Oklahoma Highway 151: Mannford to Sand Springs – A Dam Fine Drive
Join us as we drive a short but scenic stretch of Oklahoma Highway 151, covering just under 3 miles from Mannford to Sand Springs. This route may be brief, but it’s packed with views, history, and access to some of the area’s most beloved outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a local heading into town or a traveler exploring the backroads of northeastern Oklahoma, OK-151 is a road worth knowing.
We begin our northbound drive just outside Mannford, exiting from Oklahoma Highway 51 onto OK-151. Almost immediately, we’re treated to views of Keystone State Park, whose entrance sits just a few hundred feet from the interchange. This popular park offers camping, boating, hiking, and lake access, and it’s a favorite weekend destination for folks from Tulsa and beyond. The route here runs northeast and climbs gently as it approaches Keystone Dam, the most iconic feature of this highway.
Crossing Keystone Dam is the highlight of the drive. Completed in the 1960s, the dam holds back Keystone Lake, a massive reservoir that spans over 26,000 acres and serves as both flood control and a major recreation hub. As we travel across the dam, we’re flanked by water on one side and the Arkansas River on the other, offering panoramic views in both directions. The experience feels elevated—literally and figuratively—as we roll along this engineered marvel, connecting two of Tulsa County’s most scenic regions.
Once across the dam, we officially enter Sand Springs, a community with deep roots in both industry and nature. On our right, we pass the entrance to the Keystone Recreation Area, another major access point for boating, fishing, and camping. This area is part of the broader Keystone Lake ecosystem and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our drive wraps up at the interchange with U.S. Route 412, where OK-151 feeds into the much busier Sand Springs Expressway—a key route for reaching Tulsa and points east.
While OK-151 may not be long, it plays an essential role in local connectivity and outdoor access. It links travelers from Mannford and OK-51 directly to major highways, recreational sites, and the greater Tulsa metro area, all while offering a scenic drive that stands out in eastern Oklahoma. It’s a great example of how even the shortest state highways can pack a lot of value—and beauty—into just a few miles.
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