heavener runestone state park

Dr_K_Gordon

Easy to get to from the main highway though the signs aren't very clear. After you see the main sign, proceed up the hill and the entrance of the park can't be missed. The carvings themselves require a short hike across uneven terrain and up/down steps carved from the stone. Not for those with difficulty walking. The runestone is inclosed in a protected area so it's hard to get photographs because of the glass they are behind. But it's still pretty darn cool. Be sure to read the history of how the runestone was found. Fascinating!

ldeer_11

this is a must stop if in the area. at the top of a step hill is the parking and the trail leads up to the runestone which has a protective structure over it to protect it from the elements. the carvings in the block of stone are belived to mark the area for a Norse traveler who was in this area long before Columbus discovered america. this attraction can be observed in less than an hour if time is valuable on your schedule. very interesting!

KarenP134

I was really skeptical. A real runstone in Oklahoma? How could that be? I was amazed and impressed. Can't be a hoax as far as I can see. The place and the presentation were both beautiful and enjoyable. Well worth a trip off the freeway.

Robin265

This is a very small park, but very unique. Stone steps leading everywhere! Absolutely Beautiful! We went during the fall and it was a lot of fun. Short little hike down and up..and up and down. The Runestone isn't really too exciting, but everything else there is really cool! I recommend for couples and families. Kids would love this place!

quail600

The hike was fun and interesting with many different things to see. It does not take a great deal of time and the trail is good as long as you can climb stairs and hills. The rune stone story is something you don't hear every day.

podo3d

I have been going here since the early seventies and took my 7 year old grandson yesterday. He loved it! There is a great gift shop at the top of the trail leading to the runestone. I have read and heard so much about the stone over the years...the lady in the shop knows the history very well and can fill you in on it. Great overlook up on up the hill from the gift shop. Back in 1976 the National Hang Gliding Championships were held on this hill!

Raycer41

Ms Farley wrote a book , "In Plain Sight". If you get a chance, read the book before you go. She convinced me that Vikings were in Oklahoma about 1,000 years ago. First thing, Heavener is pronounced Heave...ner. Not heaven..er. Not that it matters. Walking down to the runestones and imagining surviving w/o a convenience store was scary. Nearly 500 years before Columbus. I found it to be an amazing trip. The drive there was beautiful, too. Not a lot to see in small town, Heavener.

Chrisnrobt

Pretty area. Weather was cool even in the afternoon and was even cooler down in the rocks. Walk not for anyone with disabilities as it's many steps down and up. Waterfall was flowing when we were there due to recent rains. Drive here from Broken Bow was pretty with many valleys to see down into since the leaves were falling. A few places to pull over. Three Sticks Monument was one we stopped at. In the winter, the evening drive back is pretty too. You won't be blown away but it was a fun little afternoon drive. Maybe next time we will have more time to drive the scenic byway on Hwy 1.

larryr706

A really nice park and picnic area, beautiful water fall by the Rune stone. We were there this fall after a rain and it was a nice walk in the area. The woman in the gift shop was wonderful, lots of information.

AlphaRam

My wife and I visited this historic site that is located on the east side of Heavener, OK. Before walking the trail to see the stone, we received quite a bit of information from the lady that works in the office/gift shop. Unfortunately, the state of Oklahoma dropped seven state parks from being state parks and this location is one of them. As of this time, there is a group that is operating the park off of donations and fundraisers. The inscription in the stone is believed to have been carved around the year 1012 by Viking explorers. If you are in the area, stop by and see the stone. I wouldn’t make a special trip, though, if you are not in the area. Admission is free, but they can use a donation to keep the place running.

264ever

I loved the history (most of which is unknown), but is thought to predate all known exploration in the area. All the way back to the Vikings. I loved seeing the large rock formations, chipmunks, and squirrels. It is fascinating to think about the possibility that the Vikings may have walked around this area, hunted, and gathered in this area. I can see why they stopped here with the natural beauty of the area.

RetiredTravelsEnid

A beautiful setting. Gives you something to think about. The woman at the center was very informative.

906DonnaE

Very small park just outside of town is a little jewel - if you have the time, make the stop. Great rock formations all around, information boards here and there, the mystery of the runes hanging about. The clerk at the gift shop gave us a wonderful introduction before we headed down the trail to the rune stone, and was very helpful in selling us three way cool Viking helmets as souvenirs...how could we resist?!

Westea

Beautiful rock stairs down to the glass-enclosed wonder. My family has been stopping at this park for many years. The first several years I was able to walk right up and touch the rune carvings, but we knew we shouldn't. We had also visited many caves and other wonders where too many hands had damaged the delicate features. i was very glad to see the glass case, and then later the building enclosing it for protection from people and weather.

TraciC274

The walk down to where the Vikings carved into the stone is the most beautiful live the waterfall. There is do much history and I have attended all the festivals. Live the park manager Kary she is so knowledgable