Oklahoma

Chickasaw National Capital in Tishomingo

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Sunset in the Sooner State

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A horse waits at its hitching post in Kenton

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Hiking below the cliffs in a river canyon

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Winding roads on the Talimena Scenic Drive

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Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick

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People relaxing by the water at Philbrook Museum Gardens in Tulsa

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Lake Overholser Dam in Oklahoma City

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Tribal gathering at the Quapaw Powwow in Miami

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The American buffalo gathering to graze

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Major Airports:

Will Rogers/Oklahoma City (OKC)
Nickname:

The Sooner State

Make a date with Native American culture and the Pioneer spirit

From forests to sand dunes to rolling prairies to cypress swamps, Oklahoma has more diverse terrain per square mile than any other state. It also contains the headquarters of 39 Native American nations, the most driveable miles of Route 66 (with some of the best-preserved roadside attractions), world-class Western art museums and real-life cowboys and cowgirls, who you can watch in action at the Oklahoma City Stockyards’ twice-weekly auctions.

2015 Oklahoma Tourism Commercial

Museums, heritage centers and outfitters preserve the cowboy spirit while working ranches and lively auctions let you live it. The Western influence is strong in this state, which offers outdoorsy-types many classic cowboy pastimes like roping, riding and hanging out by the campfire. Oklahoma is proud of its Native American roots and gives visitors plenty of ways to connect with that history. From exploring the parks and forests that played host to the earliest American Indians to learning their stories at museums and education centers and staying the night in a traditional tipi, the rich heritage of indigenous peoples surrounds you. Take a wild ride on an ATV in Little Sahara State Park, scuba dive Lake Tenkiller or visit the art galleries and restaurants of downtown Oklahoma City; there’s as much to do inside as there is to do outside in Oklahoma, making it a true something-for-everyone kind of place.

2015 Oklahoma Tourism Commercial

Fun Fact

Frank Lloyd Wright designed exactly one skyscraper, Bartlesville's 19-story Price Tower.

Must see places

Route 66

At nearly 650 kilometers, this is the nation’s longest stretch of the iconic road. Travel it to the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City to learn about its quirky history.

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National Route 66 Museum

Talimena National Scenic Byway

Located in southeast Oklahoma, the 80-kilometer byway spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies and cuts through Ouachita National Forest.

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Ouchita National Forest

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

The former home of petroleum magnate Frank Phillips blends nature, history and art in one unique attraction. Drive through the preserve for a rare opportunity to get close to the mighty bison, elk and Texas longhorn cattle. Explore the impressive art museum, which houses Western and Native American art, prehistoric artifacts from 40 Plains tribes and an extensive exhibit of Colt firearms. The lodge displays authentic furnishings from when Phillips entertained dignitaries, celebrities, politicians and businessmen.

Oklahoma City Stockyards

Visit this complex complete with Western-wear stores, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, a rodeo opry and the famous Oklahoma City Stockyards, where you can watch a proper cattle auction unfold.

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Cattlemen’s Steakhouse

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Learn about the legend’s abiding connection to Oklahoma at this museum, which houses all of Rogers’ writings and the largest collection of his memorabilia anywhere.

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Visit Claremore

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

This is the place to see free range buffalo, elk, cattle and deer, or try your hand at rock climbing. Stop into the refuge’s Visitor’s Center to get a lay of the land first.

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Plan Your Visit

Turner Falls Park

If you love the outdoors, Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains has it all. The park is home to the 23-meter-tall Turner Falls, the tallest in the state, which cascades into a popular summer swimming hole complete with water slides and diving boards. Hike eight kilometers of scenic trails, explore three natural caves, bring a picnic for a day trip or camp overnight. Concessions and groceries are available on site.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

At 87 kilometers, the Talimena National Scenic Byway can be driven in just a few hours, but the spectacular views and charming towns along the way are worth lingering. This byway traverses the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Read informative plaques and visit historical sites, including the Wheelock Academy, the first Choctaw Nation educational academy, and Heavener Runestone Park, home to mysterious carvings that some believe were made by Vikings.

Woody Guthrie Center

Folk music icon Woody Guthrie, a native Oklahoman, wrote the quintessential song about the USA, “This Land is Your Land,” mentored Bob Dylan and was father to Arlo Guthrie, who became a folk legend in his own right. The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa showcases Guthrie’s personal notebooks, clothing, instruments and other memorabilia. Displays covering the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, along with photography, maps and interactive exhibits, put the musician’s life into greater cultural context.

Marland Mansion & Estate

Oil tycoon E.W. Marland made his fortune in the 1920s and used his riches to build the Marland Mansion in Ponca City. The 55-room estate’s Italianate design earned it the nickname “The Palace on the Prairie.” Tour the opulent home, which included luxuries for the era: a refrigerator, dishwasher and shower stall with multiple showerheads. The estate grounds are beautifully manicured and make a scenic setting for an afternoon picnic, especially by the iconic “Pioneer Woman” statue commissioned by Marland to celebrate the spirit of women settlers.