arbuckle features fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking and camping. Lake Texoma, one of the state's top vacation destinations is 30 miles east of Ardmore. It offers 89,000 acres for water sports, fishing, houseboating, and sailing.
North of Ardmore, visitors will find the Arbuckle Mountains' scenic views and waterfalls. At Turner Falls Park, Honey Creek falls 77 feet to form a popular swimming hole. Camping, picking, hiking, and caving are also popular at the park, which features a rock castle and interesting geological formations. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails provide views of the springs, streams and lakes of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, just east of Turner Falls. The recreation area also offers swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking.
Ardmore is located 98 miles south of Oklahoma City. It is accessible via Interstate Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 70. Lodging choices are plentiful and include hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
