Oklahoma Page 36155 Discover Oklahoma: OverviewWelcome to Oklahoma – A State Like No Other From breathtaking vistas filled with natural wonders to a rich cultural heritage and friendly people, Oklahoma is a celebration of beauty and tradition. Ranked as the USA’s 20th largest state at roughly 69,900 square miles/180,000…
Oklahoma Page 36155
Discover Oklahoma: Overview
Welcome to Oklahoma – A State Like No Other
From breathtaking vistas filled with natural wonders to a rich cultural heritage and friendly people, Oklahoma is a celebration of beauty and tradition. Ranked as the USA’s 20th largest state at roughly 69,900 square miles/180,000 square kilometers, Oklahoma takes pride in its awe-inspiring landscapes. Venture into wide-open spaces, explore rolling plains, drive along Route 66 for quirky roadside attractions, and discover exciting adventures on and off the beaten path. Southern charm meets cosmopolitan in the gateway cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Stroll through exciting urban areas, partake in the robust arts scene, immerse yourself in city culture, and dine on mouthwatering cuisine.
Oklahoma is home to unique attractions and sights. Take a road trip along Route 66 to see one-of-a-kind locales such as The Golden Driller in Tulsa, Claremore’s Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and the iconic Blue Whale in Catoosa. Music fans will find plenty to love in Oklahoma, from homegrown talent and legendary venues like Cain’s Ballroom to iconic attractions such as Church Studio and the Woody Guthrie Center. Fun fact: The state song is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”
Route 66 Museum
Oklahoma – Imagine That
Did you know American Indian culture helped shape Oklahoma into the state it is today? From the Spiro Mound builders to the American Indian forced removal on the historic Trail of Tears, history comes to life in Oklahoma. Learn more about the tribes living in Oklahoma by visiting attractions such as the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah, Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center in Lawton, Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant, or Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.
Explore the state’s stunning natural scenery for glimpses of the state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, or enjoy the perfumed aroma of the state flower, the Oklahoma Rose. At the top of Mount Scott, witness lake views and incredible rock formations. In the fall, see the trees transform into a kaleidoscope of colors on the Talimena National Scenic Byway. For a relaxing afternoon, fish on the Glover River, Oklahoma’s best-kept secret, thanks to its un-commercialized nature.
Visitors should travel to the charming town of Pawhuska and see the home of Pioneer Woman (and Food Network celebrity) Ree Drummond. Dine at her restaurant and pick up sweet treats at her bakery before visiting the Osage Nation Museum. Celebrity enthusiasts can experience Reba McEntire’s iconic restaurant, Reba’s Place, in Atoka, and Blake Shelton’s original Ole Red in Tishomingo; both bring star power and Southern Charm together.
Oklahoma City is the state’s capital, where western charm meets metropolitan flair with a dash of cowboy culture. See memorials, spend the afternoon at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, or explore the thriving Downtown area and various entertainment districts. Tulsa, the state’s second-largest city, is renowned for its Southern charm and cosmopolitan flair. Known as the capital of Route 66, visitors can tour museums, snap photos of art deco installations, and dine at iconic restaurants such as Hank’s Hamburgers.
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Route 66
Take the Ultimate Road Trip on Oklahoma’s Route 66
From colorful roadside photo ops to quaint small-town diners, Oklahoma’s 400-plus miles/640-plus kilometers of Route 66 are lined with fascinating attractions. Perfect for a week-long road trip, Route 66 provides visitors with a treasure trove of quirky characters and Instagram-worthy locations. Travel along the Mother Road, home to over 135 iconic stops, and visit charming towns as well as eclectic attractions such as the Blue Whale and a giant neon soft drink bottle.
Begin this road trip from Oklahoma City and head west to Clinton for the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. A homage to the history of Oklahoma’s significance in the creation of Route 66, this museum features artifacts, signs, vehicles, and memorabilia that tell the story of the highway’s inception in the 1920s, golden years, and transformation into the Route 66 it is today.
Departing Clinton, travel east to Weatherford, home to Lucille’s Roadhouse Diner. Established in 1929, this service station has been fully restored as a tribute to a bygone era. Dine at the Roadhouse restaurant, designed with vintage gas pumps and 1950s diner decor. Order cheeseburgers, chicken-fried steak, and other classic American staples to fuel up for the next stretch of your journey. Cruise 1.9 miles/3.2 kilometers further to a museum showcasing another mode of transit, the Stafford Air and Space Museum, which recalls the “Space Race” era with a fantastic collection that includes an F-117A Stealth Fighter Nighthawk.
Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios
Over 135 iconic attractions
Continue east on Route 66 to POPS in Arcadia. See the 66-foot/20.1-meter-tall neon soft drink bottle, the 12,000-bottle collection, and a selection of over 650 different types of soda. Don’t miss out on a milkshake or a classic BLT at the diner, or cruise down the road and enjoy delicious broasted chicken and a beer at the Chicken Shack. Stop for another photo in Catoosa, home to the iconic Blue Whale. Built in the 1970s, this swimming hole is now known for its baseball cap and big whale smile.
Check out the world’s largest concrete totem pole at Chelsea’s Totem Pole Park. Standing at 88 feet/27 meters tall, this roadside attraction features colorful depictions of animals and native people. A Route 66 adventure continues with a stop at the Coleman Theatre in Miami. A beacon of the 1920s when vaudeville and silent films were at their peak, this theater was a go-to for entertainment. Visitors will marvel at the Louis IV décor, mahogany staircase, crystal chandeliers, and the restored 1929 pipe organ, the “Mighty Wurlitzer.”
Finish your Route 66 extravaganza in Tulsa with an afternoon excursion to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66. Known for the iconic Space Cowboy Muffler Man (and now Stella Atom and Meadow Gold Mack), this charming gift shop is a great place to pick up some wacky souvenirs. For the ultimate Route 66 experience, enjoy great food and unique retail at the Mother Road Market and book a night’s stay at The Campbell Hotel, offering lavish accommodations on Tulsa’s iconic Route 66.
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Culture
Immerse Yourself in Oklahoma’s Rich American Indian Culture
American Indians shaped the heritage and culture of Oklahoma’s identity through history. Visit cultural centers, museums, and historical sites to learn more about the American Indians who helped build Oklahoma into the celebration of diversity it is today.
Oklahoma’s American Indian history began with the Spiro Mound builders between 500 and 1500. Primarily located around the Mississippi River, they were known to be the regulators of early trade who once ruled over 60 American Indian tribes. In 1830, due to the Indian Removal Act, over 60,000 American Indians were forced to relocate west from the Mississippi River area to unassigned land in what would become Oklahoma. This mass forced removal included the nations of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole. The name for the American Indian forced removal would be known as the Trail of Tears, and this removal would last for over two decades. Today, Oklahoma is the headquarters of 39 American Indian nations.
Museums and culture are abundant throughout Oklahoma and allow visitors to grasp the state’s rich American Indian heritage fully. Your first stop — First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Here you will learn through the lens and collective stories of 39 distinct tribal nations in Oklahoma today. FAM has a partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian for enhanced exhibitions. In Tahlequah, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozark Mountains at the Cherokee National History Museum to explore the enduring legacy of the Cherokee people through their stories of survival, adaptation, and resilience.
The First Americans Museum | James Pepper Henry
Chickasaw Cultural Center
Journey to Sulphur and discover the beauty and history of the Chickasaw people on 99 acres/40 hectares of American Indian land. From the Removal Corridor detailing the tribe’s journey to Oklahoma to the Aaimpa’ Café serving up delicious, authentic cuisine (try the grape dumplings), the Chickasaw Cultural Center is a must-visit. Technology and literature enhance the visitor experience at the Osage Nation Museum in Pawhuska. Uncover the history of the Osage tribe and explore enlightening exhibits told from the Osage perspective. Spend an afternoon in Durant at the Choctaw Nation Cultural Center. Marvel at traditional tribal art and discover the incredible history of the Choctaw people through their fascinating stories.
The past comes to life at a wealth of Oklahoma American Indian attractions. Travel to Sallisaw and visit the one-room cabin of Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith renowned for developing the written Cherokee language alphabet. Tour the museum, the cabin, and 9.9 acres/4 hectares of surrounding land. At the Spiro Mound Archaeological Center, unlock the mysteries of the ancient Spiro people. From their influence on trade to iconic mound buildings, tour the grounds and see artifacts and burial mounds, and explore 4 miles/5 kilometers of trails. Guided tours are available with an experienced archaeologist.
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Great Outdoors
Find Adventure in the Natural Beauty of Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to 12 unique eco-regions and is recognized as the most diverse state, kilometer for kilometer, in the nation. From the thrills of whitewater rafting to peaceful afternoons fishing, Oklahoma’s stunning natural landscape plays host to a variety of activities from extreme to serene. In a place known as the Land of Wide-Open Wonder, visitors can explore state parks, hike to majestic waterfalls, or witness a spectacle of constellations in some of the best stargazing spots in the USA.
Explore over 30 state parks in Oklahoma. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Robbers Cave State Park is known for being a hideout for outlaws Jesse James, Belle Starr, and many others. Hike the trails winding through sandstone hills and cliffs, fish for seasonal trout, rock climb during the fall for views of the colorful foliage, or stroll on the banks of Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace, and Coon Creek. Adventures await on the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River at Beavers Bend State Park. Picnic beneath the pine and hardwood trees or spend an afternoon horseback riding, fishing, or boating.
Prairies, ancient mountains, and herds of bison can be found at the spectacular 58,811-acre/23,800-hectare Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Hike to the top of Mount Scott for views of unique rock formations, trails, and sparkling lakes. Find nirvana on the banks of Lake Altus-Lugert at Quartz Mountain Resort in the Wichita Mountains. The 100 guest rooms provide breathtaking views. During the winter, the resort transforms into a bird watcher’s wonderland. Keep your eyes turned to the skies for glimpses of the majestic bald eagle.
Turner Falls
Expansive Natural Areas
Don’t miss a trip to the Chickasaw National Recreational Area. Known as the Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters by American Indians, this area in Sulphur continues to offer precious serenity to visitors.
From the Wichita Mountains to the pine-covered Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma is known for places that are perfect for camping. In Braggs, Greenleaf State Park offers multiple ways to commune with nature. Cabins, campgrounds, and recreational facilities are available to visitors, while RV sites offer electric and full hookups. Travel to Tahlequah and camp on the shores of the Illinois River. Marvel at 60 miles/97 kilometers of sparkling water flowing over flint rock, paddle a canoe or kayak, fish for largemouth bass, and relax by a campfire surrounded by high bluffs, dense forests, and gravel bars. For a unique setting in Woodward, head to Boiling Springs State Park, a stunning prairie known for its natural hot springs.
Visitors should seek out Oklahoma’s waterfalls, like Natural Falls State Park in lush-green northeast Oklahoma. In the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Turner Falls Park is known for its rushing cascades. Travertine Creek in Sulphur is home to Little Niagara, a popular swimming hole where the water maintains a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit/18 degrees Celsius all year. Nearby the southern falls is the original Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pie. Try this famous sweet (or savory) treat, an Oklahoma must-eat since 1954.
Oklahoma’s dark skies are perfect for stargazing. Thanks to low levels of light pollution, Oklahoma provides visitors with a multitude of secluded stargazing locales. Venture into Osage Hills State Park in Pawhuska, where viewing planets such as Mercury, Venus, and Saturn is possible.
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Gateway Cities
Western Charm Meets Metropolitan Excitement in Oklahoma’s Gateway Cities
Small-town charm meets Southern comfort in Oklahoma’s two most popular cities. From the capital city of Oklahoma City to the cosmopolitan style of Tulsa, visitors will find diversity, delicious dining, and exciting urban adventures.
Oklahoma City
Begin your journey in Oklahoma City (‘OKC’), home to over 700,000 people. Known for its cowboy culture and working oil wells, the capital offers world-class museums and attractions. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum honors those affected by the April 19, 1995, bombing through monuments, recordings, and interactive exhibits. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features Prosperity Junction, a 19-building frontier town replica, plus outdoor cultural experiences. The First Americans Museum celebrates 39 distinct tribal nations headquartered in Oklahoma through immersive storytelling.
Across the way, the newly opened OKANA Resort entertains with an indoor waterpark, outdoor playground, arcade, spa, and signature restaurants.
OKC’s nightlife thrives across more than 20 eclectic districts. In Midtown, bowl at the retro Dust Bowl or sip cocktails at R&J Supper Club. Downtown’s Devon Tower houses Vast restaurant on the 49th floor with stunning city views. Enjoy outdoor concerts at Scissortail Park, cheer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, explore Bricktown, or visit Historic Stockyards City for Western history and steakhouses. The artsy Paseo Arts District and trendy Plaza District offer unique nightlife, while the Wheeler District features the original Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel.
The Gathering Place
Oklahoma’s gateway cities
Tulsa
World-class cultural attractions meet rich oil heritage in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second-largest city with over 400,000 residents. The Philbrook Museum of Art, a 72-room mansion on 23 acres, showcases diverse collections. Tulsa’s music scene thrives on the iconic Tulsa Sound, which blends blues, country, and rock. Essential stops include Cain’s Ballroom, the Woody Guthrie Center, Bob Dylan Center, and The Church Studio for Leon Russell fans.
The 35-block Greenwood District, once America’s “Black Wall Street,” was a thriving center for Black commerce and jazz in the early 1900s. After the devastating 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre destroyed much of the district, the community rebuilt. The Greenwood Rising Museum & Cultural Center, opened in August 2021, now showcases this heritage.
Tulsa’s nightlife includes live music at historic Cain’s Ballroom and neighborhood bars like Another Round. The city’s brewery renaissance features Marshall Brewing Co., American Solera, and other unique microbreweries. Try your luck at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or River Spirit’s Margaritaville.
The dining scene is diverse and delicious. Ike’s Chili has served hearty chili for over 100 years, while Evelyn’s offers soul food, including fried chicken, candied yams, and smothered cabbage.
Don’t miss the Gathering Place, Tulsa’s premier riverfront park with over 100 family activities. The revitalized Arkansas River corridor features the newly completed Zink Lake, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and riverside trails.
Both cities perfectly blend Western heritage with modern metropolitan amenities, creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
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